Can Tecfidera cause stomach damage?
Although Tecfidera can cause stomach problems, it is unlikely to cause permanent stomach damage. Research has shown that up to 88% of people experience some stomach-related side effects, typically within the first three weeks of starting Tecfidera. Most stomach-related side effects are mild to moderate, with some people experiencing more than one type of event.
Common events include:
- Upper abdominal pain: experienced by 71%; 34% required treatment
- Flatulence: experienced by 66%; 31% required treatment
- Nausea: experienced by 65%; 30% required treatment
- Diarrhea: experienced by 64%; 28% required treatment
- Bloating: experienced by 60%; 30% required treatment
- Lower abdominal pain: experienced by 51%; 25% required treatment
- Indigestion: experienced by 37%; 19% required treatment
- Constipation: experienced by 33%; 17% required treatment
- Vomiting: experienced by 14%; 11% required treatment.
The incidence of serious gastrointestinal side effects was 1% in patients treated with Tecfidera. Only 6.6% of patients discontinued Tecfidera because of gastrointestinal (stomach-related) side effects. The severity of gastrointestinal side effects decreased with time.
Symptomatic treatment includes:
- Acid secretion blockers, such as proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers
- Antidiarrheals
- Antiemetics.
References
- Gold R, Schlegel E, Elias-Hamp B, et al. Incidence and mitigation of gastrointestinal events in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis receiving delayed-release dimethyl fumarate: a German phase IV study (TOLERATE). Ther Adv Neurol Disord. 2018;11:1756286418768775. Published 2018 Apr 18. DOI:10.1177/1756286418768775
- Managing common side effects Tecfidera.com https://www.tecfidera.com/en_us/home/already-on-tecfidera/managing-common-side-effects.html#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20side%20effects%20of%20TECFIDERA%20include%3A,-flushing%2C%20redness%2C%20itching&text=itching%2C%20or%20rash-,nausea%2C%20vomiting%2C%20diarrhea%2C%20stomach%20pain%2C%20or%20indigestion,food%20may%20help%20reduce%20flushing
- Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) 02/2020 Biogen Inc. https://www.drugs.com/pro/tecfidera.html
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Drug information
- Tecfidera Information for Consumers
- Tecfidera prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Tecfidera (detailed)
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