Can it cause stomach damage?

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Official answer

by Drugs.com

Although Tecfidera can cause stomach problems, it is unlikely to cause permanent stomach damage. Research has shown that up to 88% of people experience some stomach-related side effects, typically within the first three weeks of starting Tecfidera. Most stomach-related side effects are mild to moderate, with some people experiencing more than one type of event.

Common events include:

  • Upper abdominal pain: experienced by 71%; 34% required treatment
  • Flatulence: experienced by 66%; 31% required treatment
  • Nausea: experienced by 65%; 30% required treatment
  • Diarrhea: experienced by 64%; 28% required treatment
  • Bloating: experienced by 60%; 30% required treatment
  • Lower abdominal pain: experienced by 51%; 25% required treatment
  • Indigestion: experienced by 37%; 19% required treatment
  • Constipation: experienced by 33%; 17% required treatment
  • Vomiting: experienced by 14%; 11% required treatment.

    • The incidence of serious gastrointestinal side effects was 1% in patients treated with Tecfidera. Only 6.6% of patients discontinued Tecfidera because of gastrointestinal (stomach-related) side effects. The severity of gastrointestinal side effects decreased with time.

    Symptomatic treatment includes:

  • Acid secretion blockers, such as proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers
  • Antidiarrheals
  • Antiemetics.

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