Dimethyl fumarate and Fatigue: What Users Say

• Jan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 16, 2019

Dimethyl fumarate for Multiple Sclerosis "I have been on Tecfidera for 8 months for MS and have decided to stop. Since taking it, fatigue has gone through the roof to the point I can't work anymore. Also, I had hair loss, which is not a noted side effect. I felt better when I was taking nothing (previously on Avonex). We all react differently, but I just feel a break from any drug is worth a shot to see if life improves. Good luck, everyone."

• mim...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 4, 2018

Dimethyl fumarate for Multiple Sclerosis "My husband takes this after failing with Avonex and Copaxone for RRMS. Ever since he started, he's had headaches, stomach aches, joint pain, and severe fatigue. He's now taking Vitamin D and Wellbutrin. Can't sleep through the night because of pain and can't stay awake because of the fatigue. Can't do much exercise or activities due to the headaches. Only good thing was it stopped the progression of lesions. But what good is that when you don't have quality of life?"

• WRo...
• August 3, 2022

Dimethyl fumarate for Multiple Sclerosis "We all have different experiences, and I'm happy for those that like this drug, but I had a terrible experience. I was okay on the starter dose, the first day I had flushing, but really none after that, even not taking it with food. Once I got to the full dose, though, like many, fatigue, aches, burning in my torso, and I started to have MS flares, face froze, and now issues walking after 2 months (stayed on because the neurologist said to). I was diagnosed 15 years ago with MS and was wondering if I really had MS since no issues besides vision to get the diagnosis until I started this medication. I just stopped despite the neurologist saying to stay on it. I wish I hadn't started it."

• Ash...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 4, 2019

Dimethyl fumarate for Multiple Sclerosis "I've been taking Tecfidera for almost 3 years, and in 3 years I've only had 1 lesion added based on the MRI. This is very good news. Due to fatigue and slow bowel movements, I stopped taking it for about 2 months, and it seems I have more energy. I'm seeing my neurologist in 2 weeks to see if there is an alternative or if he has any recommendations."

• Vgl...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 21, 2018

Dimethyl fumarate for Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed in 2015 with MS, and the first drug was Tecfidera. I had no side effects until recently after catching the flu. I have taken Tecfidera for 3 years with no side effects. Now I have stomach problems that consist of cramps and nausea. When the doctor told me to stop, I felt like a new person-no fatigue or restlessness. Now I am waiting to see what my new medication is going to be, I do not like what I see when it comes to MS drugs with all the side effects."

• RMW...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 25, 2016

Dimethyl fumarate for Multiple Sclerosis "I had been on it for two years. My insurance didn't cover it, the company provided it for me free (thankful) until recently when my DH got a raise (also thankful). The first year was really good, some flushing but tolerable. However, in the past year, it seemed to stop working, and I wasn't feeling any better - I know that is vague. But I began falling for the first time, fatigue really returned. At this same time, I developed a rather large rash and unbearable itching centered around my neck and back of my head, around my ears. The company nurse said this would be a 'serious side effect,' so while I dread doing any needles, the itching is unbearable, the drug too expensive without insurance, so I've stopped taking it."

• Dre...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 6, 2021

Dimethyl fumarate for Multiple Sclerosis "Absolutely the worst thing I ever took. I was experiencing diarrhea, abdominal pain, depression, fatigue, itchy skin, and insomnia. I've been on this medication since September 2020 and quit in September 2021 after previously complaining to my neurologist, who did not take my concerns seriously. Looking for a new neurologist now to hopefully be placed on something that won't make me suffer."

• Sup...
• December 8, 2021

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have been on Tecfidera since June. It's December now. So that's what, 6 months. The beginning, the flushing was BAD. VERY BAD, but after about month 3, they went away. I am sure to take it during meals, not sure if that helps with flushing, but that's how I do it. It's pretty hard on my energy level, but this is my first MS med. My follow-up MRI showed no more lesions. No less, but no more. So I'm looking at that as a plus. I have RRMS, diagnosed in May 2021."