Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Tecfidera (Dimethyl-fumarate).
Infection: Dimethyl fumarate can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). If you are taking medications or have an illness that reduces your body's ability to fight infection, discuss with your doctor how Tecfidera (Dimethyl-fumarate) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Tecfidera (Dimethyl-fumarate), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, or unexplained weight loss. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor your white blood cell count.
Kidney function: Treatment with dimethyl fumarate may cause an increase in the amount of protein removed from the body by the kidneys. In some cases, this may indicate a decrease in kidney function. If you have reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Tecfidera (Dimethyl-fumarate) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Tecfidera (Dimethyl-fumarate), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Your doctor may want to test your kidney function regularly while you are taking Tecfidera (Dimethyl-fumarate).
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of protein in the urine, such as swelling of the face or legs.
Liver function: Treatment with dimethyl fumarate may cause an increase in liver enzymes, which are chemicals produced by the liver. In some cases, increased liver enzymes can indicate a decrease in liver function. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Tecfidera (Dimethyl-fumarate) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Tecfidera (Dimethyl-fumarate), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Tecfidera (Dimethyl-fumarate).
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): There have been reports of PML after using dimethyl fumarate. PML is a rare disorder that causes nerve damage in the brain and is more likely to occur in people who have a weakened immune system. If you experience memory loss, vision loss, trouble thinking, or difficulty walking, contact your doctor immediately.
Vaccines: Live attenuated vaccines such as yellow fever, BCG, Cholera, typhoid, varicella, meningococcal, and diphtheria should not be given while you are taking dimethyl fumarate.
Pregnancy: Tecfidera (Dimethyl-fumarate) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Tecfidera (Dimethyl-fumarate), tell your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if dimethyl fumarate passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Tecfidera (Dimethyl-fumarate), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Tecfidera (Dimethyl-fumarate) have not been established for children below the age of 18.
Seniors: Seniors are more likely to have medical conditions that may be affected by dimethyl fumarate. If you are a senior and taking Tecfidera (Dimethyl-fumarate), your doctor should closely monitor your medical conditions while you are taking Tecfidera (Dimethyl-fumarate).
