Dimethyl fumarate and Vomiting: What Users Say

• Jan...
• September 26, 2016

For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed with MS in June 2014 and was prescribed Tecfidera. I was fine on the initial 120 mg dose, but once I had to take the 240 mg dose, I started having severe GI issues...vomiting, diarrhea, cramping...similar to food poisoning. I couldn't even keep water down. I stopped taking the Tecfidera for two months until my body got back to normal; then had my neurologist prescribe me one month of the 120 mg capsules before increasing to the 240 mg dose; and started taking Singulair with my morning dose. It is also essential that I eat a substantial meal with fat and starch before taking the Tecfidera. I've not had any new lesions since. For me, it's a great med as long as I can manage the GI side effects."

• Tab...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 1, 2019

For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed 13 years ago with RRMS, started on Rebif, which nearly killed me. Crashing blood sugar, 34, passed out at work. Was on Copaxone for 12 years, all going well, until insurance said they would no longer cover. Put on Tecfidera. By week 2, vomited, severe cramping, pounding headaches, thought I was having a stroke. I stopped. My doctor wants me to try again, claiming I did not give it long enough to get over the hump of the negative side effects. When the side effects are worse than the disease it treats, I am very cautious. It just doesn’t feel right. I’m speculative as to why my doctor is pushing this drug so hard when it made me feel so bad. Is it time for a new doctor, not just a new drug?"

• Mol...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 22, 2019

For Multiple Sclerosis "Been taking Tecfidera for 3 years now. I was very sick in week 3. Vomiting for several days. Got through that. I have a burning flush 3 1/2 hours after taking the tablet if I don't have enough food in my system. Other than that, I think it’s doing its job. I have wondered if my weight gain in the last couple of years might be influenced by it, but I’m not sure. No relapses in the MS though, despite a death in the family and full-on chickenpox a couple of years ago. If you’re new to it, persevere."

• 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!"

• 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!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 30, 2021

For Multiple Sclerosis "Have had MS for over 15 years. Started with Betaseron, which was like having the flu for 8 years straight. Switched to Tysabri, which I loved. I had no side effects, but sadly got JC virus so I switched to Tecfidera. Been on it for 3 months, and I have to quit. The constant itching and joint pain is bad, but the burning and sharp stomach and intestinal pain is too much on top of the nausea and vomiting. I don't know what I'll be on next, but it can't be worse."

• uth...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 25, 2022

For Multiple Sclerosis "Multiple Sclerosis: “I was diagnosed with MS in June 2017 and was prescribed Tecfidera in 2019. I was fine on the initial 120 mg dose, but once I had to take the 240 mg dose, I started having severe GI issues... vomiting, diarrhea, cramping... lost a lot of weight/body fat rapidly within a few days and could barely stand up by the end of the day. So with medical advice, I stopped taking the Tecfidera for two months until my body got back to normal; then MS nurses gave me 120 mg capsules for a week longer before increasing to the 240 mg dose; and this time I started to take it with a meal with saturated fat content: using the 'Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis' Diet so I compromised (cashew nuts/soaked chia seeds/very small egg). Resulted in a better response: I've not had any significant new lesions up to the last scan. I do get tingles, itchiness, etc. if I forget to include fats, etc. However, now, after a year, my 3-monthly blood tests have been monthly for the last three months as one count is lower..."