[Kitty]

Today I start the regular dosage. I'm a little apprehensive but thinking positive about it.

I need to eat something substantial but I'm just never very hungry in the mornings. Maybe a PB&J would be good.

Ya'll wish me luck!

[Kitty]

9:15 AM - Took my first regular dosage pill after eating two Eggo waffles with peanut butter and honey on them. Now the waiting (for the flushing) begins.......

[Kitty]

Sorry for the play-by-play but I'm using this thread to document my side effects, or lack of, and my general tolerance of the Tecfidera.

It's now been 2 hours since I took the 240 mg dose and I've been side effect free. I just noticed that my ears felt tingly - sort of like a sunburn - but it's not too bad.

I want to take a shower but am a little apprehensive since this was my first full dose. I might just wait until later this afternoon. Feeling like I need a nap so going to lie down for a while.

[barb02]

Glad it is going well. Keep up the posts. I am definitely interested.

[Kitty]

Well, it's been 8 hours since my dose of the 240mg Tec and I have to say I felt no different than I did taking the starter dose.

I have another pill to take about 7 PM. If I have a reaction it's generally about 3 hours after I take the medication. I've been eating right before I take it and I think that's going to be the trick for me.

[jprinz99]

Kitty- your state may be like mine and some other states. They prohibit or make practically impossible (due to significantly higher costs) for anyone under 62/65 years old to purchase a supplement. For example, in my state it is not allowed to be sold to anyone on medicare if "not of retirement age". That leaves all of us on Medicare due to disability (not age) out of luck.

Kitty- sounds great, glad you are not getting bad s/e

[Kitty]

You're right, Jane. It allowed me to get a prescription plan (I don't have the Medicare prescription plan) but not the health insurance. Thank goodness I have Medicare for health. The rx plan covered over $2K on the Tec for me! Then they sent a letter "suggesting" Avonex because it's cheaper. Um, no thanks. I've done my time with needles.

Second day with 240mg capsules. Took my AM dose about 10 AM along with a bowl of oatmeal. No reactions yet and it's been 2.5 hours. I haven't had any stomach upset yet but that might come after a few days on the full dosage. I'm sticking close to home just in case.

[Kitty]

It's about 2:10 PM right now and I'm having minor flushing. My ear and neck feel HOT! Like a sunburn. My first experience with this side effect lasted about 20 minutes. It's not painful but I can definitely tell something's going on.

[Kitty]

Took the 2nd pill about 7 PM with supper. No side effects at all. Today will be day 3 on the full dose.

[Kitty]

Day 4 on full dose.

9:15 AM took 1 pill w/breakfast.

12:15 Three hour later (when I usually have a reaction if I'm going to) and I feel slightly nauseous. Nothing bad and it might be anything....may not be med related.

But this higher dose takes my appetite away which ordinarily would be a good thing but I need to eat when taking this med. I had two waffles with peanut butter and honey on them with my first pill. I do drink a lot of water in between so that might be the culprit, too. No snacking between meals will be a good thing for me, though.

I noticed yesterday that my tummy was growling sort of like it does if you don't eat all day. Didn't feel bad but my tummy sure was talkative! My cat was beside me on the couch and she looked at me like "why are you making all that noise?"!

So far I'm liking this med.