Dimethyl fumarate and Flushing: What Users Say

• Rel...
• July 20, 2015

For Multiple Sclerosis "Been on Tecfidera since May 2013. Was allergic to Copaxone, so was on Rebif for years. Pill is so much better. Side effects of flushing, burning last only 10-15 minutes during the first month or two of starting the pill. Cold washcloth and relaxing helps during the flushing. Working so well...no new lesions. I drink a lot of water and eat protein when I take the pill. Highly recommend trying!"

• Adi...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 27, 2018

For Multiple Sclerosis "Don't take it! Side effects are miserable. Felt like I was better off dead. Over a year I hung in there because my neuro said give your system time to adjust. Don't listen to them. Gastric issues, flushing for hours. My body is on fire and I'm sick as a dog like you have the flu. Made my body hurt. Take something else. Trust me."

• Mas...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 26, 2020

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have been on Tecfidera for 5 years. The only side effect I ever have is flushing. I always take the pill with a full meal. The flushing normally comes on if I eat lunch. Maybe eating once the pill is fully in your stomach reacts with the lunch, I'm not sure. Overall, even the flushing is normally minor and goes away after 10 mins. I have had no flare-ups in the five years I've been on the med that I know of."

• Ama...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 19, 2016

For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed in September 2012. I started on Copaxone with relapses and cognitive issues. After about 6 months, I started Tecfidera. I initially had the flushing, which went away after about 6 months. Some hair loss, but I have thick hair. No new lesions or relapses since I started Tec! It was a miracle drug for me! No issues or problems since."

• Nur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 2, 2018

For Multiple Sclerosis "This is the 3rd drug I’ve tried for RRMS (Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis). About 5-6 weeks into taking it, I did start to notice the facial flushing. About 3 hours after taking a dose, my face would turn red, then start burning and itching for about 20 min. I also had stomach cramping and nausea. Taking Aspirin 324 mg chewed and taking the 1st dose after 9 am with a snack helped reduce those symptoms. After taking this drug for 3 months, I suddenly developed severe joint pain and swelling that limited my movement. The pains were there when I woke up and would resolve in one joint and present in another throughout the day. I’ll be leery of these drugs from now on. Background info-I take VitD 50,000 iu weekly, B-12 500 mcg daily, and Align daily. I am a runner and a nurse."

• Ala...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 11, 2015

For Multiple Sclerosis "First, it's not a shot! Second, side effects are easily controlled (eat something with some fat content, take allergy meds and baby aspirin before taking Tecfidera). If side effects occur (flushing), it goes away quickly (15 mins or less). I was on Rebif before and changed to Tecfidera about a year ago. Have seen no lesion activity in the last few years (MRIs)."

• smc...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 25, 2015

For Multiple Sclerosis "This medication is truly amazing. I have been taking Tecfidera for over two years and have had no new flare-ups, only mild symptoms of MS (tingling, slight numbness). Taking a pill is much better than injections that cause flu-like symptoms. The only side effects I've experienced are flushing (which stopped for me after about a week, but comes back if I miss a dose) and occasional diarrhea, which is inconvenient but manageable. I highly recommend it to anyone with RRMS. Though expensive, there are assistance programs."

• Ale...
• May 14, 2016

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have taken Rebif (hated injections), Tysabri (loved), and Tecfidera. I lasted 6 months on the drug after experiencing the flushing and feeling blah every day and 10 lbs weight loss, which I can't handle. I was pulled off this past March after having a low white blood cell count."

• Don...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2020

For Multiple Sclerosis "I started taking Tecfidera about 3 weeks ago. I started on the lower dose of 120 mg twice a day for 7 days. I experienced pretty bad flushing the first day, but it didn’t really bother me. I compared it to using tingle tanning lotion. I also had bloating, but again, nothing too bad. After 7 days, I started taking 240 mg twice a day. I felt okay for the first few days. The bloating got a little worse, and I did have stomach pains one night, but I thought maybe I ate something bad. Fast forward to a week later, and I began having severe stomach pains/cramping and bloating. It started early Friday morning (woke me up) and is continuing. Nothing helps the pain. Not Kaopectate, GasX, Tums, extra strength Tylenol, nothing. I’ve barely slept at all this weekend because the pain is so bad. I decided to not take any more of the medicine until I speak with my doctor. I read the side effects will subside, and I really tried to tough it out, but I can’t handle the pain anymore."

• Pip...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 11, 2016

For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed with RRMS in May this year. Tecfidera was the first medication I have tried. I felt good for about three days in the first week on the 120 mg dose, apart from some flushing and burning skin. I haven't felt that clear-headed for such a long time. Then, two weeks into the full dose, I developed such severe cramping in my stomach with vomiting and diarrhea that I was too scared to take another dose. I will try something else instead. I really, really want to have clear thoughts and energy!"

• -RE...
• April 12, 2016

For Multiple Sclerosis "Been taking Tecfidera for 2 years plus. Took Tysabri for 2 years prior to that. Tysabri left me wiped the day of transfusion and tired for a week. JCV antibodies detected, so switched to Tecfidera. Flushing and stomach pains in the first two months were fierce, but stomach pains settled. Manageable diarrhea. Still flush with a burning skin sensation on the face, chest, and arms starts 4 to 5 hours after dose and lasts 15 to 30 minutes. On a good note, have not had noted change in MRIs since taking the drug. Optical neuritis in 2013 permanently damaged vision, but the loss has stabilized. Doctors are monitoring my white blood cells to lower the risk of PML occurrence. Recommend considering the drug for relapsing MS after you weigh cost benefits in your case."

