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Home > Drug Category > Multiple Sclerosis > Tecfidera and Equivalent

Tecfidera Information

Tecfidera (Dimethyl Fumarate) is used to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) in patients at least 13 years old. MS is a long-term condition that affects the central nervous system, including the brain and the spinal cord. Relapsing-remitting MS involves periods of relapse and remission. During a relapse, the symptoms worsen, and during remission, symptoms improve. Selective immunosuppressants like Dimethyl Fumarate stop the immune system from damaging your brain and spinal cord, reducing the symptoms of MS.

Tecfidera Side Effects

The most common side effects of Tecfidera may include stomach pain, flushing, diarrhea, and skin redness. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Signs of a brain infection, such as loss of coordination, clumsiness, seizure, vision changes, problems with speech;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, breathing difficulties, or itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat;
• Signs of liver problems, such as appetite loss, tiredness, dark urine, clay-colored stools;
• Signs of low white blood cell counts, such as skin sores, mouth sores, sore throat, cough

Tecfidera Precautions

Do not use Tecfidera if you are allergic to Dimethyl Fumarate or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have A low white blood cell count, An active infection, Liver disease, A rare brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), Stomach or bowel disease, Severe kidney disease, think you may be pregnant or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Tecfidera and other medications, such as ibuprofen, live vaccines, omeprazole, prednisone, etc. Do not use Tecfidera if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant without informing your doctor. It is unknown if the drug will harm a fetus. Do not use Tecfidera while breastfeeding without talking to your doctor. It is not known if Dimethyl Fumarate passes into breastmilk or if it may harm nursing infants. It is not known if this drug is safe for use in children below ten years of age.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. This drug is for oral use. Swallow the tablets whole with some water. Do not crush, open, or chew the capsule. You can take the drug with food to reduce some of the common side effects. You will start using a low dose of this drug for the first seven days before taking the regular dose. This drug may lower your ability to fight infections. Stay away from anyone with an infection that can easily spread, such as chickenpox, flu, or measles. You will need frequent blood tests while using this drug. Avoid drinking alcohol of more than 30% volume within an hour of taking Tecfidera. Alcohol can react with this medicine and lead to stomach inflammation. Store this medication at room temperature, below 300C. Keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Tecfidera?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Tecfidera.