Four years ago, I made a card for my neurologist that said, "All I want for Christmas is my BG-12." Even before it was released, I was a proponent of the medication and predicted "blockbuster" status.
Two years ago, Tecfidera (BG-12) was approved and I immediately started taking the medication. Being sensitive to medications, my neurologist kept me on the smaller120 mg dose for a full month. Tecfidera helped stabilize my MS and has kept me flare free and out of the hospital longer than any other MS treatment. During this period of remission, I have made significant gains and my quality of life has dramatically improved.
For the past few months I have had persistent and painful 24/7 flushing. The abnormal flushing reduced my quality of life below an acceptable level. Unfortunately, last Sunday I took my last dose of Tecfidera and each day my flushing has improved. Eight days after my final dose, I am still having periodic flushing where my body will get inflamed and turn deep red. I have always been sensitive to medications so this reaction is more disappointing than surprising. I am still a dedicated believer in Tecfidera and believe it offers a wonderful benefit versus risk ratio for the majority of MS patients. I would have no reservations about suggesting Tecfidera has a treatment for a loved one.
My neurologist has suggested that I now choose between Aubagio and Gilenya. I am JCV+ so the neurologist wants to remove Tysabri from the equation. I personally want the neurologist to consider Tysabri and Lemtrada as viable options. The conversation with the neurologist on July 29th should be interesting. Only time will tell ...
Two years ago, Tecfidera (BG-12) was approved and I immediately started taking the medication. Being sensitive to medications, my neurologist kept me on the smaller120 mg dose for a full month. Tecfidera helped stabilize my MS and has kept me flare free and out of the hospital longer than any other MS treatment. During this period of remission, I have made significant gains and my quality of life has dramatically improved.
For the past few months I have had persistent and painful 24/7 flushing. The abnormal flushing reduced my quality of life below an acceptable level. Unfortunately, last Sunday I took my last dose of Tecfidera and each day my flushing has improved. Eight days after my final dose, I am still having periodic flushing where my body will get inflamed and turn deep red. I have always been sensitive to medications so this reaction is more disappointing than surprising. I am still a dedicated believer in Tecfidera and believe it offers a wonderful benefit versus risk ratio for the majority of MS patients. I would have no reservations about suggesting Tecfidera has a treatment for a loved one.
My neurologist has suggested that I now choose between Aubagio and Gilenya. I am JCV+ so the neurologist wants to remove Tysabri from the equation. I personally want the neurologist to consider Tysabri and Lemtrada as viable options. The conversation with the neurologist on July 29th should be interesting. Only time will tell ...
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