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What Are The Side Effects Of Tecfidera?

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Posted on Thu, 24 Aug 2017
Question: hello,
i have secondary progressive ms for which i have been taking tecfidera the last 3 1/2 years. the last 2 years i have gained 100 pounds without explanation. (my hair has also been growing twice its normal rate and thicker than before when it fell out as a side effect at the beginning of taking the tecfidera). i had svt 2 years ago and had an ablation to correct it. i was recently diagnosed with sinus tachycardia.
the questions are these (weight gain, rapid hair growth, sinus tachycardia) all somehow related? side effects of tecfidera, something hormonal i should get checked out, or maybe just ms doing its thing?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Elona (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
In my opinion, your symptoms can be side effects of Tecfidera.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understood your concern.

I can say that weight gain, rapid hair growth and sinus tachycardia can not be related altogether.

If these symptoms had a hormonal basis(like in the case of a hormonal imbalance) then you should have even other symptoms like excessive facial hair growth, irregular periods, acne and changes in body shape.

So, in my opinion, your symptoms are not likely to be caused by a hormonal imbalance or any other endocrine disorder and for this reason, you don't need to do any hormonal test.

All you need is to consult your treating neurologist and discuss with him/her your MS course (slowing the progression of the disease and managing MS symptoms.)

Hope this is helpful.
If you have other questions, feel free and ask. I will be happy to help.

Take care

Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Elona

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 941 Questions

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What Are The Side Effects Of Tecfidera?

Brief Answer: In my opinion, your symptoms can be side effects of Tecfidera. Detailed Answer: Hello, I have gone through your question and understood your concern. I can say that weight gain, rapid hair growth and sinus tachycardia can not be related altogether. If these symptoms had a hormonal basis(like in the case of a hormonal imbalance) then you should have even other symptoms like excessive facial hair growth, irregular periods, acne and changes in body shape. So, in my opinion, your symptoms are not likely to be caused by a hormonal imbalance or any other endocrine disorder and for this reason, you don't need to do any hormonal test. All you need is to consult your treating neurologist and discuss with him/her your MS course (slowing the progression of the disease and managing MS symptoms.) Hope this is helpful. If you have other questions, feel free and ask. I will be happy to help. Take care