Dimethyl fumarate Pharmathen
This medicine treats a type of multiple sclerosis (MS) in patients 13 years and older.
Form
enterokapseli, kova
Strength
120 mg
Active Ingredient
Dimethyl fumarate
Manufacturer
Pharmathen S.A.
How to Use
Dosage
Start with 120 mg twice a day for 7 days. After that, the usual dose is 240 mg twice a day.
Method
Swallow the capsules whole with water. Do not crush, split, dissolve, suck, or chew them. Take the medicine with food to help reduce some side effects.
Important
The maximum daily dose is 480 mg.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Flushing (redness in the face or body, feeling warm, hot, burning, or itchy)
- •Diarrhea
- •Nausea (feeling sick)
- •Stomach pain or cramps
- •Inflammation in the intestines (gastroenteritis)
- •Vomiting
- •Indigestion (dyspepsia)
- •Inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis)
- •Burning sensation
- •Hot flashes
- •Itching skin
- •Rash
- •Pink or red patches on the skin (erythema)
- •Hair loss (alopecia)
- •Low white blood cell count (lymphopenia, leukopenia)
- •Protein in urine (albuminuria)
- •Increased liver enzyme levels (ALAT, ASAT) in blood
RARE
- •Allergic reactions (hypersensitivity)
- •Decreased platelet count
- •Liver inflammation and increased liver enzymes with bilirubin
- •Shingles (herpes zoster, with symptoms like blisters, burning, itching, pain, fever, numbness)
- •Severe, watery runny nose
Important Warnings
- Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to dimethyl fumarate or any other ingredient in this medicine.
- Do not take this medicine if you are suspected of having a rare brain infection called PML, or if PML has been confirmed.
- Your doctor will check your white blood cell count, kidney, and liver function with blood tests before starting treatment and regularly during treatment.
- Talk to your doctor if you have a severe kidney or liver disease, stomach or bowel disease, or a serious infection.
- Tell your doctor immediately if you suspect you have shingles, as this can happen with this medicine.
Show 3 more warnings
- If your MS symptoms get worse or you develop new symptoms (like weakness, vision changes, clumsiness, problems with thinking or memory, confusion, or speech difficulties), talk to your doctor right away. These could be signs of a rare brain infection (PML).
- If you notice you are urinating more often, are thirstier, drink more, have weak muscles, bone fractures, aches, or pains, tell your doctor. These could be signs of a rare kidney disease.
- If you get a rash or hives along with swelling of your face, lips, mouth, or tongue, difficulty breathing, wheezing, dizziness, or fainting, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor immediately. This could be a severe allergic reaction.