I had an MRI 3 months ago as a follow up I have every year it has shown that I have a new small lesion on my left side of the brain. I am on tecfidera and I was just wondering can the treatment cause you to get another lesion?
Hi, ive been on Tecfidera for over 4.5 years with no relapses and all clear annual MRI’s in that time.
I dont believe Tecfidera can cause a new lesion but it may not be providing you with the protection it once did, so it might be time to consider a new DMT.
Alternatively, remember that no DMT provides anywhere near a 100% relapse reduction so it may just be this one got through.
Good luck.
I have only been on tecfidera since last November. Would you keep trying it to see how it goes for the rest of the year?
I’m not sure I’m qualified to answer that tbh. For me its been a great DMT and i really do rate it, but that’s just my experience. MS is such an individual disease and the same can be said for peoples experiences with different DMT’s.
As you have a new lesion after 10 months or so of using Tec it might not be for you and it might be wise to at least have that conversation with your MS Team and get their thoughts.
Thank you - it’s just all new to me and I still don’t understand MS even though I got diagnosed with it a year ago.
Hi Jessica, sorry to hear about the new lesion and I hope it hasn’t resulted in any new significant symptoms.
Not qualified to answer but I would be surprised and alarmed if a DMT that causes any lesions got past the various trials and tests . If any DMT was found to be causing lesions then the manufacturer might be sunk by absolutely massive claims for damage.
As I understand it , lesions are areas of damage to the brain and spinal cord that result in various symptoms of MS. As others have said , none of the DMTs gives 100% protection but they do reduce number of relapses , new areas of damage and resulting symptoms .
Hello Jessica,
I think it’s not uncommon to have new lesions or relapses while being under treatment. If it becomes frequent, it may be that the treatment is starting to wane.
I remember I had to swap to an alternative treatment after being on Avonex for 9 years.
Your neurologist can advise you further, if that is the case.
Best regards,
JP
Hi Jessica,
Sorry to read about your new lesion. It’s never great news is it? My understanding is that some lesions can take a while to grow large enough to be spotted on an MRI so there is a chance it could have started before you started on Tec.
As others have posted, no DMT is 100% effective but they shouldn’t cause a lesion as such.
I hope this message finds you as well as you can be. 
Claire