This is my first diary of my journey about this new drug: Tecifidera. I started it in the beginning of July but due to an allergic reaction I had to stop. Most doctors don’t understand that I am allergic to Benadryl (yes this is true), so now I just started again on July 26, 2013. This is my first week at 120mg. I will be taking this dose for a month before I begin to take the 240mg dose. I want to kiss my doctor! This is so smart to do this. I know this drug is expensive but I feel more! I feel this drug is working for sure. It has many side effects that deal with your stomach so my first tip is to take Pepcid with your pill in the morning while eating something; I mean really eating something not just a nibble. I have found that eating a big breakfast really helps the stomach cramps that you get while taking this drug. Also avoid eating spicy foods..comfortable with this way of thinking.
I found that out by mistake so you would want to stay away from that stuff. If you can as well, if you are not already taking one, start taking a probiotics every day. I have been for about a year and I know this is helping. So pick some up and start taking it before you start this journey. Although there are side effects with this drug I feel they are manageable and a lot better than injections or infusions. I feel a lot better taking a pill.
It’s funny when you think about it, your immune system starts in your stomach. That may be why so many symptoms are there and that makes me feel better. I feel like this drug might be the way to go. It is a different way of thinking about MS and a different way of treating it.
You may get some help with your co-pays by calling MS Active Source for programs that might be available to you as well as Biogen who can help as well.
Until next week, wish me luck!
