Tecfidera User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

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

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?"

• Ale...
• May 14, 2016

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have taken Rebif (hated injections), Tysabri (loved), and Tecfidera. I lasted 6 months on the drug after experiencing the flushing and feeling blah every day and 10 lbs weight loss, which I can't handle. I was pulled off this past March after having a low white blood cell count."

• Mol...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 22, 2019

For Multiple Sclerosis "Been taking Tecfidera for 3 years now. I was very sick in week 3. Vomiting for several days. Got through that. I have a burning flush 3 1/2 hours after taking the tablet if I don't have enough food in my system. Other than that, I think it’s doing its job. I have wondered if my weight gain in the last couple of years might be influenced by it, but I’m not sure. No relapses in the MS though, despite a death in the family and full-on chickenpox a couple of years ago. If you’re new to it, persevere."

• 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."

• 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!"

• Pug...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 21, 2016

For Multiple Sclerosis "I took Avonex for 18 years and was recently prescribed Tecfidera. I have only been on it for three months. I was so happy to not have to inject, but swallowing these pills twice a day takes getting used to. The two side effects I seem to have are being exhausted all the time and my depression seems to be a little worse."

• -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."

• Deb...
• January 23, 2019

For Multiple Sclerosis "I started Tecfidera 3 years ago. After three months, I felt pain in muscles. My Dr. said this isn’t a side effect. For the past year, I have been dealing with so much body ache that I had enough and stopped Tecfidera 3 days ago. I will let you guys know if I feel better by time."

• Tur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 9, 2019

For Multiple Sclerosis "Hands down, the worst, horrifying medication I have ever taken! Took for 6 days, trial pack, thank God, was smart enough to stop taking. 1st day, trouble swallowing, lips swelled. 2nd day, swollen lips, unbalanced. 3rd day, all the above plus excruciating neck, head, severe pains, and redness on the right cheek. 4th, 5th, and 6th days, massive pain around right eye, right ear, right cheek. All I was told 5 out of 6 days was, 'It will get better, keep taking it,' by the neurologist and Tecfidera! Was losing vision in right eye in 3 days. That was May 2019, and now it's July 2019, still having eye issues, swelling of right cheek, redness on right cheek. Have been taking Benadryl since May. I have also had 2 steroid shots, once in the ER, 2nd in the doctor's office, PCP. There is more, and I am beyond livid. I want to be compensated from May and into the far future. Considering one of the side effects is lip swelling, to be told to keep taking it, shame on you!"

• jul...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 29, 2015

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have been on Tecfidera since Sept 2014, and it has made a big difference to me. Firstly, no injections, which I hated, and it has helped control my symptoms better, as well as having the positive benefit of sorting out my eczema. Side effects - intermittent flushing and increased need to use the toilet/washroom. I am fortunate and very grateful that the drug is prescribed for me by NHS Scotland."

• WRo...
• August 3, 2022

For Multiple Sclerosis "We all have different experiences, and I'm happy for those that like this drug, but I had a terrible experience. I was okay on the starter dose, the first day I had flushing, but really none after that, even not taking it with food. Once I got to the full dose, though, like many, fatigue, aches, burning in my torso, and I started to have MS flares, face froze, and now issues walking after 2 months (stayed on because the neurologist said to). I was diagnosed 15 years ago with MS and was wondering if I really had MS since no issues besides vision to get the diagnosis until I started this medication. I just stopped despite the neurologist saying to stay on it. I wish I hadn't started it."

• eas...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 29, 2019

For Multiple Sclerosis "Been on Tecfidera for 6 months now. Had noticeable flushing at the start, but nothing unmanageable (tried to think of it as a funny thing). Can take it now without food and have a slight feeling of flushing, but not much. Not sure if it's working, but easy to take and glad I chose this over Avonex (side effects-wise). I would recommend this from my experience, but everyone seems to react differently."

• Ash...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 4, 2019

For Multiple Sclerosis "I've been taking Tecfidera for almost 3 years, and in 3 years I've only had 1 lesion added based on the MRI. This is very good news. Due to fatigue and slow bowel movements, I stopped taking it for about 2 months, and it seems I have more energy. I'm seeing my neurologist in 2 weeks to see if there is an alternative or if he has any recommendations."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Ben...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 15, 2019

For Multiple Sclerosis "So far, so good. Been taking it for more than a year after having more than 15 active lesions when I was with Copaxone. MRI scan last week found 0 new lesions, so I guess I've been doing well on this drug. The only side effect that I've experienced is redness on my skin, however, it has only happened less than 5 times since I've been on Tecfidera, and it lasts no longer than 2 hours."

• 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."

• Ale...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 12, 2016

For Multiple Sclerosis "Been on Tecfidera for one week now, starting with a 120 mg dose in the evening. I take the drug after dinner. Before dinner (~15 min), I take 100 mg acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin). No important symptom yet. Just some light flushing during the first three days (on the 7th day, no flushing, no gastrointestinal problems). Indeed, after the very first dose, when I didn't take the aspirin, I experienced mild flushing doubled by a 'sunburn'-like sensation over the scalp, face, and neck that went away after ~30 min. This first experience began after ~5 h from drug administration (delay caused most probably by the food intake)."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 27, 2021

For Multiple Sclerosis "I think Tecfidera is one step away from pure poison. I've been on it for a few years with all kinds of side effects that the medical system couldn't explain. One day I googled side effects of Tecfidera, and there it was, everything I was experiencing. I have no faith in these drugs. I think they are all experimental and about money. Why else would they charge 2,500 dollars a month for this stuff? I have had MS for 10 years, and I'm 99 percent sure living a clean and healthy life with a good diet is the best thing you can do. I have lost complete faith in the medical system. Unbelievable."

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 11, 2022

For Multiple Sclerosis "I have been on Tecfidera for eight years. I have not had any relapses or many problems, some flushing, which I figured out was caused by what I ate. I have been very active, including speed skating at 60."