Tecfidera and Cramps: What Users Say

• jon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 30, 2019

For Multiple Sclerosis "Been on this medicine for two months, and it's worse than having a baby and toothache, the severe stomach cramps, hard time breathing, and bowel movements. I asked my doctor to take me off this meds. I've been very sick since taking these meds."

• 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?"

• 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!"

• 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."

• Vgl...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 21, 2018

For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed in 2015 with MS, and the first drug was Tecfidera. I had no side effects until recently after catching the flu. I have taken Tecfidera for 3 years with no side effects. Now I have stomach problems that consist of cramps and nausea. When the doctor told me to stop, I felt like a new person-no fatigue or restlessness. Now I am waiting to see what my new medication is going to be, I do not like what I see when it comes to MS drugs with all the side effects."

• 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..."