Starting Tecfidera

[kippur]

Ok - I am just very unsure about the safety of this drug. I just received my packet in the mail today. First of all it does not state in my handout how many hours apart to take this drug - but have been reading here it should be either 10 or 12 hours apart. (I don't plan to start this until March 28th as I am going on vacation for a few days) Also, I was reading Tecfidera information brochure and it lists carcinogenesis on it. What is everyone's thoughts on this? I hope everyone is doing well on this drug. I will post updates once I decide if I will actually go through with this. Had Avonex injections for 10 years and thought the oral drug may be better....

[PositiveMS]

Hi,

I have been on Tec for 4 months. Personally, my quality of life went up from the first day just for not having to inject! I also feel stronger.

I did a lot of reading before starting, and the one study that I found comforting about long term effects of this drug was done by Biogen. It was called Endorse, and it followed patients that had been on the drug for up to 6.5 years. None of them had, to quote them "new or worsening safety signals".

I was not worried about the carcinogenesis information in the prescribing pamphlet just because it took at the least 25 mg/kg/day for rats to show and increase in tumours and cancer activity. I'd have to be tripling my daily dose to reach that level.

I'd much rather not have to take meds at all, or take one with no chemicals, but there you go. I was med free for 11 years until suddenly my MS kicked in big time, and I knew it was time to explore medications.

I hope it goes well for you whatever you decide to do!

[kippur]

Thank you so much for your information. I think the benefits may outweigh the risks - safety record seems pretty good. I hope I do as well as so many that are currently on it. Hope your doing well. I
excerise daily and work full time so I'm just hoping that I still will be up to time! Thanks.

[hope32]

I also felt like the benefits outweighed the risks and that it was worth trying. Hope all goes smoothly for you!

[salo558]

tecfidera starting

I wish you good luck I've. Being on tec for 4 months as well no side effects