Hi, I have recently been diagnosed with MS. I have been given a choice of 2 treatments, avonex injections or telfidera pills. I am struggling to make a decision between these. Annoyingly, I can’t swallow tablets unless very small which leans me towards the injections however my symptoms effect me daily (blurred vision, tingles and odd sensations in my hands feet and legs) and the tablets are more effective which is hard to ignore. I am also struggling with weighing up the side effects. Any advice or experiences would be helpful.
Hi Leanne I can only comment on the Tecfidera . I have been taking these for about 4 months . I have had no side effects apart from the odd hot flush episode . But rather like your phobia of big tabs I am terrible with needles so this did influence my decision !! Whatever your decision I am sure you will make the right one Ant
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Tecfidera is my 1st DMD. I started in October and my main symptom was the flushing but 8 months in that has gone now. However, I am now having monthly blood tests as my lymphocyte levels are too low, putting me at risk of getting PML. All I can say is you are monitored closely to prevent this happening and it is the best DMD out there at reducing relapse.
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Hi Ant, I have to admit the thought of injecting myself doesn’t appeal much to me either! What size are the tecfidera tablets? I found something online that suggests they are 22mm… So pretty big!
Hi Leanne,
Tecfidera are capsules rather than tablets. So are not too difficult to swallow. People sometimes bury them in a spoonful of yoghurt or peanut butter. And the size of the capsule is only the same size (or smaller than) a capsule of paracetamol.
As it’s quite a bit more effective than Avonex, I’d go for Tecfidera.
Sue