EmilyR
11 November 2017 21:27
1
Hi All,
I wondered whether anyone could tell me what a ‘tecfidera screening’ involves? I received a letter, saying that I would have this done soon, I have read a couple of things online about it but I wondered if anyone has first hand experience and also any thoughts on the actual medication would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Emily
hi emily
the screening means establishing a base line of your lymphocyte levels.
you will have 3 monthly blood tests to keep an eye on these.
the golden rule is to eat before taking tecfidera to avoid the side effects (queasy tum, flushing).
i found it helped to eat before and after the dose : cereal - tec - toast.
it is well worth persevering even if the side effects are rough because they settle down completely after a couple of months.
carole x
1 Like
EmilyR
12 November 2017 08:30
3
Hi Carole,
Thanks for the information. I also read you need to have had a recent MRI within 3 months of starting Tec, is that what you had ?
Thanks,
emily
it is normal for lymphocyte levels to lower when on tecfidera.
the blood tests and monitoring are to make sure they don’t drop too low.
i have not a chuffing clue what a lymphocyte is!
anyway i have an army of experts checking them