Managing Side Effects of Tecfidera: A Comprehensive Guide
Tecfidera, a brand-name delayed-release capsule, is prescribed for certain types of multiple sclerosis (MS). While it is an effective treatment option, it's essential to be aware of its potential side effects to ensure safe and effective use.
One of the most common side effects of Tecfidera is flushing, which was the most prevalent side effect seen in people taking this medication during clinical trials. Other gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and indigestion, are also common. For most people, these digestive problems are temporary and should become less bothersome or go away with continued use of the drug.
However, it's crucial to note that Tecfidera may cause less common but potentially serious side effects. These include increased liver enzymes, gastritis, and rare allergic reactions affecting breathing and swelling. While such incidents are not common, regular monitoring through blood tests is recommended to detect these effects early.
People taking Tecfidera may also have an increased risk of serious viral, bacterial, or fungal infections. Infections of the eyes, ears, brain, meninges (tissues surrounding the brain), spinal cord, digestive tract, and lungs are possible. If you develop symptoms of a possible infection while taking Tecfidera, it's essential to tell your doctor right away.
Tecfidera should not cause weight gain or fatigue. However, if you experience weight gain or fatigue while taking Tecfidera, it could be a symptom of MS, for which the medication is prescribed. In such cases, it's essential to discuss these symptoms with your doctor.
It's also worth mentioning that Tecfidera should not cause tooth problems. However, people with MS may have more dental problems than those without the condition. If you have a toothache or other tooth-related problems, it's best to consult your dentist.
In Tecfidera's clinical trials, some people had certain changes seen on liver function tests, including increased liver enzymes and high bilirubin levels. While these changes can sometimes be an early sign of liver damage, no one in the trials had liver damage.
Lastly, while rare, some people may develop a serious brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), caused by the John Cunningham (JC) virus, while taking Tecfidera. Symptoms may include weakness on one side of the body, clumsiness, vision changes, confusion, changes in personality, and other neurological symptoms.
Before starting Tecfidera, it's essential to discuss your health history with your doctor. Tecfidera may not be suitable if you have liver problems, a weakened immune system, a low level of lymphocytes, a history of gastrointestinal problems, chronic or recurring infections such as shingles or herpes, a previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug, pregnancy, breastfeeding, alcohol consumption, or any other relevant medical conditions.
If side effects from Tecfidera persist, bother you, or become severe, it's essential to talk with your doctor or pharmacist. It's also recommended to take Tecfidera with food to help prevent or ease flushing, and taking a non-coated aspirin tablet 30 minutes before taking Tecfidera may also help reduce or prevent flushing.
In summary, while Tecfidera is an effective treatment for certain types of MS, it's crucial to be aware of its potential side effects and monitor for less common effects like liver function abnormalities and potential allergic reactions. Regular monitoring through blood tests is recommended to detect these effects early. If you have any concerns about Tecfidera or its side effects, it's always best to discuss them with your doctor.
- Tecfidera, a medication for multiple sclerosis (MS), commonly leads to flushing, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and indigestion, which are usually temporary.
- Less common, but potentially serious side effects of Tecfidera include increased liver enzymes, gastritis, and rare allergic reactions.
- People taking Tecfidera may have an increased risk of serious viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, including infections of the brain, meninges, spinal cord, and lungs.
- Tecfidera should not cause weight gain or fatigue, but these symptoms may be indicative of MS itself.
- Tecfidera does not typically affect tooth health, but people with MS may have more dental issues.
- In Tecfidera's clinical trials, some individuals showed changes in liver function tests, such as increased liver enzymes and high bilirubin levels, although no one developed liver damage.
- In extremely rare cases, people taking Tecfidera may develop a serious brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), caused by the John Cunningham (JC) virus, and symptoms could include weakness, vision changes, and other neurological symptoms.
