Hi
I have been on Avonex since Aug 2011 and have been advised to move to taking Tecfidera. I should have tablets today and plan to take my first dose on Wednesday evening. I am now worrying about dealing with the side effects as I have two children and still work full time. Are they manageable and how are the best ways of dealing with them?
Tracey
if at all possible ask for more of the lower dose.
this will enable you to build up your tolerance gradually.
paolo smythe has excellent advice.
stock up on aspirin, omeprazole/gaviscon, maybe immodium (although i havent needed this).
make sure you have eaten beforehand, then eat something afterwards (or take it halfway through a meal).
you might not have any side effects at all.
the flushing is ok, just looks like you’ve been in the sun too long but mine sometimes turns into prickly heat.
i was violently sick at first but sorted it by having more to eat afterwards.
this only happened when i started on the higher dose, that’s why ideally we should have more low dose.
i recently developed acid reflux which my gp said was likely to be a side effect of tecfidera, i was prescribed omeprazole.
don’t be afraid of it because it is a really good drug.
good luck
carole x
The side effects are next to nothing.
Tecfidera is a doddle.
Be positive.
Search these forums for reassurance.
Make a post to have any specifics personal to yourself addressed, which have not already been discussed elsewhere.
Ultimately, do not worry! This is both the best and easiest of the DMDs out there!
[quote=“catwomanCarole58”]
if at all possible ask for more of the lower dose. [/quote]
#1 piece of advice; request 120mg capsules until further notice
make sure you have eaten beforehand, then eat something afterwards (or take it halfway through a meal).
#2 nugget of wisdom
i recently developed acid reflux which my gp said was likely to be a side effect of tecfidera
this might be a possibility. but do you drink when eating a meal? the typical glass of water…?
Good afternoon
I stared Tec, 6 weeks ago and so far I have only suffered with mild flushing and diarrhoea. I have not needed anything for the flushing (which lasts about 30 - 45 minutes) generally about 3 - 5 hrs after I have taken it. The other side, Diacalm has dealt with that. Maybe I have been lucky!!!
I am due for my 3 month blood test next week to find out what this drug has done to the rest of me though!
Regards
Thank you, tonight I am taking my first tablet.
If I get flushes is there a particular dose of aspirin I should take? I went to pharmacy at lunch and brought Imodium just Incase.
Tracey
i take a regular adult dose aspirin each day with breakfast, just for heart health.
it was therefore a happy coincidence that an aspirin was also recommendable, 30 minutes before taking the first daily dose of tecfidera.