This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

I have just started Tecfidera after four years on Avonex. The side effects of Avonex never let up. I'd love to get in touch with anyone else who is taking Tecfidera. So far, I'm doing very well--but I'm still on half doses. Next week I start full doses.

I'm starting Tecfidera today - about to take my first pill. I am newly diagnosed, have never taken any other medication before.

I started Tecfedira Wed night. My full dose will start next Wed. Only side effect I'm feeling is itchiness, otherwise fine.

Has your insurance covered Tecfidera? I'm on Medicare and they have not included it yet on their formulary. Ugh! More bureaucracy to wade through.

Glad to hear the side effects aren't terrible. I've been on Rebif for 3 years and have battled the dreaded flu-like symptoms for too long.

MsMarie & irboxer,
Welcome to ThisIsMS. Thanks for joining. I'm certain that many of the regular readers here look forward to hearing about your experiences with Tecfidera.

NHE

My insurance covered me for the new drug. I'm so sorry you're having problems. I had to jump through several hoops to get started on Tecfidera. The flu symptoms of avonex had be in bed about 36 every week. I felt horrible. So far this seems to be much better. And according to what I'm reading, Tecfidera is much more effective.

Biogen Idec will work with you to get Tecfidera to you. Contact them if you are interested.

I've been taking for almost 3 weeks, terrible flushing side effects over face, neck, chest, forearms. It s lessening a bit, hope it eventually goes away. I had been successfully on Rebif but don't miss the shots.

Is the flushing visual or a feeling or both? Have you had a B3 flush? could you compare?

I had flushing with first dose. I was red and itchy all over--even my feet!! Lasted about an hour. Since that dose, I can't tell I've taken anything. I was itchy last night-- no redness, just itchy.

CureorBust - flushing looks like a really bad sunburn, I feel like my face is hot, but it sent to the touch. What's odd is I get flushing every morning after my pill, but never in the evening.

Biogen Idec is very generous with their minimal co-pay assistance program. Easy process. I completed it for Tysabri and then decided to wait for Tecfidera. Will begin Tecfidera in the next couple weeks.

Good luck with Tecfidera!

Thanks for the insurance input. If I did not have insurance or not on Medicare, I would qualify for the assistance program offered by Biogen Idec. Since Tecfidera is so new, my neurologist's office said they have received a ton of calls from insurance companies for approval. I had a similar problem with the Rebif. I hate having to wait for Medicare to add it to their formulary, but I may have to. Welcome to big government!

KClay wrote:I had flushing with first dose. I was red and itchy all over--even my feet!! Lasted about an hour. Since that dose, I can't tell I've taken anything. I was itchy last night-- no redness, just itchy.

That sounds exactly like a niacin flush to me. If it is, be careful about taking a hot shower just after the flushing has died down. That triggers big-time itchiness for me.

MarketingMaven wrote:flushing looks like a really bad sunburn, I feel like my face is hot, but it sent to the touch. What's odd is I get flushing every morning after my pill, but never in the evening.

If it is like a niacin flush, then the empty stomach when you wake up may have something to do with it. If you can take it with or after a meal, maybe try that.

It's been a little over a week, and have started the full dose. Havent experienced any side effects, and no problem doing strenuous hiking/climbing. Insurance covered most of the cost, and Biogen helped out with the rest so it's only $10/month.