Dimforda
Dimforda is a medicine used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) in people aged 13 and older, which helps prevent the immune system from damaging the brain and spinal cord and may possibly slow the disease's progress.
Form
enterokapseli, kova
Strength
240 mg
Active Ingredient
Dimethyl fumarate
Manufacturer
Bausch Health Ireland Limited
How to Use
Dosage
Start with 120 mg twice daily for the first 7 days, then the usual dose is 240 mg twice daily.
Method
Swallow capsules whole with water. Do not split, crush, dissolve, suck, or chew the capsule. Take with food to help reduce common side effects.
Important
The maximum daily dose is 240 mg twice daily (total 480 mg).
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Flushing (redness, warmth, burning, or itching on the face or body)
- •Diarrhea
- •Nausea
- •Stomach pain or cramps
- •Stomach and gut inflammation (gastroenteritis)
- •Vomiting
- •Indigestion
- •Stomach lining inflammation (gastritis)
- •Digestive tract symptoms
- •Burning sensation
- •Hot flashes
- •Itchy skin
- •Rash
- •Pink or red patches on the skin (erythema)
- •Hair loss (alopecia)
- •Low white blood cell count (lymphpopenia, leukopenia) in blood tests
- •Protein in urine (seen in urine tests)
- •High liver enzyme levels in blood tests
RARE
- •Allergic reactions
- •Decreased number of blood platelets
- •Liver inflammation and high liver enzyme levels with signs of jaundice (yellow skin/eyes from high bilirubin)
- •Shingles (herpes zoster) symptoms: blisters, burning, itching, or pain on one side of your body or face; fever and weakness in early stages, followed by numbness, itching, or red patches with severe pain.
- •Runny nose
- •PML (Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy) symptoms: new or worsening weakness on one side of your body, clumsiness, changes in vision, thinking, or memory, confusion, personality changes, or speech/communication problems lasting longer than a few days.
Important Warnings
- Do not take Dimforda if you are allergic to dimethyl fumarate or any other ingredient in the medicine.
- Do not take Dimforda if you have, or are suspected of having, a rare brain infection called PML (Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy).
- Talk to your doctor before taking Dimforda if you have severe kidney or liver disease, stomach or bowel problems, or a serious infection like pneumonia.
- Dimforda treatment can cause shingles. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any signs of shingles.
- If your MS symptoms get worse, or you notice new symptoms (like weakness or vision changes), tell your doctor right away. These could be signs of PML, a serious brain infection.
Show 4 more warnings
- If you are taking medicines for psoriasis that contain fumaric acid esters, taking Dimforda may cause a rare but serious kidney problem called Fanconi syndrome.
- Do not use Dimforda if you are pregnant, unless your doctor says it is absolutely necessary after discussing it with you.
- Avoid drinking strong alcoholic drinks (over 30% alcohol by volume) for one hour before and after taking Dimforda, as it can cause stomach inflammation.
- You should not get live vaccines while taking Dimforda, as it may increase your risk of infection.