Drug reaction or Shingles?

[Tawanda]

My face/scalp/eyeball looked worse today, so I went to my PC.

2 docs at my primary care looked at what I thought was an allergic reaction to Tec., and the senior doctor decided it was Shingles. Coincidence or Tecfidera?

Will talk with neuro, but I have a hard time believing Tec. Didn't have a hand in this somewhere...

I did take a few pics though, Marco, and sent one to my neuro (as even 2 docs were freaked out by my unusual presentation) and told him I am ditching Tec, at least for now. Some people go on smaller doses rather than quit. Really confusing what is Tec, what is MS, and what is aging...All I know is I feel lousy!

[Marco]

Shingles in the eye/face can be serious. Don't let the doctors goof around. If needed, get to the ER and ensure you are being properly treated/medicated. This is not a time for them to be looking at the Physician's Desk Reference or using google ... this is a time for them to treat.

[Tawanda]

Shingles in the eye/face can be serious. Don't let the doctors goof around. If needed, get to the ER and ensure you are being properly treated/medicated. This is not a time for them to be looking at the Physician's Desk Reference or using google ... this is a time for them to treat.

Well, now I know now that the answer is: BOTH Tecfidera and Shingles! My M.S. specialist said that Shingles has been linked to Tecfidera (nice to find that out after the fact), and to get off Tecfidera. He said I could restart after I have recovered (not too thrilled about that idea, but that's what he said).

I am on an anti-viral drug as of today, but unfortunately no Rxs for the pain or the itching. Ibuprofen and cold compresses was all I was told. I think because I am an M.S. patient, they don't want to prescribe more than what is absolutely essential. I was told to come back in a week. When I filled my script. at the CVS drive-through, I passed the sign for "Shingles Vacinations". I always thought I was way too young to need such a thing!The irony!

[AriD]

I had my first case of shingles down the back of my right leg last fall- unusual presentation but definitely shingles. I had just started betaseron after having to come off copaxone.

Have also had pneumonia and pleurisy last few months. Is this coincidence or related to betaseron?

[Tawanda]

I had my first case of shingles down the back of my right leg last fall- unusual presentation but definitely shingles. I had just started betaseron after having to come off copaxone.

Have also had pneumonia and pleurisy last few months. Is this coincidence or related to betaseron?

Hi Ari,
I don't think it's a coincidence. I have always maintained that Avonex triggered my Psoriasis just like Tecfidera unlocked this lovely case of Shingles I have now!

These meds are not without their price. My theory is that while we are trying to temper our immune systems into playing "keep away" from our Myelin Sheaths, we are allowing other pent-up disease genies out of their bottles!

The people who don't utilize DMTs take kind of a beating on this board, but can you really blame them for their decision? As I sit here feeling totally miserable with Shingles, I have to ask myself the age old question: Which is worse, the treatment or the disease?

[AriD]

Tawanda

I often have an inner debate whether I would be able to function better without the DMTs. My first 16 years I wasn't on any then had a bad relapse which started me on the road of copaxone then betaseron. The last couple of years have been rough.

My doctor says I'm lucky I made it this long without more deficits since I wasn't being treated. I do believe I'd be worse without the DMTs but have to question it sometimes with how things have gone since starting them.