How strong is Tecfidera really?
So I've been diagnosed with MS in January. My doctor prescribed me the med Tecfidera in like March. I've not been ill a lot since then but the influenza season is yet to come and I got myself some vitamine pills today so I won't be sick so much. I just realized when I came back to my therapeutic shared apartment that it might be counterproductive to have a med that puts my immune system down and take something to tune it up again. The nurse here asked me though if I want to be sick from now till February, I asked her if tecfidera is really that strong and has those effects. She said it's pretty strong. What is your experience with this medication and what can you recommend?
Hi,
!
I am glad Tecfidera has been working pretty well for you, overall. I think it's smart that you are planning ahead for cold and flu season and yes, Tecfidera is an immunosuppressant and can make you more susceptible to viruses. So, vigilance is a great idea. Taking vitamins should not cause any problems with your medication and should not have any impact on its efficacy, but you can always check with your doctor or pharmacist, just to be safe.
I am not your doctor and I cannot provide medical advice, for your safety, but some of our members practice the tips we all learned during covid to stay healthy over the winter months. Wear a high quality mask indoor public spaces (like an N 95 mask), wash your hands frequently, and maybe avoid public transportation and public spaces when they will be especially crowded or when cold/flu numbers are especially high in your area. I see plenty of folks wearing masks in stores in the winter and I think many of us don't think anything about it at this point. It may not be ideal, but if you would like to stay healthy, it's something to consider. And, I will often wear a mask in the waiting room of my doctor's office or any medical spaces because you are almost guaranteed that someone in that space is actively sick, so that just makes sense to me.
You can also ask your doctor about getting a flu shot for this season, if you think that might help.
I know I make it sound a bit like you have to go into lockdown all over again, but I think it really isn't as bad as that. Just keep taking good care of yourself and practice good hygiene and you can avoid many of the viruses that float around in the winter months.
Best, Erin, Team Member.
