Question 1

i have been on tecfidera for 17 days now and i am wondering when my symptoms will start to improve?

Accepted Answer

Multiple sclerosis: Tecfidera is said to significantly reduce measures of disease activity, including relapses and development of brain lesions, as well as to slow disability progression over time, with a favorable safety profile. To my knowledge it has not been shown to do this for all people taking it, nor has it been shown to reverse existing deficiencies. You need to discuss this with your neurologist.

Question 2

how safe is tecfidera, the new ms drug?

Accepted Answer

Based on the safety: Data in the clinical trial, there no major concerns voiced, so the medication is relatively "safe".

Question 3

switch from tecfidera to ocrevus for ms, what are you thoughts on washout time given my disease has been moderately aggressive?

Accepted Answer

Tecfidera: Interesting pharmokinetics for this drug as it is eliminated 60 percent from respiration and the rest fecal and renal. 
The medication has been shown to be eliminated from the body after 24 hours.

Question 4

does tecfidera cause worsening depression?

Accepted Answer

Not usually: This is a brand new medicine on the market for relapsing-remitting ms, and has yet to be widely employed.  So far, main issues involve flushing, nausea, diarrhea, stomach upset, and low lymphocyte count.  4 cases of pml are described in fumaderm which has half the dose of dimethyl fumarate, but not clear if tecfidera might cause pml also.  But depression not a side effect.

Question 5

is pml reversible? i am beginning tecfidera and the warning labels are intimidating.

Accepted Answer

If I understand your: question, you have PML--clearly a very rare and debilitating viral disease--and your are wondering if anything can "reverse" it. My understanding is that there are no truly effective drugs that cure or reverse PML. Tecfidera is typically used in multiple sclerosis; perhaps your neurologist is suggesting you might try it due to some trial or clinical evidence of benefit. Very individual decision.

Question 6

i diid some e recently in small amounts (0.4 grams & 1 gram on 2 different ccasions) & i have ms for which i take tecfidera twice daily.. is that ok?

Accepted Answer

Depends..: What does your E stand for ? If it stands for Enema ...it is ok. If for Ecstacy...not a good idea.

Question 7

how often should someone with ms get a mri? i had one about 12 months ago, have since been diagnosed and have been on tecfidera for a month or so.

Accepted Answer

A year: Generally speaking once a year would be a good approach.. of course much sooner if there is clinical deterioration/ progression.

Question 8

because of a screw up between my neuro and my pharmacy, i'll be off tecfidera for four days. it's my 2nd month on it, will this cause any problems?

Accepted Answer

Not a problem: you should be fine being off Tecfidera for 4 days. chances of you experiencing MS relapse in that short of a time frame are minimal and there is no need for it to be titrated off gradually when stopping it (only when starting) aka no known withdrawal side effects when stopped abruptly.

Question 9

hi, 2 weeks ago i started taken tecfidera and already seen a different, helping me with my symptoms making it more manageable. is it normal to see the improvement in such a short period of time? thanks?

Accepted Answer

: Usually takes a couple months prior to seeing a difference, and hard to say whether this is a positive attitude or a better fit for you.  Be aware though that GI side effects and flushing can occur not infrequently, and you might be more long lasting with Vumerity, same efficacy, but lower intolerance.  Ask your doctor about this.

Question 10

how close in relationship is tecfidera & copaxone (glatiramer)?

Accepted Answer

VERY DIFFERENT: Entirely different chemical classes, with distinct different mechanisms of action, and outcome data.  Both seem safe, Copaxone (glatiramer) tho is injected daily, causes lipoatrophy, hypertension, and injection reactions.  Tecfidera may be tough to tolerate due to flushing, nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain.  Copaxone (glatiramer) relapse reduction is 29%, but tecfidera, drops 44-52%, oral twice daily, no needles. Talk to doc.

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Doctor answers about:

Tecfidera

A member asked:

I have been on tecfidera for 17 days now and i am wondering when my symptoms will start to improve?

A member asked:

How safe is tecfidera, the new ms drug?

A member asked:

Switch from tecfidera to ocrevus for ms, what are you thoughts on washout time given my disease has been moderately aggressive?

A member asked:

Does tecfidera cause worsening depression?

A member asked:

Is pml reversible? i am beginning tecfidera and the warning labels are intimidating.

A member asked:

I diid some e recently in small amounts (0.4 grams & 1 gram on 2 different ccasions) & i have ms for which i take tecfidera twice daily.. is that ok?

A member asked:

How often should someone with ms get a mri? i had one about 12 months ago, have since been diagnosed and have been on tecfidera for a month or so.

A member asked:

Because of a screw up between my neuro and my pharmacy, i'll be off tecfidera for four days. it's my 2nd month on it, will this cause any problems?

A member asked:

Hi, 2 weeks ago i started taken tecfidera and already seen a different, helping me with my symptoms making it more manageable. is it normal to see the improvement in such a short period of time? thanks?

A member asked:

How close in relationship is tecfidera & copaxone (glatiramer)?

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