• WRo...
• August 3, 2022

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."

• eas...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 29, 2019

For Multiple Sclerosis "Been on Tecfidera for 6 months now. Had noticeable flushing at the start, but nothing unmanageable (tried to think of it as a funny thing). Can take it now without food and have a slight feeling of flushing, but not much. Not sure if it's working, but easy to take and glad I chose this over Avonex (side effects-wise). I would recommend this from my experience, but everyone seems to react differently."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 31, 2021

For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed 12/2018 with RRMS. First, I was on Copaxone, I developed an allergy. Then, the doc put me on Beta Seron, which gave me permanent leopard spots at injection sites. Then I tried Ocrevus, but with the pandemic, my new neuro took me off and put me on Tecfidera. There is flushing and itchy skin about 2 hours after. My face goes full tomato red. The stomach pains only happen once in a while, usually if I have an empty stomach. For me, it has worked very well, my energy level increased 100% since being on Tecfidera. All in all, I am happy with it."

• Ale...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 12, 2016

For Multiple Sclerosis "Been on Tecfidera for one week now, starting with a 120 mg dose in the evening. I take the drug after dinner. Before dinner (~15 min), I take 100 mg acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin). No important symptom yet. Just some light flushing during the first three days (on the 7th day, no flushing, no gastrointestinal problems). Indeed, after the very first dose, when I didn't take the aspirin, I experienced mild flushing doubled by a 'sunburn'-like sensation over the scalp, face, and neck that went away after ~30 min. This first experience began after ~5 h from drug administration (delay caused most probably by the food intake)."

• Rus...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 23, 2019

For Multiple Sclerosis "Have been taking DMF (dimethyl fumarate) for MS for the past four years, and since taken, MRI has shown no increase in lesions. The only side effect has been occasional flushing, which can be itchy, uncomfortable, and embarrassing. Flushing typically only lasts about 20 min."

• DBa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 18, 2019

For Multiple Sclerosis "Eight months in. Flushing sometimes (twice a week) maybe. Went through 3 days of fetal position causing stomach pains. That was about 2 months in. I've been working out 4 times a week and staying positive. I feel like attitude has a lot to do with triggering symptoms/side effects."

• LG2...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 18, 2018

For Multiple Sclerosis "I started Tecfidera in May 2016, and in the beginning, I had flushing, itching, and a burning sensation that lasted about 2 weeks. I tolerate the drug well and have had no progression. However, one side effect not listed is weight gain. I have gained 35 pounds and cannot lose it. Others have complained of the same thing, hopefully, it will soon be listed as a side effect."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 11, 2022

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have been on Tecfidera for eight years. I have not had any relapses or many problems, some flushing, which I figured out was caused by what I ate. I have been very active, including speed skating at 60."

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

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."

• Plb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 1, 2019

For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed with MS 3 months ago. I am 30, and my doctor put me on Tecfidera as my first MS drug. After 1 month, I got VERY stomach sick and vomited for days. Turns out it was gastroenteritis, and they say it is not related to my medication. Probably because I had low defenses at that moment (?). Other than that, I have had the usual side effects like flushing, but only when I eat small meals. Will be posting more in the future. Wish you all the best!"

• Fed...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 31, 2020

For Multiple Sclerosis "Dx in 2014. Started on Copaxone but taken off 6 months after because it failed. Started on Rebif. Was on Rebif for 5 years. Flu-like side effects initially, but then nothing. For 5 years, I was great. Didn't mind the injections at all. Was changed to Tecfidera this year because of one new lesion. First week of low dosing was fine. I'm on the first week of the full dose, and I'm ready to quit. AWFUL STOMACH PAINS, BLOATING, NAUSEA, DIARRHEA, FLUSHING. The treatment is worse than the disease. It's embarrassing that in this century, there isn't a decent drug for MS. And the docs don't care. They prescribe from behind the desk. Will look for a naturopath for help. Nature has a cure for everything. And we all know there will never be a cure for any disease, including MS, because there is no money in cures!! I wish you all a healthy new year 2021!"

• Bri...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 31, 2019

For Multiple Sclerosis "I was told I had MS in 2004. Doctor started me out with taking Avonex weekly. I hated injecting myself and the flu-like feeling after taking it. That was 8 years. Doctor suggested Tecfidera, so I decided to try it. I have found that taking it with food helps the flushing and itching. Also, it helps to take the medicine at the same time each day. Missing a dose will usually cause the flushing and itching to return. I also find that taking it without food causes stomach issues. MRI results show that it is indeed working, with no new signs of MS showing."

• Nor...
• July 8, 2015

For Multiple Sclerosis "I live in Northern Ireland. I have been on Tecfidera since 2014. First 2 months: hot flushes, itchiness. Fine since then. One of the best slow down tablets or injection. I hate needles. Super tablet. Would recommend. Thank God I live in the UK as these tablets are free. I just couldn't afford them."

• Kar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 16, 2019

For Multiple Sclerosis "I've been on Tecfidera for 8 months. Been having stomach issues, thought it was my pancreas, which I do have a cyst on. The pain after taking this medication is terrible! The flushing is getting worse, not better! Now, because of aspirin and the meds, I am having severe gastrointestinal issues! I would rather deal with the side effects of injections, much easier to deal with! Seeing my doctor in 2 weeks and am going off of it!"