Tecfidera and Stomach Pain: 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."

• 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."

• -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."

• 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."

• DBa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 18, 2019

For Multiple Sclerosis "Eight months in. Flushing sometimes (twice a week) maybe. Went through 3 days of fetal position causing stomach pains. That was about 2 months in. I've been working out 4 times a week and staying positive. I feel like attitude has a lot to do with triggering symptoms/side effects."

• Ray...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 29, 2018

For Multiple Sclerosis "Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 5 years ago. 50 years old now. Tried Avonex and Rebif, both were tough. Wiped out after every shot. Dr. put me on Tecfidera 1.25 years ago. Stomach pain in the beginning-bad too. Take Zantac before every pill, 15 minutes, and eating helps too. BIG TIME! Now, 1.25 years later, no stomach pain and, most importantly, no new lesions."

• 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!"

• Nea...
• January 26, 2016

For Multiple Sclerosis "I'm only new to this condition and the medication. Five weeks I have felt so sick with stomach pains, but my doctor gave me gastritis tablets, which have helped a lot. Not sure when the best time to take my medication is. Could I make the itchy redness go away, or does it matter?"