Skeptical

MarieWash28

Regular Member

Joined : Nov 2015

Posts : 23

Posted 7/30/2016 4:15 AM (GMT 0)

My neuro want to put me on Tecfidera, but after reading more into it I'm more skeptical more than anything. The decrease in white blood cells and PML scared me the most. Are there any other oral medications that are safer?

Gretchen1

Forum Moderator

Joined : Jan 2007

Posts : 3595

Posted 7/30/2016 2:56 PM (GMT 0)

I believe tecfidera is supposed to be the best for oral. There are two other oral medications; Aubagio and Gilenya. These three have not been studied against each other. All three meds can cause PML. Aubagio and Gilenya can cause liver issues. Gilenya has been known to interfere with heart medications. Aubagio can cause birth defects.

The main side effect for Tecfidera is stomach upset and flushing. Most people find that there are few to no side effects after a few weeks.

MS meds all have side effects. They are all very serious and powerful medications. Most doctors agree that getting on and staying on a diseases modifying drug is one of the best ways to treat MS.

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