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Switching from Rebif to Tecfidera Soon...Any Help?

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    Switching from Rebif to Tecfidera Soon...Any Help?

    Hi everyone. I have been on Rebif for 6 years and did well except for my body has become a pin cushion and I cannot find places to do shots anymore so my doctor is switching me to Tecfidera.

    It seems like I am reading more bad things than good things about the drug which makes me nervous. Can anyone give me some insight into this drug good or bad. I just hope I am making the right decision.

    Thanks in advance.

    #2
    I switched from Betaseron and so far overall I'm really happy with the switch! I do NOT miss the shots at all, or the flulike side effects! I've been on Tec for almost a month and have had some side effects but overall they have been manageable so far. I feel like it's worth a try, especially since the effectiveness can be greater than for the CRAB drugs.

    Like many say on here, try eating it with a full meal (that includes protein, fat and carb), try premedicating with aspirin and something like zantac, take probiotics to also help with any GI issues, and you can also consider increasing the dose more gradually like many of us have. (i.e. 120mg 1x/day for 4 days, then move to 120mg 2x/day, then 120 in the morning and 240 at night, etc.).
    2001: 1st 2 relapses, "probable MS." 2007: 3rd relapse. Dx of RRMS confirmed by MS specialist. Started Cpx. (Off Cpx Feb 08-Mar 09 to start a family; twins!) Dec '09: Started Beta. Oct '13: Started Tecfidera. May '15: Considering Gilenya.

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      #3
      I've been on Tec since it came out and take a little Zantac, and voila! No issues whatsoever. It also clears out of your body withing 3 hours or so, so if you hate it, it's gone very quickly.

      People are far more likely to comment with a problem than when things are going well. If they don't need help, why would they ask for opinions? So, what you see is highly skewed. I think most of us are tolerating it just fine.

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        #4
        Hi Mechie94,

        I was on Rebif for two years and was pleased with it

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          #5
          Hi Mechie94,

          I was on Rebif for two years and was pretty pleased with it. I had a few side effects, but overall, they were pretty manageable. When I switched to a new neuro, he suggested that switching to Tecfidera might get rid of what side effects I had and make it so I could get rid of a couple of other meds I was on.

          I started the Tecfidera a little over 3 weeks ago, and to be honest, I have not been very happy with it. Last week, my stomach was hurting horribly and I constantly felt like I was going to vomit. My stomach has finally eased up a bit, but I am so tired now, I just want to cry. Just getting up to take a shower before work is a massive chore.

          I'm planning on giving it another month to see if things even out before making any changes. But, if I had to make a final decision based on how I feel right now, I'd be going back on the Rebif.

          I promise I'm not trying to scare you. It sounds like a lot of people get over the side effects and do great on the pill. Just make sure you are prepared to feel crummy for a while. It's definitely a change.

          Good luck with whatever you choose!

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            #6
            I was scared also when I started Tec, but I started taking a benedryl about 30 min before I took Tec and ate a meal. Very Mild Side effects not bad at all. Mine ( itching on the face) only last about 5 min or 10 at most. Very Manageable and worth not dealing with shots everyday.

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