Treatment for Relapsing MS -- FDA approves new multiple sclerosis treatment: Tecfidera

Results from two clinical trials showed that those taking Tecfidera had fewer MS relapses compared to people taking a placebo. One of the trials showed that those taking Tecfidera experienced a worsening of disability less often than patients taking a placebo. However,Tecfidera may decrease a person’s white blood cell count (lymphocytes). Lymphocytes help protect the body from infection and low counts can raise the risk of infection, although no significant increase in infections was seen in patients taking Tecfidera in clinical trials. Before starting treatment, and annually thereafter, the FDA recommends that the patient’s white blood cell count be assessed by their health care provider.