Copaxone to tecfidera

[wookieland]

I'm starting tecfidera any tips or suggestions ? I was on copaxone for 6 weeks and have stopped due to terrible injection site reactions. I will be going on avonex pen I'm the meantime. I've been on it befire and had the usual flu symptoms but can handle it if it's temporary. Thanks

[mgb4ms]

Tips for Tec

I was on Copaxone for ~ 9 years and transitioned over to Tecfidera end of July. If you read the others posts you will find helpful information....I have had a decent experience so far. A few things that I do --- always take it with food, preferably something with a bit of fat content (i.e. I eat a Tbsp of Almond Butter prior to taking it.) Drink plenty of water with it.

When I took my initial 120mg dose I had severe flushing - looked in the mirror and saw lobster-colored skin! It resolved within an hour or so. Also had some itching, prickling/tingling. Again, resolved fairly quickly.

I believe I have it down now so that I rarely ever experience any of these side effects, although if I don't eat much for lunch or get hungry, I sometimes get an upset stomach, which resolved when I eat something.

As with everything MS, not everyone has the same experience. The injection site lumps/bumps are beginning to resolve, which is what I'd hoped.

I wish you success on this new Medication. Good luck!

[Willow63]

I switched from copax to tec.

There are great tips on this forum. Stay hydrated, bland food, etc

I dont tolerate greasy food though; even a little bit of fat can bother me if I have a tender tummy.

I take tec in morning with oatmeal. When I started, I ate mostly mashed potatoes, plain bagels, oatmeal, oyster crackers, etc for awhile - no butter.

I guess it helps to know what food comforts "your" upset stomach normally.

And have some pepto or other meds suggested on hand.

Dont freak out at first dose redness. I was lobster sunburn red. Next day - very mild. Never had that first high level redness again. I would plan first day on a day at home though.

[carolynj]

Be patient!

[cheryl s]

Copaxone to Techfidera: is it more effective?

Hello -- I have been on Copaxone for 13 years, dxed 18 years ago, before that Avonex for a year, and I tried Rebif somewhere in the middle of the Copaxone because a neuro didn't like on of my MRI's. I could not tolerate Rebif or Avonex. Copaxone has been very good for me, along with complimentary alternative treatments, including glutathione IV pushes every 2 months.

For the first time in 13 years I am having an exacerbation, so am wondering about techfidera. I it better? I don't mind the injections, and I hate side effects, but if the MS will go back to how it has been, I guess I should consider. I believe the exacerbation is due to stress -- death in the family, teenage kid drama, etc. Nothing else has changed. Please let me know if anyone knows if tech is better than copaxone.

[Luvmyfamily]

On Tec for 1 month

I too switched from copaxone after 4 years due to accumulating skin problems to tecfidera. I've had occasional flushing that doesn't last more than a couple minutes. Before starting I was nervous, but I read all the suggestions posted on this site and am more than pleased with my experience. I take the meds with breakfast and dinner with a full glass of water. I guess the main test will be the future MRI's - but so far I'm glad I made the change.

[PositiveMS]

I too switched from copaxone after 4 years due to accumulating skin problems to tecfidera. I've had occasional flushing that doesn't last more than a couple minutes. Before starting I was nervous, but I read all the suggestions posted on this site and am more than pleased with my experience. I take the meds with breakfast and dinner with a full glass of water. I guess the main test will be the future MRI's - but so far I'm glad I made the change.

I really like these positive quotes about Tecfidera. I've been on Copaxone for a year, but I am being switched to Tecfidera as soon as my Blue Cross comes through with coverage. I can't wait!

[TimsGirl]

Copax to Tec, too--gut ache!

I was on Copaxone for 6 years with great control: no new lesions and some signs of repair to old ones, but I reached a point where I couldn't stand facing another injection. I still was having injection site reactions and I suspect I have tissue destruction because there are areas I was injecting that no longer bled. I was thrilled to try Tec! The first bottle, I had the extreme flushing, but like others, this became less with time. I am currently into my 2nd bottle and struggling with abdominal pain. Reminds me of the gut ache I got as a kid after eating a bunch of green apples! The Biogen nurse advised I call my provider, who gave me the most crushing answer as relayed by her nurse: "well, then she'll have to go back to the injections..." NOoooooo!!!! Couldn't believe it. Since then, I used Immodium which helped but now I don't have loose stools but still getting severe rotten stomach ache. I am going to read through all your suggestions but am open to anything. Really, really, really don't want to return to injections.