Dimethyl Fumarate
Description
Dimethyl Fumarate is used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, causing symptoms such as vision problems, numbness in the arms and legs, weakness, tingling sensation, loss of balance and control, etc.) in adults. It works by decreasing swelling of the nerves and also preventing nerve damage. Thus, it helps to alleviate the symptoms of multiple sclerosis and prevent the worsening of your condition.
Dimethyl Fumarate shows side effects like stomach pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, warmth, redness, itching, or burning of the skin, etc. Consult your doctor if any of these side effects do not resolve with time or worsen. It may also cause dizziness in some cases. Hence, avoid driving vehicles or operating machines if you feel dizzy after taking this medicine. Avoid taking this medicine if you are allergic to it.
Dimethyl Fumarate may be taken with or without food. Your doctor will determine the dose and duration of treatment based on the severity of your medical condition. Try not to miss any dose and avoid discontinuing this medicine on your own.
Dimethyl Fumarate should be used with caution if you have liver problems. Your doctor may suggest tests to monitor your blood cell count and liver function while you are on treatment with Dimethyl Fumarate. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines to avoid any interaction.
Dimethyl Fumarate is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy data are not established. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or are breastfeeding.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Dimethyl Fumarate
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Fever or chills
- Painful or difficult urination
- Stomach pain
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Dizziness
- Skin rash
Uses of Dimethyl Fumarate
What is it prescribed for?
- Multiple sclerosis
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe time Dimethyl Fumarate takes to show its action is not known.
- Duration of effectThe time duration for which Dimethyl Fumarate remains effective in your body is not known.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?Dimethyl Fumarate has no habit-forming tendency.
- Usage in pregnancy?Dimethyl Fumarate is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with your doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Dimethyl Fumarate is not recommended for use while breastfeeding unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with your doctor before taking this medicine.
Allergy
Avoid taking Dimethyl Fumarate if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Dimethyl Fumarate is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with your doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
Dimethyl Fumarate is not recommended for use while breastfeeding unless necessary. The risks and benefits should be discussed with your doctor before taking this medicine.
General warnings
Decreased Lymphocyte count
Dimethyl Fumarate should be used with caution as it may cause a decrease in lymphocyte (a type of white blood cell that is part of the immune system) counts. Your doctor will suggest a blood test to obtain a complete blood count before initiating treatment with this medicine. Further, your doctor may monitor your complete blood count every three months after initiating the treatment.
Driving or operating machines
Dimethyl Fumarate may cause dizziness in some cases. Avoid driving vehicles or operating machines if you feel dizzy after taking this medicine.
Risk of infections
Use of Dimethyl Fumarate may affect the immune system and make you more vulnerable to infections. Avoid coming in contact with people who have an infection while taking this medicine.
In case of serious infections, your doctor may recommend withholding this medicine until the infection has resolved. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take a dose of Dimethyl Fumarate at a given time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Never take more than the prescribed dose of Dimethyl Fumarate. Seek emergency medical attention in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Live attenuated vaccines and related products
Adalimumab
Azathioprine
Efalizumab
Disease interactions
Liver disease
Dimethyl Fumarate may cause an increase in liver enzyme levels and further cause liver injury. Hence, if you have liver problems, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Dimethyl Fumarate with or without food as instructed by your doctor. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablets as they have a special coating to prevent the breakdown of this medicine by stomach acids.
Your doctor may recommend tests to monitor your blood cell counts and liver function during treatment with this medicine.
Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any signs and symptoms of infection such as fever, sore throat, rash, severe diarrhoea, burning or pain with urination, chills and sweats, etc.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Dimethyl Fumarate reduces swelling and prevents damage to the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Selective immunosuppressants
Schedule
Schedule H
Drugs, H., 2021. Dimethyl Fumarate: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 3 December 2021].
Accessdata.fda.gov. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 3 December 2021].
Biogen.ca. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 3 December 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2022. Tecfidera 120mg gastro-resistant hard capsules - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 13 January 2022].
Information on this page was last updated on 13 Jan 2022
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.