Dimethyl Fumarate
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Molecule Summary
| Uses | Plaque psoriasis and Multiple sclerosis (MS) |
| Therapy | Drugs For Multiple Sclerosis |
| Side Effects | Flushing (redness, warmth, burning, or itching of the face or body), loose stools (diarrhoea), feeling sick (nausea), stomach pain or cramps, possible presence of ketones in urine. |
Medicines
available
19k pincodes
Molecule Description
Dimethyl Fumarate is used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) and moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. This medicine works by reducing the damage that your body's defence system causes to your brain and spinal cord. This may help to lessen the number of MS attacks you have and slow down the worsening of your MS over time.
Swallow whole with some water. Do not break, crush, dissolve, suck, or chew. Try to take it with food, as this can help reduce some of the common side effects. Always take Dimethyl Fumarate exactly as your doctor has told you. Side effects of this medicine include flushing (redness, warmth, burning, or itching of the face or body), loose stools (diarrhoea), feeling sick (nausea), stomach pain or cramps.
Before using this medicine, inform your doctor if you have low white blood cell counts or an infection. Also, let your doctor know about all the medical conditions and medications you are taking to ensure it is safe for you. Pregnant or breastfeeding women need to consult their doctor prior to using this medicine, as it may harm the developing baby.
Uses
Dimethyl Fumarate is used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults and children 13 and older. MS is a chronic condition affecting the brain and spinal cord, with episodes of symptom exacerbation (relapses) followed by recovery phases. It is also used for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.
Contraindications
When should one not use Dimethyl Fumarate
- If you are allergic to dimethyl fumarate or any other ingredients in the medicine.
- If you have or your doctor suspects you have a rare brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML).
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Flushing (redness, warmth, burning, or itching of the face or body)
- Loose stools (diarrhoea)
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Stomach pain or cramps
- Possible presence of ketones in urine
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Driving
Alcohol
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You have severe kidney disease.
- You have severe liver disease.
- You have a disease of the stomach or bowel.
- You have a serious infection, such as pneumonia.
- You develop shingles (herpes zoster) while taking this medicine. Tell your doctor immediately if you suspect you have symptoms of shingles.
- You notice your MS symptoms getting worse, or you develop any new symptoms. These could be signs of PML, a serious brain infection. Contact your doctor immediately.
- You notice you are passing more urine, are thirstier than usual, feel weaker, break bones easily, or have aches and pains. These could be signs of a rare kidney problem called Fanconi syndrome.
- Your white blood cell count drops too low during treatment.
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
Dimethyl Fumarate works by reducing the damage that your body's defence system causes to your brain and spinal cord. This may help to lessen the number of MS attacks you have and slow down the worsening of your MS over time.
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines.
- Be especially careful if you are taking other medicines that contain fumaric acid esters (fumarates), which are used to treat psoriasis.
- Medicines that affect your immune system, including chemotherapy, immunosuppressants, or other medicines used to treat MS.
- Medicines that can affect your kidneys, such as some antibiotics, "water tablets" (diuretics), certain painkillers like ibuprofen, and medicines containing lithium.
- Certain types of vaccines (live vaccines) should be avoided while taking this medicine, as they could increase your risk of infection. Your doctor will advise you about other types of vaccines (non-live vaccines).
Interactions with food items
Try to take Dimethyl Fumarate with food, as this can help reduce some of the common side effects.
Dosage
Overdose
If you take too much Dimethyl Fumarate, you may experience side effects such as flushing (redness, warmth, burning, or itching of the face or body), loose stools (diarrhoea), nausea (feeling sick), stomach pain, or cramps. In such a case, seek immediate medical attention.
Missed a Dose
If you forget to take a dose, do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one. You can take the missed dose if it is at least 4 hours before your next scheduled dose. If it is closer to your next dose, just wait and take your next dose at the usual time.
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