Hi all,
I started the new generic dimethyl fumerate in December after 13 year’s on Tecfidera. I really have struggled with side affects i had when i first started on Tecfidera. Increased acid reflux, heartburn and flushing several times a day.
My nurse has advised to keep persevering but the last few fays have been awful.
Has anyone had a similar experience switching?
I understand there should not be major differences but something in it is not agreeing with me.
I am taking presciption meds to help but night time is the worst.
Thank you
Hi, I’m sorry you are having this too. I have been the same.
I was on Biogen which was great. Then the cheaper meds were used. I was moved to Mylan for 3 months and to be fair it was fine as far as I remember (darker blue tablet) Then I was moved to wockhart. It’s been awful.
I have told my neuro and ms nurse and I’m not the only one experiencing this in Highland. I’ve also asked on an ms Scotland page on Facebook and others have had the same - although they are still looking to blame other meds I’m on which is clearly just not the case!
I get a feeling where it’s as if it’s stuck in my throat at the bottom of my neck. It goes from just a lump type awareness/feeling, to acid reflux burning feeling to full heartburn with what feels like spasm pains. I’ve also been sick with it when the feeling was overwhelming. After I was sick I came off the capsules for 2 weeks and had 0 side effects when off them.
Have you found anything that helps? What did you get on prescription? I’ve tried rennies and omeprazole with no luck. Night time is the worst and it doesn’t seem to matter what I drink. I have it waking me up in the night which then effects my work the next day.
I’ve attached pics I sent to my ms nurse today showing the size difference. There is clearly more differences in the meds than they are sharing or making out, for one the size difference is clear!
Hi Anna,.it has been an awful experience, i take lansoprazole and Gaviscon advance but found as long as i had food in my stomach it helped however in the night was the worst for me..ginger and lemon tea helped with nausea and GP prescribed anti sickness but that left me too drowsy to work and drive so had to stop them. The heartburn was horrendus, i havent had it ever as bad as when i was taking the generic (stada by thornton & harris) which were much bigger than origional tec) In the end i said to my nurse i cannot take this anymore and stopped it she was thankfuly able to get me back on origional tecfidera to which i am on week 3 immediately felt better but still have mild affects of indigestion and wind. But appetite returned and starting to feel much better
I wish more research was done before switching, i understand not everyone have had issues which is great, but for those of us who have its been horrendus experience and its been awful. I would reach out to your team do not suffer . Sending best wishes to you and hope they can get you back to feeling better soon Peanut butter flap jacks also help! Forgot that take with the tablet within your meal xx
I must be lucky. Been on Tec over 7 years both Biogen and generic brands (currently on Wockhardt) with no side effects beyond the very occasional hot flush, even on an empty stomach.