Fumaderm cramps questions

[lyoamn]

Hi I'm new to this and I've had psoriasis for over 14 years. I have tried all the usual creams light treatment, methotrexate and none have worked. I started on fumaderm initial 3 weeks ago and since my uptake has increased to 3 tablets a day I have suffered all of the side affects. The cramps are unbearable and I have a high pain threshold. I have also vomited. I don't want to stop the medication as it's improving slightly. Does anyone know what I can do to ease the cramps or how long they will last? Thanks in advance

[Caroline]

Hi Lyoanm,

Welcome to the forum.

I see that Jim is already replying to you. I guess he will also give some hints on the answers.

At least the thread of Bill on DMF Bill's pure dimethylfumarate thread is worth reading.

You state that this is your third week. And you are on three pills. That should be three of 30 mg, is that a correct observation?

Cheers,
Caroline

[jiml]

Hi lyoamn  and a big    to the forum ... You have no doubt read a bit on here about fumaderm, as we have several members who are using it very successfully... The side effects can be severe but there are things you could try to minimise the effects , firstly always take tablets with a meal, washed down with plenty of fluid half a litre is about my usual amount ( a pint of beer   ) but I'm not advocating beer just fluid quantity.

It has been suggested to take them with yoghurt as well ( so part of a desert)

I will say if you are having these side effects it means the tablets are starting to do their magic. If you can stick with it I can assure you that the side effects will diminish .... At present I rarely get a stomach cramp, but still get hot flushes which are not unpleasant

If you need any information just shout there's usually someone lurking .... They will probably be in the very active " off topic" section where the members exchange views on every topic under the sun ... So feel free to join us there to either just browse or join in as all members are welcome
Jim

[lyoamn]

Yeah its 3x30mg.

I don't know what else to do as the cramps are so severe.

[lyoamn]

Sorry Jim,

I have only just seen your reply.

I had one this morning with yoghurt and the cramps are constant.

I'm going to try and persevere with it for as long as possible.

Fingers crossed that it only lasts a few days.

Thanks for your help

[jiml]

A couple of things here for you to read that may be of interest
I see Caroline has already given a link to bills thread

See my thread Fumaderm and hormone injections you can ignore the references to cancer as that has been put aside for the foreseeable future

This has a lot of useful information
Fumaderm leaflet

NHS and Fumaderm. ...... here you can copy and paste the link to the site

[jiml]

Just saw your post above ... You could speak to the dermatologist and ask to reduce a bit until your body gets used to the invasion  if you read the leaflet above you will see some advice... But I would certainly go back a step there is no hurry and it will work .. And then the cramps will subside   and we are here and will hold your hand through the tough times and offer encouragement..

Do you eat plenty with the tablet ? I know what you girls are like not eating much ... You need a good breakfast with your morning one . And a good evening meal

Do the cramps last long or just for an hour or so?

[Fred]

Hello lyoamn I have moved this thread to Prescribed Treatments For Psoriasis , you are welcome to start another thread in Introductions if you wish.  

I also changed your subject from "Fumaderm" to "Fumaderm cramps questions" this will also help others find it as we have a lot of Fumaderm threads.

Regards.

Fred.

[AmandaL]

Hi I'm new to this and I've had psoriasis for over 14 years. I have tried all the usual creams light treatment, methotrexate and none have worked. I started on fumaderm initial 3 weeks ago and since my uptake has increased to 3 tablets a day I have suffered all of the side affects. The cramps are unbearable and I have a high pain threshold. I have also vomited. I don't want to stop the medication as it's improving slightly. Does anyone know what I can do to ease the cramps or how long they will last? Thanks in advance

I have little to no knowledge on using Fumaderm, but I suspect that it could be an acid reflux reaction you are having to this.  Might be worth taking the tablets after eating a meal to see if that helps or try some Gavison.  I used to get very bad acid reflux on Humira and it does feel like really bad stomach cramps or ask your doctor for something stronger like Omeprazole.  

Hope you feel better soon  

[Caroline]

Everybody who is using Fumaderm, or DMF, seems to speak of stomach cramps.....

But are you sure it is your stomach?

The fumaderm tablets have a coating that should prevent them to falling apart in the stomach. They should fall apart in the intestines. So I would expect you have belly cramps....
If I have troubles, then it is never in my stomach, but mostly in my intestines. And than also limited in the sense that I have to stay close to the toilet, with me it can last for an hour or so. In the form of "cramp" ... toilet: yes or no ... no, then later another cramp (if you can call it a cramp, it is mostly a feeling that you have to go to the toilet quickly, sometimes not always possible and than it expresses more or less like a cramp to prevent inconveniences.... ) etc. until it is out.. Then the cramps are gone.

Difference, I am using a different medication than Fumaderm. This medication releases the DMF slowly in your intestines, which makes it much easier to deal with. Also Fumaderm contains additives and monoethylfumates, which my medication doesn't have.

As DMF seems to be more and more a useable product for psoriasis, PsA, Crohns, Lichen scleroses, MS, open wounds with elderly people, etcetera, one should expect that better medication should be invented. There is one drawback, the medication is too cheap and therefore not interesting for big pharma.

Caroline. "trying to spread some light in the complex world of DMF reactions "