Tecfidera

Multiple Sclerosis
Treatment
1 FDA approval
20 Active Studies for Tecfidera

What is Tecfidera

Dimethyl fumarateThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryDimethyl fumarate is a medication used to reduce inflammation and treat multiple sclerosis, as well as psoriasis. It works by triggering a response in the body that helps protect it from oxidative stress. The brand name for this drug is Tecfidera.
Tecfiderais the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
Tecfidera Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Tecfidera
Dimethyl fumarate
2013
54

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Dimethyl fumarate, otherwise called Tecfidera, is approved by the FDA for 1 uses like Multiple Sclerosis .
Multiple Sclerosis
Helps manage Multiple Sclerosis

Effectiveness

How Tecfidera Affects PatientsThe exact way dimethyl fumarate affects the body is not known, but it is thought to reduce inflammation and protect cells. It is usually prescribed to people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Dimethyl fumarate does not usually cause heart problems, but it has been known to cause severe infections, low levels of white blood cells, liver problems, anaphylaxis, and swelling of the face or tongue.
How Tecfidera works in the bodyThe way dimethyl fumarate works against multiple sclerosis is not fully understood. It is believed to change how the body responds to oxidative stress, which can help reduce inflammation. Dimethyl fumarate also blocks a protein that helps cause inflammation. Additionally, monomethyl fumarate, which is a breakdown product of dimethyl fumarate, interacts with a receptor in our bodies, although it is unclear how this affects the disease. Finally, it is thought that dimethyl fumarate changes the makeup of the cells involved in the immune response, reducing the number of pro-inflammatory cells and increasing the number of anti-inflammatory

When to interrupt dosage

The advised dosage of Tecfidera is contingent upon the identified condition. The amount of dosage fluctuates, in accordance with the delivery approach (e.g. Capsule, delayed release - Oral or Oral) indicated in the table beneath.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
Multiple Sclerosis
, 120.0 mg, 240.0 mg, 360.0 mg, 30.0 mg
, Oral, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, delayed release - Oral, Tablet, delayed release

Warnings

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Tecfidera.
Common Tecfidera Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Dimethyl fumarate is combined with 9-(N-methyl-L-isoleucine)-cyclosporin A.
Acteoside
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Dimethyl fumarate is combined with Acteoside.
Antilymphocyte immunoglobulin (horse)
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Dimethyl fumarate is combined with Antilymphocyte immunoglobulin (horse).
Bacillus calmette-guerin substrain russian BCG-I live antigen
Major
The therapeutic efficacy of Bacillus calmette-guerin substrain russian BCG-I live antigen can be decreased when used in combination with Dimethyl fumarate.
Baricitinib
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Dimethyl fumarate is combined with Baricitinib.
Tecfidera Toxicity & Overdose RiskThere have been reports of people overdosing on dimethyl fumarate. There is no known way to remove the drug from the body, so treatment focuses on dealing with the symptoms. In animal studies, mice given high doses developed tumors in their stomach and kidneys. There is no evidence that dimethyl fumarate causes mutations or chromosome damage in humans.
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Tecfidera Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Tecfidera?

Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Multiple Sclerosis
197 Actively Recruiting
Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 1, Phase 4, Early Phase 1

Tecfidera Reviews: What are patients saying about Tecfidera?

