Tecfidera and Diarrhea: 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Vio...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 22, 2023

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have been on it for 6 years. My MS is well under control with no exacerbations at all. The education nursing team has got the instructions regarding treating early treatment nausea all wrong. I was advised to eat a cracker with each dose. This is ludicrous. I found relief when I ate something fatty like 4 raw almonds, 1/2" of turkey kielbasa, or a slice of bacon. It did go away at about 3 months. Now I have rapid onset, though painless diarrhea after meals. I manage this with half a CVS brand of Imodium twice a day. This is working well. I gathered these effective treatments on my own and with the help of my gastro doctor."

• Chu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 28, 2019

For Multiple Sclerosis "I started Tecfidera three weeks ago. First week, I had transient symptoms, but they were tolerable. Beginning my third week, I developed a severe cold with fever, diarrhea, and nausea. They said this can happen because of my lowered immunity. I feel sick as a dog and just want to stop this drug."

• Gin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 25, 2018

For Multiple Sclerosis "I just started Tecfidera. Aside from the expected nausea and loose stools, I immediately noticed that my joints hurt in my fingers, knees, and ankles. Then I began to experience issues with my balance."

• KJa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 16, 2020

For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed with MS in February 2018. I started taking Copaxone, but after the first year, an MRI showed a new lesion, so I stopped. I did not enjoy injections three times a week, but I had very few side effects. I stayed off of medication for about a year and again had one new lesion. I started Tecfidera three weeks ago today. Day two of the starter dose had mild GI troubles. Then day four got a little worse but not horrible. I started the full dose and had slightly worse GI symptoms. Sadly, day six on the full dose, I was bad. I have terrible diarrhea and stomach cramps. Now my heart rate is elevated, I have a low-grade fever, and I’m on day three of very bad GI symptoms. I’m trying to stay hydrated and am hoping this will be short-lived."

• 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!"

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

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."

• 130...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 25, 2023

For Multiple Sclerosis "I had no problem switching from Rebif (taken from 1994-2016). I was hesitant because of the gastro side effects. I always have a large breakfast when I take the first dosage consisting of sugar-free 0% fat Greek yogurt and other healthy fruit and grains. I think the yogurt helps. I never have had a stomach ache or diarrhea taking this drug. It is easier and has fewer side effects than the newer, harsher B cell infusion drugs like Ocrevus or Rituximab, but maybe these are more effective depending on their latest MRI scans and disability?"

• Alo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 18, 2022

For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed with CIS (transverse myelitis + positive oligoclonal bands) 7 months ago. I started taking this medication 2.5 weeks ago. First week on a low dose, and from the second week, a higher dose. I must say I was very scared of all the bad (short-term) side effects described here by users. For me, I haven't had any single side effect (at least yet) except for diarrhea, just a bit annoying, but I hope it will go away as soon as my body adapts. Occasionally, I feel like my scalp feels a bit hot, but I never got the flushing, and I am not sure if this is not just CIS symptoms that remained. I will get the monthly blood checkup and hope my values are all good to continue this medication. I just hope my CIS never develops into MS and this medication helps to prevent this. My neurologist suggested considering stopping medication if no new lesions appear in the next 2-3 years. This would be ideal as I am worried about long-term effects (e.g., higher cancer risk which was observed in vivo)."

• 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..."