Dimethyl fumarate Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 24, 2020.
In Summary
Commonly reported side effects of dimethyl fumarate include: infection, abdominal pain, and flushing. Other side effects include: increased serum aspartate aminotransferase, pruritus, skin rash, vomiting, lymphocytopenia, and erythema of skin. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.
For the Consumer
Applies to dimethyl fumarate: oral capsule delayed release
Side effects requiring immediate medical attention
Along with its needed effects, dimethyl fumarate may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking dimethyl fumarate:
More common
- Chills
- cough
- feeling of warmth
- fever
- hoarseness
- lower back or side pain
- painful or difficult urination
- redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
Incidence not known
- Black, tarry stools
- chest pain
- difficulty with swallowing
- dizziness
- fast heartbeat
- hives, itching, or skin rash
- large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
- painful blisters on the trunk of the body
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- sore throat
- sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
- swollen glands
- tightness in the chest
- trouble breathing
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention
Some side effects of dimethyl fumarate may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Less common
- Belching
- heartburn
- indigestion
- stomach discomfort or upset
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to dimethyl fumarate: oral delayed release capsule
Hematologic
Common (1% to 10%): Lymphopenia, leucopenia, WBC decreased
Frequency not reported: Eosinophilia[Ref]
Metabolic
Very common (10% or more): Ketones in urine, 1+ or greater (45%), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D decreased (25%), (PTH) increased (29%)[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Very common (10% or more): Flushing (34% to 40%)
Common (1% to 10%): Hot flush[Ref]
The incidence of flushing was highest early in the course of treatment (primarily in month 1) and usually decreased over time. The majority of events were mild to moderate in severity.[Ref]
General
Common (1% to 10%): Feeling hot[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (14%), nausea (12%), abdominal pain (upper) (10%), abdominal pain (9% to 18%)
Common (1% to 10%): Vomiting, dyspepsia, gastritis, gastrointestinal disorder, gastroenteritis[Ref]
The incidence of gastrointestinal events was highest early in the course of treatment (primarily in month 1) and usually decreased over time.[Ref]
Dermatologic
Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus, rash, erythema[Ref]
Hepatic
Increases in hepatic transaminases (AST and ALT) generally occurred during the first six months of treatment, and most patients had levels less than 3 times the upper limit of normal (ULN).[Ref]
Common (1% to 10%): AST increased, ALT increased[Ref]
Nervous system
Common (1% to 10%): Burning sensation[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Serious flushing[Ref]
Renal
Common (1% to 10%): Proteinuria (albumin)[Ref]
References
1. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
3. "Product Information. Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate)." Biogen Inc, Cambridge, MA.
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More about dimethyl fumarate
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- Drug class: selective immunosuppressants
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Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.