Has anyone found a way to combat Tecfidera flushing?

[JaneK1975]

I have been on Tecfidera for over a year. It is one thousand times better than Copaxone for many reasons.

BUT... I have severe flushing at least a few times a week. It is hot, itchy, and it usually happens around 10 am when I'm at work so I end up looking like a fire-engine red lobster to all my co-workers, who have no idea what's going on. I started taking a daily allergy med to try to combat it, and I thought it was working for a couple of weeks, but now I'm back to where I started and the allergy med doesn't seem to be doing a darn thing.

Has anyone out there found any remedy to the flushing?

[Corriel]

That darned flushing sounds like an innocent side effect doesn't it? Mine is usually during the morning dose (anywhere from 1-4 hrs post Tec) but occasionally in the evening.

I try to tough it out when I can but when it's the "bad" flush (complete with red scalp, rash on arms and blotches on shoulders and back) I take a baby aspirin. Some seem to find success taking the baby aspirin when they take Tec but my stomach doesn't like that. :) Flushing starts to go down in less than an hour.

If you aren't already, try to eat before Tec and eat something relatively substantial (like peanut butter on toast with some fruit). Also try to eat and take Tec at the same time. I do those things thought but it doesn't help with my flushing. This is what they usually recommend first for flushing at Biogen.

The Tec side effects are supposed to lessen over time, but my flushing has gotten worse in the last year and I have been on Tec since May 2014.

I have heard others swear by applesauce for their flushing (something about the pectin from the apples). Can't say it did much for me but everyone is different.

Good luck and I hope it gets better. Nothing worse than being out in public (especially at work) when that crazy flush hits. It burns!

Corrie

[JaneK1975]

Thanks, Corriel! I will try baby aspirin, eating with the med, and applesauce. It really is embarrassing as I get SUPER RED and blotchy on my face, chest, neck, and arms. It's also extremely itchy and hot. The reaction is getting worse over time instead of better.

[Corriel]

Good luck but if you find the flushing getting worse then you should mention it to your neuro just to get their opinion. I am planning to mention my worsening reaction to my neuro next appointment just to cover my bases.

I have heard from others with worsening side effects from Tec that their neuros were concerned about an allergic reaction. It seems to be a matter of opinion and not science but it can't hurt to check.

[ConfirmedRachel]

I've been on Tec for about 18 months, I'm also menopausal now so spent a fair amount of the day scarlet! Food before works well, and is manufacturer advice but I find sugar can make it come on so regular little snacks like nuts might work for you. Baby aspirin for when it's itchy/sore works after about half an hour for me too.
I can say I take lots of Vit D and other supplements and an antihistamine daily. My MRI results this week show no new lesions and no change from a year ago, so looks like Tec is working for me. Good luck Nx

[aspen2]

I'm sorry no one has been around to answer your question -- I am no help because Copaxone has been wonderful in my case.