Tecfidera and Itching: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 26, 2019

For Multiple Sclerosis "I've been on this for 1.5 years. I had no issues from the beginning. No new lesions since diagnosed. No stomach issues. My arms will itch every now and then. There are people that are like me and don't have any problems. If you are trying to decide on this drug, know that."

• Bea...
• July 24, 2020

For Multiple Sclerosis "I’ve been on Tecfidera since October 2016. MS diagnosed 2006. Been on Copaxone, Rebif, Gilenya, Tysabri. I’m now Secondary Progressive MS (not even 50 years old yet). For the first year on Tecfidera, my side effects that I had were severe flushing, rash, and itching, which lasted about 2 hours after each dose. I was told by the neurologist to chew half to a full baby aspirin with each dose to help with the Tecfidera side effects, and it worked - NO MORE FLUSHING or ITCHING. For the past two years, I’ve been able to reduce the amount of aspirin to about a 1/4 baby aspirin per dose. Sometimes I can go without it for a day or two. But the chewable baby aspirin (84 mg) works like magic to take away the severe flushing, rash, and itching. Also, I’ve only had one exacerbation since being on Tecfidera, and it was mild. Such a huge relief because I had exacerbations every 12-18 months previously. I’m not switching off this as long as it keeps working. Especially during this pandemic! No way I’m going in for infusions."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 31, 2021

For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed 12/2018 with RRMS. First, I was on Copaxone, I developed an allergy. Then, the doc put me on Beta Seron, which gave me permanent leopard spots at injection sites. Then I tried Ocrevus, but with the pandemic, my new neuro took me off and put me on Tecfidera. There is flushing and itchy skin about 2 hours after. My face goes full tomato red. The stomach pains only happen once in a while, usually if I have an empty stomach. For me, it has worked very well, my energy level increased 100% since being on Tecfidera. All in all, I am happy with it."

• Rus...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 23, 2019

For Multiple Sclerosis "Have been taking DMF (dimethyl fumarate) for MS for the past four years, and since taken, MRI has shown no increase in lesions. The only side effect has been occasional flushing, which can be itchy, uncomfortable, and embarrassing. Flushing typically only lasts about 20 min."

• LG2...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 18, 2018

For Multiple Sclerosis "I started Tecfidera in May 2016, and in the beginning, I had flushing, itching, and a burning sensation that lasted about 2 weeks. I tolerate the drug well and have had no progression. However, one side effect not listed is weight gain. I have gained 35 pounds and cannot lose it. Others have complained of the same thing, hopefully, it will soon be listed as a side effect."

• tig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 24, 2017

For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in August 2017. This is the only one I tried and started taking about 2 months ago. Only have minor side effects that is itching, which comes and goes, which I was told is a side effect. I take it with food so it doesn't upset my stomach. So far, I don't have any problems."

• RMW...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 25, 2016

For Multiple Sclerosis "I had been on it for two years. My insurance didn't cover it, the company provided it for me free (thankful) until recently when my DH got a raise (also thankful). The first year was really good, some flushing but tolerable. However, in the past year, it seemed to stop working, and I wasn't feeling any better - I know that is vague. But I began falling for the first time, fatigue really returned. At this same time, I developed a rather large rash and unbearable itching centered around my neck and back of my head, around my ears. The company nurse said this would be a 'serious side effect,' so while I dread doing any needles, the itching is unbearable, the drug too expensive without insurance, so I've stopped taking it."

• NOM...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 24, 2019

For Multiple Sclerosis "Say no to this one! I tried this, and the side effects were horrible-very severe hot flashes, burning and itching sensation over my entire body. I stopped it 2 and a half years ago, and those hot flushes won't go away."

• 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."

• Mul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 5, 2017

For Multiple Sclerosis "Today is the first day I've taken it. Two hours after I took it, I was woken up by feeling like I was on fire and itching. I look like I have a sunburn and itch and feel very hot! This is only the first pill. I feel concerned, so I checked side effects, and sure enough, this is one of them."

• Coo...
• August 3, 2017

For Multiple Sclerosis "I was diagnosed on 8/13, was originally on Fingolimod with no relapses or new lesions until my blood (liver enzyme) went out of whack. Have been on Tecfidera for 8 months and am experiencing horrible itching that has led to sleepless nights and broken skin. Extremely frustrating to say the least."

• Bri...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 31, 2019

For Multiple Sclerosis "I was told I had MS in 2004. Doctor started me out with taking Avonex weekly. I hated injecting myself and the flu-like feeling after taking it. That was 8 years. Doctor suggested Tecfidera, so I decided to try it. I have found that taking it with food helps the flushing and itching. Also, it helps to take the medicine at the same time each day. Missing a dose will usually cause the flushing and itching to return. I also find that taking it without food causes stomach issues. MRI results show that it is indeed working, with no new signs of MS showing."

• Nor...
• July 8, 2015

For Multiple Sclerosis "I live in Northern Ireland. I have been on Tecfidera since 2014. First 2 months: hot flushes, itchiness. Fine since then. One of the best slow down tablets or injection. I hate needles. Super tablet. Would recommend. Thank God I live in the UK as these tablets are free. I just couldn't afford them."

• She...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 13, 2016

For Multiple Sclerosis "I get flushing every time I take this medicine. I was diagnosed in March 2013, and this is the only thing I have been on. I suck at taking the pills, and on the weekend, I almost always forget my morning dose. I pay for it every Monday with increased flushing and incredible itching. I have not been on an injectable yet, and this medication has the best statistics, minus the new PML concept, which was not a thing when I started taking it. But once every two weeks has to be better than twice a day. But for now, I will stick to it because I have not had a full relapse since I was diagnosed."

• 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."

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2018

For Multiple Sclerosis "Started 2 months ago on Tecfidera after being on shots for 15 years. Nausea and extreme flushing and itching after the pill. Seemed to subside somewhat. Having trouble with holding bladder, which I never had on shots. Also, a light cough every hour on the hour. Anyone else have these 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..."

• Sue...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 29, 2024

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have been taking Tecfidera since 2014/15, and main side effects have been flushing, especially if I miss one. But for the past year or so, I have had really bad sensitivity in my head, including bad itching, and it has only just dawned on me it could be because of my long-term medication."

• New...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 27, 2019

For Multiple Sclerosis "Flushing and itching on the first day. Taking baby aspirin and 24-hour non-drowsy Claritin. No more side effects. Always take at the end of the meal."

• Anonymous
• May 20, 2017

For Multiple Sclerosis "So far, so good. Minor side effects that are tolerable. A little itching, some flashing, but not bad at all compared to the side effects of Avonex, which I lasted 3 months on."