Dimethyl fumarate and Joint Pain: What Users Say

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

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) 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."

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

Tecfidera (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!"

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

Tecfidera (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?"

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

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) 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."

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

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) 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."

• Ror...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 16, 2018

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) for Multiple Sclerosis "Have been on Tecfidera for 6 weeks now, and the joint pain is almost unbearable. I've never had the side effects that were described when reading up. My legs get rigid and are unbendable at times. I can barely walk. I really don't believe the MS diagnosis but thought 'maybe' and hoped it would help. Doctor only worried about vitamin D count. What do I do now?"

• Bas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 16, 2021

Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) for Multiple Sclerosis "I am into my 3rd week taking Tecfidera. Was on a low dose (120 mg 2 x a day) for a week. Into the 2nd week of 240 mg 2 x a day. Joints stiff and sore, but legs very painful - back (hamstring) & front (quads) & sides of legs (around IT band), calves. Feel shooting sensations down right leg mainly. Walking became very painful. I wonder if anyone else has experienced these symptoms - not sure if it is a side effect, MS, or sciatic-type issue. Anyone with thoughts on this?"