Tecfidera Helps Treat the Following Conditions:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system involving the brain, spinal cord and/or optic nerves. The immune system attacks nerve fibers and the fatty substance that insulates them, causing interruptions in the nerve impulses traveling to and from the brain and spinal cord. This can produce a variety of symptoms – tingling, loss of balance, blurred vision, bladder problems or trouble walking.

Tecfidera Active Ingredient

The active ingredient in Tecfidera is dimethyl fumarate, a fumaric acid derivative whose exact effect on the body is not known. It is believed to reduce the kind of inflammation which causes damage to the brain and spinal cord in people with relapsing MS.

Patients have a choice of buying brand name Tecfidera.

Generic Tecfidera Alternative:

Generic alternatives to Tecfidera are not yet available on this website.

General Drug Information

What is Tecfidera and What Is It Used For?

Tecfidera is the first oral medication prescribed to people with relapsing multiple sclerosis. It is not a treatment for the disease but it helps reduce the number of episodes with MS symptoms.

Usage and Application

Patients take Tecfidera orally, usually twice daily. Most patients start on a low dose of the medication, increasing dosage after a week. It is important to follow the doctor’s prescription carefully.

Some people may experience flushing of the skin, but taking Tecfidera with food usually helps to reduce this side effect. A patient’s doctor may also prescribe taking an aspirin tablet 30 minutes before a Tecfidera dose should flushing continue to occur

Patients should swallow the medicine capsules whole. Opening, crushing or chewing the capsules may cause the drug to be released into the body all at once, increasing the risk of negative side effects.

It is important to take Tecfidera consistently in order to experience its full benefit. In order to prevent forgetting, patients may find it useful to take this medication at the same time each day.

Considerations Before Taking Tecfidera

Patients need to discuss the possibility of allergic reactions to Tecfidera or any medical history of liver disease. Any infections or conditions involving low white blood cell counts should also be discussed.

Tecfidera may worsen any current infections or increase a patient’s chance of becoming susceptible to new infections. It is important to take measures to reduce the risk of infectious diseases, like washing hands regularly and avoiding contact with people who have infections such as chickenpox, measles or flu. Patients should consult their doctor in the event they have been exposed to an infection.

Patients need to discuss the risks of certain vaccinations with their doctor. They should also avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (like some flu vaccines) delivered through the nose.

Patients who are about to undergo surgery or certain dental procedures should inform their doctor or dentist about all medicines, supplements and herbal products they are taking.

Pregnant women or those planning to get pregnant should discuss the risks and benefits of taking Tecfidera with their doctor. It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk.

Delayed and Omitted Doses

Patients who miss a dose of Tecfidera should take it as soon as they remember. If this happens near the time for the next dose, patients should skip the missed dose and proceed as usual. Patients should not double up on the dose in order to catch up.

Other Medications and Tecfidera

Drug interactions may change the way Tecfidera works and can increase the risk of side effects. Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the full list of medications and supplements they are taking with their doctor. Patients should not change their dose or stop taking this medication unless their physician advises them to do so.

Tecfidera may interact negatively with other MS drugs such as natalizumab, the active substance in the drug Tysabri. Another example is rituximab (Rituxan), used to treat some types of cancer and adult rheumatoid arthritis.

Adverse Reactions

The most common side effects of Tecfidera are flushing, redness and itching, as well as a burning sensation of the skin. These symptoms are often alleviated if Tecfidera is taken with food.

Stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting are also common at the beginning of treatment. They usually go away as a patient’s body adjusts to the medication. Patients should consult their doctor if these symptoms persist or worsen.

Most people taking Tecfidera can do so safely without major negative side effects.

Some patients face the risk of developing infections. It is important to monitor for symptoms such as fever, chills, persistent sore throat, and cough.

There is a small risk of developing serious side effects such as liver damage which manifests through symptoms like persistent nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, dark urine, and yellowing eyes and skin.

In some patients, Tecfidera increases the risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, a rare and usually fatal viral brain disease. Patients should seek immediate medical help in the event they experience weakness, clumsiness, loss of coordination, difficulty concentrating or confusion. The symptoms also include difficulty in moving the muscles, vision changes, speech problems, and seizures.

Serious allergic reactions to Tecfidera are rare, yet patients should be aware of symptoms such as rash, itching and swelling, severe dizziness and trouble breathing.

How to Store Tecfidera

Tecfidera should be stored in its original container at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from children and pets.

Unwanted medication should be disposed of properly and should not be poured into drains or flushed down the toilet. Patients should consult a pharmacist or their local waste disposal company to find out more about safe disposal methods.