Let's take a minute to talk about your medication. 

This is Tecfidera. It helps treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. It may reduce the number of relapses and brain lesions, and it may slow down the onset of physical decline. 

Tecfidera is often taken one time in the morning and one time in the evening. You should take it exactly how your doctor tells you to. You can take it with or without food. You should always swallow the capsule whole, and do not crush, chew or open it. 

This medicine comes in a starter pack. The starter pack provides a low dose for the first week. Starting with a low dose should help reduce common side effects like nausea, stomach pain, indigestion or diarrhea. 

Other common side effects include flushing, redness or itching. These effects are normal at the start of therapy if they are mild, and they should get better in time. You may be able to reduce flushing by taking each dose with food. Also, you can ask your doctor if taking a non-coated aspirin before each dose will help. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking Tecfidera, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist. 

As with any medicine, more serious side effects can occur. You should read the Patient Information sheet to know which symptoms to watch for, and when to report them. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will follow your condition closely and will order blood tests. 

Women must talk to their doctors first before becoming pregnant or breastfeeding. 

For best results with Tecfidera, ask your doctor about helpful support programs for patients that are available.