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Is anyone else having or had any difficulty taking Tecfidera? I'm getting really bad bloating in my abdomen, shortness of breath and terrible anxiety. The flushing and other problems that were suppose to be an issue with this medication haven't been...interestingly enough. However, I am being woke out of a sound sleep be anxiety, shortness of breath, and pain.
Anyone else experience this with Tecfidera? What did you do? Suggestions please! Thank You!!
@A MyMSTeam Member, I have been on Tecfidera since 11/13 after being diagnosed at age 60. Due to BAD stomach problems, I had to discontinue taking it. I lobbied to restart taking it at the lower dose (120mg bid) for a month, rather than for just a week. After I was able to tolorate the 120mg bid dose for the month, I started taking the 240 mg bid and have not had any problems to speak of. My mind is clearer than it has been for years and I have minimal if any symptoms of MS. I experience fatigue when I overdo, but often days, I forget I have MS, except when I thank God for another wonderful day. Make sure you eat a complete/complex breakfast and dinner prior to taking the mediation, as well as staying hydrated. I was taking baby aspirin to prevent flushing, but started to experience bruising, so now only take baby ASA when and if I flush. I am very pleased with my response to Tecfidera. It is the only thing I have taken because the potential side effects from the others seemed off putting. Good luck to you. I will be happy to answer other questions, if you would like me to.
I had similar issue..bloating for the first month. Also on the 8th starting double dose of 240 I had some chest tightness and was a little short of breath. I scared me I called doctor they took me off for the day and rest & drink plenty. No panic..except for being worried with my chest. 2 days later she called me and started me back on just one pill (240) for a nother week. When I went up to 2 pills I had no issues but !!....But I read an artilcle of a regimen they used when starting that was used with a doctor in the trial and his patients had No issues that couldn't be controlled so I started that and I have been fine ever since :) This is the protocal that he used (sorry so long): My regimin which many people are doing is as follows:
Get up in the AM take all my regular meds PLUS a full 325mg (not heart strength of 81mg) coated aspirin. In my case this includes my medicine for GERD, prevacid.
1 hour later have breakfast (as outlined above) WITH the Tecfidera.
Lunch, have normal lunch.
5 pm which for me is 1 hour before dinner, take another 325mg enteric coated aspirin AND for me my evening Previcid for my GERD.
6pm eat Dinner AND take my Tecfidera.
Bedtime take the remainder of my evening pills.
Once I was finished with my first full month on Tecfidera I was able to DROP the evening aspirin.
DIETARY LESSONS LEARNED: Soup at dinner (supper) even if "chunky" soup was too much liquid for me. Many of us PASTA with RED Spaghetti sauce OK at lunch, too acidic at dinner (supper) time. OK with salad any time, While starting this med, I cut back on raw veggies beyond salad and stayed away from Broccoli or Cauliflower or Beans for Dinner time too gassy.
The few times in the afternoon when I got a little nausea after about day 3 or 4 of being on full strength at 240mg twice a day, eating a few crackers and of course while on a new med making sure I drink plenty of water. Coffee has not been a problem, I don't drink soda but I did get in trouble with acidic stomach after having yellow lemonaid at dinner, so won't do that again.
With this regimin I have not had any severe side effects they were mild and then totally gone.
Good Luck everyone. I am very HOPEFUL.
Blessings,
Blessings,
Ladymac
Make sure that your doctor is okay with doing this before you do. But Biogen & the pharmacy, & my doctor are all Great with it & it worked for me :) Hope this helps!!
I had bloating and took GasX on a regular basis to combat the bloating. It worked or me. I did not have the other issues.
My experience with Tecfidera is very similar with yours @A MyMSTeam Member . I am so hoping to continue this way :)
I too would have anxiety after taking Tecfidera, but I eventually realized it started with flushing. I get really hot, my skin starts to feel like needles are poking it, then my heart would race and I'd start sweating. My stomach can't tolerate as prime, but I've learned that if I take the meds with a meal that has lots of protein with some fat and drink plenty of water it helps. Also, if I can I either use a wet wash cloth on my forehead or turn a fan on myself when the flushing starts. My skin doesn't get real red, but it is hot to the touch.
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