What is Dimethyl Fumarate: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 31, 2020

Dimethyl Fumarate overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Tecfidera, Tecfidera Starter Pack

Generic Names:

  • Dimethyl Fumarate

Uses:

  • Treats multiple sclerosis (MS).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Immune Modulator

Forms:

  • Delayed Release Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Dimethyl Fumarate used for?

What form(s) does Dimethyl Fumarate come in

  • Delayed Release Capsule

What are common Dimethyl Fumarate doses?

  • Capsule Delayed Release 120MG

  • Capsule Delayed Release 240MG

  • Bottle 60 Capsules Delayed Release

Common Dimethyl Fumarate prescriptions

  • Dimethyl Fumarate
    14 capsules delayed release bottle

  • Dimethyl Fumarate
    180 capsules delayed release bottle

  • Dimethyl Fumarate
    60 capsules delayed release bottle

  • Dimethyl Fumarate
    120mg capsule delayed release

  • Dimethyl Fumarate
    240mg capsule delayed release

How to take Dimethyl Fumarate

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • You may have less skin flushing if you take this medicine with food.

  • Capsule: Swallow whole. Do not crush or chew it. Do not sprinkle the contents of the capsule on food.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Once you have opened a bottle, throw away any unused medicine after 90 days.

  • Once you have opened a bottle, throw away any unused medicine after 90 days.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • You may have less skin flushing if you take this medicine with food.

  • Capsule: Swallow whole. Do not crush or chew it. Do not sprinkle the contents of the capsule on food.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Once you have opened a bottle, throw away any unused medicine after 90 days.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Once you have opened a bottle, throw away any unused medicine after 90 days.

What to do if you miss a dose of Dimethyl Fumarate

Dimethyl Fumarate contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to dimethyl fumarate.

Dimethyl Fumarate warnings

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have any type of infection (including herpes zoster).

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:May increase risk for infection (including progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy)Liver damage

Dimethyl Fumarate interactions

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have any type of infection.

  • This medicine may lower your white blood cell count, which could increase your risk of getting an infection. Avoid people who are ill, and wash your hands often.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Dimethyl Fumarate side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Fever or chills, cough, sore throat, body aches

  • Painful blisters on trunk of the body

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Back pain, blurred vision, convulsions, dizziness, fever, headache, tiredness

  • Change in how much or how often you urinate, lower back or side pain, painful or difficult urination

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

  • Chest pain, trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest

  • Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest

  • Diarrhea