5Patient Review
4/14/2018
Tecfidera for Relapsing Form of Multiple Sclerosis
I was recently diagnosed with PML after taking this medication for 3 years. I had no issues until now. Has anyone else experienced this?
5Patient Review
9/21/2016
Tecfidera for Relapsing Form of Multiple Sclerosis
I felt great while taking this medication, both mentally and physically. However, I did experience some GI side effects that eventually led me to stop taking it.
4.3Patient Review
4/26/2016
Tecfidera for Relapsing Form of Multiple Sclerosis
After getting used to the medication (which took about 8 weeks), I started feeling better. My symptoms have improved and I'm hopeful for the future.
4Patient Review
3/1/2017
Tecfidera for Relapsing Form of Multiple Sclerosis
Avonex was great for the first five years, but I eventually couldn't handle the side effects anymore. Tecfidera has been working really well for me so far; after almost two months, I've only experienced occasional flushing. Make sure to eat before taking it, though! Aspirin also seems to help. fingers crossed that my lab results continue looking good so I can stay on this medication. My doctor recommends an MRI six months after starting the treatment.
3.7Patient Review
4/20/2017
Tecfidera for Relapsing Form of Multiple Sclerosis
I was diagnosed in 2010 and started taking this drug at the end of 2015. I have experienced new inflammations and relapses since then. It is easy to use, but it has not been very effective for me.
2.3Patient Review
2/16/2016
Tecfidera for Relapsing Form of Multiple Sclerosis
Though this drug stopped the relapse, it caused severe drying of mouth, eyes, and mucous regions. Drying of eyes required drops all day, mouth caused my dentist to prescribe mouth wash and special toothpaste, bleeding from vagina area required moist wipes only. Had to discontinue use.
2.3Patient Review
10/10/2019
Tecfidera for Relapsing Form of Multiple Sclerosis
I tried this medication for a while, but it didn't work well for me. I was on Coppaxone for years before that.
2.3Patient Review
10/10/2019
Tecfidera for Relapsing Form of Multiple Sclerosis
I didn't have a good experience with this drug. I was on coppaxone for years
1Patient Review
10/13/2016
Tecfidera for Relapsing Form of Multiple Sclerosis
I tried this treatment for less than a week, and it was awful. I felt like there were pins sticking me, my eyes burned, and my legs itched for an hour and a half. The needle pain from the Rebif was over in 15 seconds. I'm done with this treatment.
1Patient Review
10/25/2016
Tecfidera for Relapsing Form of Multiple Sclerosis
I am nervous about starting Tecfidera. I had bad reactions to Rebif, and a nurse told me that this new medicine is like chemotherapy. Has anyone else had experience with this?
1Patient Review
2/26/2019
Tecfidera for Relapsing Form of Multiple Sclerosis
I didn't get to see the full effects of this drug because I had such a terrible reaction to it. I found out later that it's actually used as a furniture preservative, and after doing more research I discovered that it can cause skin irritation and rashes. Needless to say, I was not eager to continue taking this medication!
1Patient Review
6/7/2021
Tecfidera for Relapsing Form of Multiple Sclerosis
Unfortunately, this drug didn't help me manage my MS symptoms or the numbness and burning sensations in my extremities. I'll be discontinuing use soon and trying another medication.
1Patient Review
3/24/2020
Tecfidera for Relapsing Form of Multiple Sclerosis
The company's customer service is unacceptable. I had to return the product just to stop the harassment.
1Patient Review
12/13/2015
Tecfidera for Relapsing Form of Multiple Sclerosis
1Patient Review
5/24/2016
Tecfidera for Relapsing Form of Multiple Sclerosis
My first reaction to this drug was so bad that I considered going to the emergency room. All of my MS symptoms were amplified, it was absolutely awful. Thank goodness I switched medications.
1Patient Review
2/16/2016
Tecfidera for Relapsing Form of Multiple Sclerosis
Not only did this not help with my flare-ups, it actually made me feel worse. I would avoid this if at all possible.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about tecfidera

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Is Tecfidera an immunosuppressant?

"Tecfidera is a type of medicine that suppresses the immune system."

Answered by AI

What are the major side effects of Tecfidera?

"If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

The following text is about the side effects of taking a certain drug. Flushing, warmth, redness, itching, and burning feeling of the skin may occur. Taking this drug with food may reduce flushing. Stomach/abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly."

Answered by AI

How long can you stay on Tecfidera?

"You can take Tecfidera for as long as it is clinically beneficial to you and you can tolerate any side effects. A clinical benefit means that: your disease is not progressing significantly. you are not developing any new TD2 or Gd lesions, or existing lesions are not enlarging."

Answered by AI

What does Tecfidera do for MS?

"Tecfidera is a pill taken twice daily to help reduce the number and severity of relapses in people with relapsing remitting MS. It's been shown to reduce the number of relapses by about 50%. Common side effects include flushing and gastric upset (feeling sick, diarrhoea and stomach pains)."

Answered by AI

What are the side effects of the drug Tecfidera?

"If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

The following effects may occur when taking this drug: flushing/warmth, redness, itching, and burning feeling of the skin; taking this drug with food may reduce flushing; stomach/abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly."

Answered by AI

Is Tecfidera good for MS?

"Tecfidera is approved for treating relapsing forms of MS, which are the most common forms of MS. In these forms, attacks of worsening or new symptoms occur (relapse), followed by periods of partial or complete recovery (remission). Tecfidera reduces the risk of MS relapse by up to 49 percent over two years."

Answered by AI

What is the drug Tecfidera used for?

"A disease modifying therapy called dimethyl fumerate, which is sold under the brand name Tecfidera, is recommended for treating people with active relapsing multiple sclerosis. This is defined in medical guidelines as having had two or more relapses within the last two years."

Answered by AI

How long can you take Tecfidera?

"You can take Tecfidera for as long as it is clinically beneficial and you can tolerate the side effects. Clinical benefits include: little to no disease progression, no new or enlarging lesions, and tolerable side effects."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Tecfidera

Have you considered Tecfidera clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Tecfidera, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Tecfidera clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Tecfidera, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Have you considered Tecfidera clinical trials? We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Tecfidera, we think they might fit your search criteria.