Dimethyl fumarate STADA
This medicine is for people aged 13 and older who have a type of multiple sclerosis (MS) that comes and goes.
Form
enterokapseli, kova
Strength
240 mg
Active Ingredient
Dimethyl fumarate
Manufacturer
STADA Arzneimittel AG
How to Use
Dosage
For the first 7 days, take one 120 mg capsule twice a day. After that, take one 240 mg capsule twice a day.
Method
Swallow the capsules whole with water. Do not break, crush, or chew them. Take your medicine with food to help lessen common stomach upset.
Important
The most you should take in one day is 480 mg (two 240 mg capsules).
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Flushing (redness, warmth, burning, or itching sensation in the body or face)
- •Diarrhea
- •Nausea (feeling sick to your stomach)
- •Stomach pain or cramps
- •Stomach flu (gastroenteritis)
- •Vomiting (throwing up)
- •Indigestion (heartburn or upset stomach)
- •Stomach inflammation (gastritis)
- •Gastrointestinal symptoms (like bloating or gas)
- •Burning sensation
- •Hot flashes, feeling of heat
- •Itchy skin (pruritus)
- •Rash
- •Pink or red patches on the skin (erythema)
- •Hair loss (alopecia)
- •Low white blood cell count (lymphopenia, leukopenia) in the blood. This means your body might be less able to fight infections. If you get a serious infection, tell your doctor right away.
- •Protein (albumin) in urine
- •Increased liver enzymes (ALAT, ASAT) in blood
RARE
- •Allergic reactions (hypersensitivity)
- •Low platelet count
- •Liver inflammation and increased liver enzymes (ALAT or ASAT) combined with bilirubin
- •Shingles (herpes zoster infection) with symptoms like blisters, burning, itching, or pain on one side of the body or face, fever, weakness, numbness, or red patches.
- •Runny nose (rhinorrhoea)
Important Warnings
- Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to dimethyl fumarate or any other ingredient in it.
- Do not take this medicine if you have a rare brain infection called PML, or if your doctor thinks you might have it.
- This medicine can affect your white blood cells, kidneys, and liver. Your doctor will do regular blood tests to check these while you are taking it.
- Talk to your doctor before taking this medicine if you have severe kidney or liver disease, stomach or bowel problems, or a serious infection like pneumonia.
- You might get shingles (a type of rash) while on this medicine. If you think you have shingles, tell your doctor right away.
Show 6 more warnings
- If your MS gets worse or you notice new symptoms like weakness or vision changes, tell your doctor right away. These could be signs of a serious brain infection (PML).
- If you get increased peeing, feel very thirsty, have weak muscles, bone pain, or fractures, tell your doctor. These could be signs of a rare but serious kidney problem.
- Do not get 'live' vaccines while taking this medicine, as they can cause infections. Your doctor will tell you about other types of vaccines.
- Avoid strong alcohol for one hour before and after taking this medicine, as it can cause stomach irritation.
- Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless your doctor says it's okay.
- If you have severe allergic reactions like swelling of your face, lips, mouth, or tongue, wheezing, trouble breathing, dizziness, or fainting, stop taking this medicine and get medical help right away.