Tecfidera and Nausea: What Users Say

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

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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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?"