Sorry to hear you've joined the club! This is a rather old thread. Feel free to start a new one if you like. I just don't want you to feel lost in the shuffle.
There are many MS disease modyfying drugs (DMDs) these days. I believe only the orals and a version of one of the injectables (Copaxone) are daily. All the others are every other day, weekly, monthly, twice yearly, etc depending on the medication itself.
The period just post-diagnosis is an overwhelming time for many of us as there is so much to learn and wrap your head around. Feel free vent, ask questions, and have a read through our Health Pages
http://www.medhelp.org/tags/show/7687/Multiple-Sclerosis?section=health_pages
I just got diagnosed never taking a daily med in my life. I'm worried.
New territory..
Any thoughts would be helpful.
I started my 4th week of tecfidera yesterday and have not had many side effects. I had flushing one time and it scared me because I thought I was having an allergic reation to the meds. Yesterday was the first day that I had stomach cramps.
I will still take this med over the shots. I did not realize how bad the shots were making me feel until after I had been off them for 1 week. I was scared that this med would make me feel as bad as the shots did but thank god I was wrong.
You were smart to call the pharmacist then! I have heard of people doing the 120mg dose for 2 weeks instead of 1. I wish you good luck! It's SO much better than a daily shot.
OMG! This pill is kicking my butt. I am just at 3 weeks and haven't had a good night sleep in 5 days because of the stomach issues with this med. I have always been extremely sensitive to meds so maybe this is the case. I am missing my second day of work, which I haven't missed a day since I started 2 years ago. I called the neuro and they said that there is really nothing they can do, and I would have to tough it out.
I just spoke to a pharmacist at the speciality pharmacy and she said that not everybody can tolerate the higher dose after just one week of the lower dose. She is calling my neuro s office to recommend a change in dosing. Keeping me on the lower dose a bit longer then low dose in am and high dose in pm for a while, then to the higher dose 2x day. I tell ya, sometimes your pharmacist is the one to call. Thank God.
Will keep you all posted. Thanks for listening, sorry for rambling! barb
To all of those on Tecfidera - I am so fortunate that I have had very few side effects from this. Thank you God!!!
I hated Tysabri - UTIs every other month. Was on Avonex for 14 years and also never completely got over the flu-like side effects. Never could take the pre-mixed version. Way worse side effects with that.
So I hope that all get wonderful results from this new PILL. Even if it takes a while to get used to. Enough injections!!!!!!
Right now, I'm doing great! No diarrhea since Friday. Hang in there because I can really say that my side effects have gotten better. I hope yours go away asap!
I am having constipation with horrible stomach cramps. I didn't even take my morning dose because I was up all night in pain. I am glad that you are able to tolerate the side effects. I wish I could as well. I had such high hopes for this. Keep on going, you are in the home stretch of the 5 weeks. Keep me posted on how you are doing. Barb :)
I started my 3rd week on Wednesday. I've had a couple God-awful days (stomach pain, multiple bathroom visits) but luckily today has been great. Just a little stomach pain for maybe 20 min but no diarrhea.
I had been taking pepto and tums but I just bought immodium because it was affecting my workday.
I talked to my nurse yesterday and she said at week 5 everything should stop. I'm going to keep on trucking because I have high hopes.
I really have felt better (stomach pain aside). I feel stronger, like I have more stamina which is awesome! I wish you good luck on this med. I hope it's as good as they claim it is!
Barb, I am NOT on tecfidera, but from everything I read it takes a good month-six weeks for your body to adjust. The flushing and rash will stop and the stomahc/digestive problems should also subside. If they don't be sure and let your doctor know.
I hear you about being off the injections - I hope this oral choice works for you.
-Laura