@A MyMSTeam Member I was nervous as well about starting a new medication ( Tecfidera wasn't my first treatment) I actually didn't do any for 8 months before taking Tecfidera.

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A MyMSTea...

I have been on Tecfidera for 4.5 years. No problems other than the flushing. But I still have random flushing once in awhile.

I've been on both. I started on Copaxone - was on that about a year until it was deemed a failure and was then switched to Tecfidera. Less side effects on Copaxone, but I likewise wasn't a fan of those painful injections. But other than the injections, I felt pretty "normal" the rest of the time. I really liked having weekends free of injections - life felt more normal.

I've been on Tecfidera almost a year now. I definitely feel like I'm on something stronger. It raises my body temperature. Apart from the initial ramp up and first several months, it's been fine. But definitely follow the guidelines for gradual increase at the start. And if you run into side effects, the Biogen nurses are really helpful. I learned strategies to deal with all the negative aspects.

Here's a couple tips in case they help you:
1. Always take dosages 9-12 hours apart. Any less than 8 and you'll feel it (and not in a good way!).
2. GI issues can be annoying. My acupuncturist suggested at the first sign to rub a bit of digestZen essential oil in and around my belly button. At first I was skeptical, but it seriously takes away any discomfort within 10 minutes before it can escalate to something less fun.
3. Always take with food, and preferably protein. Also, it helps to take a zyrtec & baby aspirin 30 minutes before morning dose.

Good luck whatever you decide! And if you have more questions, I'm here! XX

I had horrible side effects with both but I can say 1 positive thing about Tecfidera, no injections AND if you eat well while taking it the other symptoms will hopefully be non-existent!

I absolutely hated the injections with Copaxone, to the point where I just stopped doing them. I've not tried Tecfidera, but I am on Gilenya and I have to say I will never go back to injections. I love Gilenya, and have had zero side effects, so you might want to see if that's an option for you. I know with Gilenya AND Tecfidera there is the risk of PML, so that's also something to consider, though it's EXTREMELY rare.