Dimethyl Fumarate
About
Dimethyl Fumarate belongs to the group of medications called Nrf2 activators used to treat people with the clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting forms, and secondary progressive types of multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is a condition in which the immune system attacks the protective covering of the nerves (myelin) and causes disrupted communication between the brain and body.
Dimethyl Fumarate contains Dimethyl fumarate that stops the body's defence system from damaging the brain and spinal cord. Thereby, delaying the worsening of multiple sclerosis. It also reduces inflammation and avoids nerve damage, thus helping treat the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
Take Dimethyl Fumarate as prescribed. Dimethyl Fumarate may cause certain common side effects including flushing, redness, itching, rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, and indigestion. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if these side effects persist or worsen.
If you are allergic or sensitive to any of the components of Dimethyl Fumarate, you should notify your doctor. Inform your doctor before taking Dimethyl Fumarate if you have a history of the lowered immune response, severe active infection, low white blood cell counts, and liver disorders. Avoid taking Dimethyl Fumarate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Uses of Dimethyl Fumarate
Medicinal Benefits
Dimethyl Fumarate belongs to the group of medications called neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory agents, generally used to treat people with various forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Dimethyl Fumarate contains Dimethyl fumarate as an active ingredient. It works by reducing inflammation and avoiding nerve damage; thus, it effectively alleviates the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Dimethyl Fumarate
- Flushing
- Redness
- Itching
- Rash
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach Pain
- Indigestion
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
To treat your condition effectually, continue using Dimethyl Fumarate for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. It is advisable to inform the doctor if you are allergic or sensitive to its components. Inform your doctor before taking Dimethyl Fumarate if you have a history of the lowered immune response, severe active infection, low white blood cell counts, and liver disorders. Avoid taking Dimethyl Fumarate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You must use effective contraception during treatment and for two months after stopping treatment. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and all the medicines you are taking, including vaccinations to avoid drug interactions and side effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Dimethyl Fumarate may interact with a similar class of medicines used to treat multiple sclerosis (e.g. diroximel fumarate, fingolimod), medicines used to treat arthritis (e.g. adalimumab, baricitinib, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab), anticancer medications (e.g. cladribine), medicines used to treat sleeping sickness (e.g. fexinidazole), and vaccinations (e.g. BCG vaccine, influenza virus vaccine, measles virus vaccine).
Drug-Food Interactions: Consuming alcohol along with Dimethyl Fumarate is not advisable.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor before taking Dimethyl Fumarate if you have had a severe active infection or active chronic infection, lowered immune response, liver disease, lymphocytopenia or low WBC count.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is unknown whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Dimethyl Fumarate. However, it is advisable not to take or limit alcohol as a precautionary measure.
Pregnancy
unsafeDo not take Dimethyl Fumarate if you are pregnant unless prescribed by the doctor.
Breast Feeding
unsafeDimethyl Fumarate is not recommended during lactation. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionDimethyl Fumarate is unlikely to influence your ability to drive and use machines. However, do not drive or operate machinery if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react. Seek medical attention if the symptoms persist longer.
Liver
cautionDimethyl Fumarate to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Kidney
cautionDimethyl Fumarate to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Children
unsafeDimethyl Fumarate should not be given to children as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Follow a well-balanced diet.
- Exercising regularly helps in improving overall health.
- Meditation, music and yoga have also proven very effective in helping mental health.
- Rest well, get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Avoid processed and fried food.
- Include leafy vegetables, poultry, seafood, beans, nuts, seeds, meat and fortified food in your diet.
Special Advise
- Do not stop taking Dimethyl Fumarate or adjust your dose without doctor notice.
- Your doctor may advise complete blood count tests regularly.
- Your doctor may also prescribe blood tests to check your liver function before, during, and after therapy.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Multiple sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, resulting in symptoms such as problems with sensation, balance, vision, pain, impaired coordination, and fatigue. The immune system attacks the protective covering of the nerves (myelin) and causes disrupted communication between the brain and body due to nerve damage.
FAQs
Dimethyl Fumarate stops the body's defence system from damaging the brain and spinal cord. Thereby delaying the worsening of multiple sclerosis. It also reduces inflammation and avoids nerve damage, thus helping treat the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
Even if you feel better, keep taking Dimethyl Fumarate for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. Do not discontinue Dimethyl Fumarate without first consulting your doctor.
There is currently no cure for multiple sclerosis, but several treatments can help control the condition. Dimethyl Fumarate helps lower the number of relapses and slows down the progression of physical disabilities due to multiple sclerosis.
No, Dimethyl Fumarate is a medication prescribed by a doctor to treat specific medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Taking it on your own can result in adverse effects.
Elevation of liver enzymes may occur in patients receiving Dimethyl Fumarate. Your doctor may monitor transaminase and bilirubin levels while on treatment with Dimethyl Fumarate.
Dimethyl Fumarate may increase the risk of infections. It is advisable to obtain a complete blood count (CBC) before initiating treatment and monitor for infection during treatment and two months after discontinuation.
