What is Dimethyl fumarate?
The treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis is dimethyl fumarate in adults. This includes clinically isolated syndromes, relapsing-remitting diseases, and active secondary-progressing diseases. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of dimethyl fumarate.
Side effects of Dimethyl fumarate
If you experience any of the following signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing and swelling to lips, face, tongue or throat. Seek medical assistance immediately!
Dimethyl fumarate can cause a serious brain infection, which may lead to death or disability. If you experience problems with your speech, thinking, vision, or muscle movements, call your doctor immediately. These symptoms can start slowly and then get worse very quickly.
Call your doctor immediately if you:
- Herpes symptoms include flu-like symptoms such as cold sores around the mouth, tingling or painful blisters, or burning pains in your lower back or thigh.
- Low white blood cell count: fever; mouth sores or skin sores; sore neck; cough.
- Liver issues: weight loss, stomachache in the upper right corner, tiredness and itchiness as well as dark urine with clay-colored stools (jaundice).
Some of the common side effects associated with dimethyl fumarate include:
- Stomach pain, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- Redness, rash, itching;
- Flushing (sudden heat, redness, or tingly sensation)
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor.Reaching out to the FDA with any adverse side-effect reports can be done at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Tecfidera, Avonex, Rebif, Briumvi, Kesimpta, Betaseron, and Aubagio
Warnings
Dimethyl fumarate can cause a brain infection, which may lead to death or disability. If you are having problems with your speech, thinking, vision, or muscle movements, call your doctor immediately. These symptoms can start slowly and then get worse very quickly.
Before you take this drug
If you've had an allergic reaction to Diroximel fumarate or Vumerity, then dimethyl fumarate should be avoided.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- An active infection
- Low white blood cell counts (WBC).
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing. You may find your name on a registry if you are pregnant to track the effects dimethyl fumarate has on the child. Anyone younger than 18 is not allowed to use dimethyl fumarate.
How to take Dimethyl fumarate?
You will be tested by your doctor to ensure that you are not suffering from any conditions that would make it unsafe for you to use dimethyl fumarate. Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. Your medication must be taken exactly as instructed.Dimethyl fumarate can be taken with or without food. The medicine may be taken with food to prevent flushing. Do not open, crush, chew, or break the capsule. You will need to have frequent blood tests while using dimethyl fumarate. Store the medicine in its original container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for multiple sclerosis:
Initial dose: 120mg orally twice daily for 7 days
Maintenance dose: oral 240 mg twice daily
Use: To treat relapsing multiple sclerosis, including clinically isolated syndromes, relapsing remitting diseases, and active secondary progressing disease.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Dimethyl fumarate can be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you will begin or stop taking.
