Generic name: monomethyl fumarate [ MON-oh-METH-il-FUE-ma-rate ]
Brand name: Bafiertam
Dosage form: oral delayed release capsule (95 mg)
Drug class: Selective immunosuppressants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Nov 7, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is monomethyl fumarate?

Monomethyl fumarate is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults (including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease).

Monomethyl fumarate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Monomethyl fumarate side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Monomethyl fumarate may cause a serious brain infection that can lead to disability or death. Call your doctor right away if you have problems with speech, thought, vision, or muscle movement. These symptoms may start gradually and get worse quickly.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe warmth, redness, burning, or itching under your skin;

• liver problems--loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• signs of infection --fever, chills, sweating, mouth sores, headache, confusion, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, vomiting, severe diarrhea; or

• symptoms of herpes virus--flu-like symptoms, cold sores around your mouth, tingly or painful blistering rash, burning pain in your thigh or lower back.

Common side effects of monomethyl fumarate may include:

• flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);

• stomach pain, indigestion;

• nausea, vomiting; or

• diarrhea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not use monomethyl fumarate if you also use dimethyl fumarate or diroximel fumarate.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use monomethyl fumarate if you are allergic to it, or if:

• you are also using dimethyl fumarate or diroximel fumarate.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• low white blood cell (WBC) counts;

• an infection; or

• liver disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Monomethyl fumarate is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take monomethyl fumarate?

Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure you do not have conditions that would prevent you from safely using monomethyl fumarate.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

You may take monomethyl fumarate with or without food.

When you begin taking monomethyl fumarate you will use a "starter dose" for 7 days, and then you will use a "maintenance dose" as you continue taking the medicine.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, or open it. Do not mix the medicine from a capsule with food.

monomethyl fumarate can cause flushing (a sensation of warmth or tingling under your skin). Your doctor may recommend you take aspirin 30 minutes before taking monomethyl fumarate to help prevent flushing. Take only the type and amount of aspirin your doctor recommends.

Call your doctor if you have signs of infection, such as fever, chills, flu-like-symptoms, or skin sores. Further doses may be delayed until your infection clears up.

You will need frequent medical tests.

Store an unopened bottle of the capsules in a refrigerator, do not freeze.

After opening, store the bottle at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the capsules in the original bottle. Throw away any unused capsules 3 months after you first opened the bottle.

Monomethyl fumarate dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Multiple Sclerosis:

Initial dose: 95 mg orally 2 times daily for 7 days
Maintenance dose: After 7 days, increase the dose to 190 mg orally 2 times daily
-Temporary dose reductions to 95 mg 2 times daily may be considered for patients who do not tolerate the maintenance dose.
-Resume 190 mg 2 times daily within 4 weeks.
-Discontinue this drug in patients unable to tolerate return to the maintenance dose.

Comments:
-Prior to initiating therapy, obtain a complete blood cell count (CBC), including lymphocyte count and serum aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin levels.
-Administration of nonenteric coated aspirin (up to a dose of 325 mg) 30 minutes prior to dosing this drug may reduce the incidence or severity of flushing.

Use: For the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease in adults.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking monomethyl fumarate?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect monomethyl fumarate?

Other drugs may affect monomethyl fumarate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Frequently asked questions

• What are the new drugs used for multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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