Dimethyl fumarate and Hair Loss: 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."

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

Dimethyl fumarate 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."

• T20...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 21, 2019

Dimethyl fumarate for Multiple Sclerosis "Been taking Tecfidera for my MS about 4 months, been having hot flashes, very little stomach discomfort, but my huge complaint is my hair is falling out. It’s pretty bad and very upsetting from a woman’s standpoint. Trying to switch from Tecfidera, which was my first MS drug - I was diagnosed in July. The hair loss is not a common side effect, but I think it needs to be added to the list!"

• Doe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2017

Dimethyl fumarate for Multiple Sclerosis "Ok, so I was given my first drug and my last for now. I had hair loss, extreme balance issues, no stomach cramps, etc., the most common. But after 3 months of taking this, I got very severe joint pains that moved from one area of my body to another on a daily basis. After I stopped the drug, the joint pain continued nearly 3 weeks, then stopped, and I threw the drugs away. It was confirmed after tests at my doctor’s and the hospital that it was the drug. I have never experienced pain like it. Not a common side effect, but a side effect all the same. Now I'm on no drug, I feel normal, like my old self. How interesting, hardly any negative comments on here? Or there are plenty, but they have not been published!"

• Mar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 11, 2022

Dimethyl fumarate for Multiple Sclerosis "I took this for over three years. Until the last year, I did great on it. I could take it on an empty stomach. Hair loss was minimal. In year three, my lymphocyte count was too low, and I was taken off of it. I had no new lesions while on it."

• Sun...
• July 10, 2016

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have taken Tecfidera for about 2 years. I have had anemia a few times but nothing serious. I have had hair loss since I took the pill. I am taking the twice-a-day 240 mg version of the pill. My doctor has not seen any more bigger lesions. The ones that I have are still there, so they have not gone away. I took Gilenya for a year and did not tolerate it. I was like a robot. I would go the whole day without remembering what I had done. It also made my heart beat fast. My heart beats fast on Tecfidera sometimes and I have only had one panic attack. It was an adjustment to get on the Tecfidera, but I think it helps. It is definitely not the cure. I have had fewer attacks, but I am not working, so I am not sure if it is the medicine."

• Lma...
• February 17, 2015

Dimethyl fumarate for Multiple Sclerosis "No relapses. Extreme hair loss. Annoying flushing side effect, but it's working."

• gee...
• March 3, 2018

Dimethyl fumarate for Multiple Sclerosis "Had a lot of hair loss in the first three months. Then started to have shock sensations of the head and body in the third month. I totally stopped taking it at that point."

• Roo...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 20, 2024

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have been taking this since I was diagnosed 7 years ago. I have had no new lesions. There was some hair loss, but that depends on which brand I am given. I highly recommend it."