[goldie]

Has anyone here been on Tecfidera for 6 months yet?

If so, do you feel any better, or have better MRIs than before Tec?

My neuro says he has seen patients with improved symptoms around the 6 month mark.

I tried to take it this summer, but had some new symptoms and went off of it.
Then I went through some unrelated health issues (I think) and now I am having pretty bad MS flares.

I'm to the point where I feel like I have to take something.
My options seem to be giving Tec another try or Tysabri, and Tysabri seems scarier and more complicated. I need to do some traveling, if I ever get well enough, and getting infusions will be difficult because of that.

Anyway, wondering if you really start to feel better after 6 months.

Thanks

[ANNagain]

Hi Goldie.

We have at least one member that may stop by the is on Tec for more than 6 months (I think) and very enthusiastic about it. Other members are on it but may not have reached 6 months.

Some stopped after enduring side effects- mostly GI or headache. Let me see if I can find some links. Here's one:

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...cfidera+thread


ANN

[My3sons]

Hi Goldie,

I've been on Tec for 6 months now. I've been starting to feel better but I'm also doing some injections, pain management stuff, for my back. I'm not sure if it's because I'm getting back and hip pain to go away as to why I'm walking better or if it's the Tec. It could be the combination???

I like the ease of taking the pill and DO NOT miss the shots. I haven't had another MRI done so I'm not sure how that looks. I did just have some blood work done and my lymphocyte count was low. I'm now going to see a Hematologist to follow up. My Neuro thought it was because of the Tec. I will find out in couple of weeks when I have the appointment.

I know I've been progressing the past few years, that's why I started back on a DMD. Not feeling as good as I was 3 years ago but having more better days and not as many bad as before. I would say, yes I'm better then before but not as good as I want to be.

Don't know if that helps.

[Sparky10]

Goldie, I've been on Tec since last June or July. Do I feel better? No, I feel the same. Tec is not for symptom management; it is to prevent or lessen relapses. I'm SP and haven't relapsed since being diagnosed in '00.

I can see how some people would feel better on it. Not relapsing, if relapses were often or intense, must feel wonderful! Hope you find something to help you feel better!

[Kitty]

My Neuro wants me to begin taking Tec. I'm in the midst of a pretty big flare up right now and have to go for an MRI next Tuesday. He will determine if IVSM is needed once he reads the MRI.

I've started the patient assistance process for Tec so I hope that goes smoothly. I'm a little apprehensive about the possibility of side effects but the vision and balance issues I'm having with this current flare have convinced me that I need to be on something.

[Sparky10]

KittyLady, if you are working with MSActiveSource, be sure to ask specifically for the financial assistance program to see if you qualify. I've never paid for mine but financial assistance was not offered - I had to seek it.

Good luck to all - hope Tecfidera helps!

[Kitty]

Originally Posted by Sparky10

KittyLady, if you are working with MSActiveSource, be sure to ask specifically for the financial assistance program to see if you qualify. I've never paid for mine but financial assistance was not offered - I had to seek it.

Good luck to all - hope Tecfidera helps!

They called me on Friday to verify info but didn't think to mention the financial assistance. She woke me up so I wasn't as clear-headed as I would have been. My Neuro said something about having to try to get it with insurance and then applying for financial assistance so I'm not sure what's next.

[JoanB]

I've only been on Tec for two weeks, so can't answer the initial question, but I have United Healthcare, and it went through with no delay. I have a $75/month copay, which isn't too bad for me if this med helps, but might be if you're on a fixed income. Why is this drug so expensive in the first place? Wasn't it used in Europe for many years for psoriasis? Didn't they just take an old-ish drug and just rename & repurpose it?