Hello all, I’m having a hard time with the increased dose of Tecfidera. Seemed to be going ok but I’m now about 5/6 weeks in to the double dose and really struggling with stomach cramps.
I spoke to my nurse and she suggested omeprazole which I’ve had prescribed from my GP. She said I could take twice daily if needed which I’ve done the last few days.
But the cramps are still coming, usually in the afternoons, and I find they really wipe me out and make me nauseous. The GP actually said they are more likely spasms and was really sympathetic to the pain. She said to give the omeprazole some time but that other medications were a possibility if it didn’t help.
Does this side effect generally go away? I’m worried that it will become too much and I’ll end up coming off Tec, especially if this goes on or happens more often.
Hi, there are several threads on Tec side effects a search will provide plenty of info.
I’ve been on Tecfidera for 3.5 years. I had flushes at the start but they soon disappeared. I’ve never had stomach issues or any other symptoms in fact. The usual advice would apply, take with or after food or a meal. Folks on here recommend heavy carbs or peanut butter at tablet time. I’m not a big breakfast person so i tend to take my morning pill with a thick smoothie, but have taken it on an empty stomach with no issues.
I have read on here that folks who stick with it have noticed the nausea settle in time.
Good luck it is a great medication. Ive been relapse free past 4 years.
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Well on a positive note you have stayed on the higher dose of Tec for quite a while I would assume symptoms would disappear although I wouldn’t know. I couldn’t do 1 week on the higher dose, 3 days in and the stomach pain was too much I was even taking Omeprazole. I think I got inflammation of the stomach lining because it was so bad, I couldn’t move my body at all without pain. I had a temperature and fever also. Other side effects I had were hot flashes which went away after a couple of hours. Tecfidera was the first DMT I attempted, it was horrible and kind of scared me off further medications for a while. I’m now on Ocrevus which is going well so far. I hope the symptoms improve and you can continue with Tec. Wishing you all the best 
Thanks for your replies, really appreciate it. I’m sticking with it for now in the hope that things improve when it comes to the stomach cramps. I’ve read through other posts and feel like I’m following all the advice in terms of eating with food, having something fatty - all things that I’m finding ok to stick to. But it doesn’t seem to help the cramps. I’ve bought some buscopan and have been taking that when needed and will follow up with the Dr next week. I’m not sure I can continue long term with this side effect in particular, I find it floors me when it happens during the day or equally when it wakes me overnight. But hopefully it wears off the more my body adjusts! Thanks again
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