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Tecfidera: 7 things you should know

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on May 15, 2024.

1. How it works

2. Upsides

3. Downsides

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include:

Note: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. View complete list of side effects

4. Bottom Line

Tecfidera is a disease-modifying drug that may be used to reduce disease progression and relapses in people with multiple sclerosis. Flushing and gastrointestinal effects are the most common initial side effects, and Tecfidera has also been associated with an increased risk of infection and rarely, some serious side effects such as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). It is taken orally, twice a day.

5. Tips

6. Response and effectiveness

7. Interactions

Medicines that interact with Tecfidera may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with Tecfidera. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed.

Common medications that may interact with Tecfidera​ include:

There are no reports of an interaction between aspirin and Tecfidera or oral contraceptives and Tecfidera.

Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with Tecfidera. You should refer to the prescribing information for Tecfidera for a complete list of interactions.

References

Further information

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

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

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