tecfidera

tecfidera Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? tecfidera is a brand name. Its generic name is Dimethyl fumarate.

Introduction

tecfidera is the generic name for a drug marketed by German pharmaceutical company Bayer under the trade name Tecfidera. It is prescribed to people living with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS); a disabling, often progressive neurological disorder.

Uses

tecfidera is primarily used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive MS in adults.

Mechanism of Action

The exact mechanism of action by which dimethyl fumarate helps reduce MS symptoms has not been fully understood. It is believed that the drug's active ingredient, dimethyl fumarate, modulates immune system responses and induces oxidative stress that inhibits inflammatory damage to the myelin sheath. Additionally, the drug's active ingredient has also been observed to possess neuroprotective and antioxidant properties.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

When taken as prescribed, dimethyl fumarate typically starts to work within the first two weeks. During clinical trials, patients taking the drug demonstrated an average reduction in annual relapse rate by 55% after the second year of treatment.

Absorption

After taken orally, dimethyl fumarate is rapidly absorbed in the small intestine, reaching peak concentrations in the bloodstream within 1 to 2 hours.

Route of Elimination

tecfidera is mainly metabolized in the liver and primarily excreted through the urine as metabolites.

Dosage

The recommended dosage for dimethyl fumarate is 120 or 240mg twice daily. The higher dose of 240mg is usually prescribed for people who have had an inadequate response to the lower dose.

Administration

tecfidera should be taken within 1 hour after eating a full meal that is high in fat content. For optimal absorption, the capsules should be taken with a full glass of water.

Side Effect

The most common side effects of dimethyl fumarate include flushing, gastrointestinal upset, tiredness and nausea. Other possible side effects are abdomen pain, dizziness, headache, diarrhea, itching, and skin rash.

Toxicity

tecfidera has a low toxicity profile and there is no evidence of long-term toxic effects.

Precautions

Patients should let their doctor know if they have liver or kidney problems, any allergies, or a history of any type of cancer. tecfidera should also be avoided in patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Interaction

tecfidera is known to interact with certain medications, including certain antiviral medications, antibiotics, antifungal medications, and anticoagulants.

Disease Interaction

tecfidera should not be used in patients with active hepatitis B or in combination with interferon beta or glatiramer acetate, as it has been known to cause worsening of symptoms in these patients.

Drug Interaction

tecfidera should not be used in combination with other drugs that modulate the immune system, such as cyclophosphamide or tacrolimus. Additionally, it may interact with other drugs that are metabolized in the liver, such as warfarin and diclofenac.

Food Interaction

tecfidera should not be taken with food high in fat or calcium, as it can decrease drug absorption.

Pregnancy Use

tecfidera has not been evaluated for use in pregnant women and is not recommended for use.

Lactation Use

tecfidera should not be taken by women who are breastfeeding due to lack of sufficient study regarding the safety of the drug in lactation.

Acute Overdose

In the case of an acute overdose, seek medical treatment immediately. Symptoms of an overdose may include headache, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, decreased appetite, fatigue, dizziness, and flushing.

Contraindication

tecfidera is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug.

Use Direction

tecfidera should be taken as prescribed by a doctor. It should be taken in the form of oral capsules or coated tablets, and should be taken within 1 hour after eating a high-fat meal.

Storage Condition

tecfidera should be stored at room temperature in a tightly sealed container.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution of dimethyl fumarate is estimated to be 13-18 L/kg.

Half Life

The biological half-life of dimethyl fumarate is estimated to be approximately 5-7 hours.

Clearance

The clearance of dimethyl fumarate is estimated to be 0.8-1.3 L/hr/kg.

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