TECFIDERA™ (dimethyl fumarate) capsule
Warnings
| See warnings and precautions below. |
Description
| TECFIDERA™ (dimethyl fumarate) delayed-release capsules, for oral use Initial U.S. Approval: 2013 TECFIDERA contains dimethyl fumarate which is also known by its chemical name, dimethyl (E) butenedioate, (C6H8O4). Dimethyl fumarate is a white to off-white powder that is highly soluble in water with a molecular mass of 144.13. TECFIDERA is provided as hard gelatin delayed-release capsules for oral administration, containing 120 mg or 240 mg of dimethyl fumarate consisting of the following inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, silicified microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, talc, silica colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, triethyl citrate, methacrylic acid copolymer - Type A, methacrylic acid copolymer dispersion, simethicone (30% emulsion), sodium lauryl sulphate, and polysorbate 80. The capsule shell, printed with black ink, contains the following inactive ingredients: gelatin, titanium dioxide, FD&C blue 1; brilliant blue FCF, yellow iron oxide and black iron oxide. |
Clinical pharmacology
| Mechanism of Action: The mechanism by which dimethyl fumarate (DMF) exerts its therapeutic effect in multiple sclerosis is unknown. DMF and the metabolite, monomethyl fumarate (MMF), have been shown to activate the Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) pathway in vitro and in vivo in animals and humans. The Nrf2 pathway is involved in the cellular response to oxidative stress. MMF has been identified as a nicotinic acid receptor agonist in vitro. |
Indications and usage
| INDICATIONS AND USAGE: TECFIDERA is indicated for the treatment of patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. |
Precautions
| WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS: TECFIDERA may cause lymphopenia. A recent CBC should be available before initiating treatment with TECFIDERA. A CBC is recommended annually, and as clinically indicated. Consider withholding treatment in patients with serious infections. |
Adverse reactions
| ADVERSE REACTIONS: Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥10% and ≥2% placebo) were flushing, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Biogen Idec at 1-800-456-2255 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS: |
Reference
| Package insert data: [Accessed: Jan 2014] Manufactured by: Biogen Idec Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, www.TECFIDERA.com or call 1-800-456-2255 This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Issued: 03/2013 PACKAGE LABEL PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 240 mg Capsules: Box Label |
Reference(s)
National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, DailyMed Database.
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