What is Vumerity? Uses, warnings & side effects
Vumerity is a prescription medication that contains the active ingredient diroximel fumarate. This brand-name medicine is used to treat adults with certain forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a medical condition that affects the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves, which can lead to various complications such as weakness, vision problems, and bladder problems. Vumerity is available as a delayed-release capsule that is taken by mouth.
Vumerity overview
BRAND NAMES:
Vumerity
Generic Names:
No generic is available at this time
Uses:
Treats the following types of MS in adults:
Clinically isolated syndrome
Relapsing-remitting forms
Secondary progressive forms
Therapeutic Classes:
Nrf2 activator, multiple sclerosis drugs
Forms:
Delayed-release capsule
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Vumerity used for?
Vumerity is FDA-approved to treat adults with certain forms of MS, including:
Clinically isolated syndrome (episodes last at least 24 hours);
Relapsing-remitting forms (relapses or symptom flare-ups, followed by periods of recovery); or
Secondary progressive forms (relapses occur more often)
Vumerity is not FDA-approved for use in children.
Key takeaways
Take Vumerity exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Swallow the capsule whole and intact.
If you take Vumerity with food, avoid food that is high in calories and/or fat. Make sure your meal or snack has no more than 700 calories and no more than 30 grams of fat.
Do not drink alcohol when you take your medication.
If you experience flushing while taking Vumerity, ask your healthcare provider if you should take a non-enteric-coated aspirin 30 minutes before taking Vumerity.
What form(s) does Vumerity come in?
Delayed-release capsule
231 milligrams (mg)
What are common Vumerity dosages?
Before starting Vumerity, your healthcare provider will order blood tests.
The starting dose is 231 mg by mouth twice daily for 7 days.
After 7 days, the usual dose is two, 231 mg capsules (for a dose of 462 mg) by mouth twice daily.
The capsule should be swallowed whole and intact. Do not chew or crush the capsule, and do not open the capsule.
How to take Vumerity
Before taking Vumerity, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions as well as the medications you take.
When you receive your prescription, carefully read the prescription label and information leaflets that come with your prescription. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare professional if you have any questions.
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Take Vumerity exactly as directed, and do not use more than directed.
Swallow the delayed-release capsule whole. Do not crush or chew it, and do not open the capsule and sprinkle its contents on food.
If you take this medicine with food, avoid a high-fat, high-calorie meal or snack. The meal or snack should contain no more than 700 calories and no more than 30 grams of fat.
Your doctor may want you to take non-enteric-coated aspirin 30 minutes before taking Vumerity to prevent flushing.
Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep out of reach and out of sight of children and pets.
What to do if you miss a dose of Vumerity
If you miss a dose of Vumerity, 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.
Vumerity contraindications - Who shouldn't take Vumerity?
This medicine is not right for everyone.
Do not take Vumerity if you are allergic to diroximel fumarate, Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate), or any ingredient in the medication.
Do not take Vumerity if you take Tecfidera.
Vumerity warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, any type of infection, or a weak immune system.
This medicine may cause the following problems: increased risk of infections, which may be life-threatening (including progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy); herpes zoster (shingles); and liver problems, which may lead to liver failure or liver transplant.
This medicine lowers the number of white blood cells. This weakens your immune system, so you may get infections more easily. Wash your hands often. Avoid people who are sick.
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.
Vumerity interactions & what to avoid when taking Vumerity
Do not use this medicine if you take Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate).
Do not drink alcohol when you take Vumerity.
Vumerity side effects - How does Vumerity make you feel?
If you have symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling, or trouble breathing, get emergency medical help right away.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare brain infection that can cause death or severe disability in a short time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms such as weakness on one side of the body, vision problems, confusion, clumsiness, or changes in personality, thinking, and/or memory.
Serious Side Effects
Other serious side effects may include:
Infections, including shingles and other serious infections
Decreased white blood cell counts
Liver problems: notify your doctor if you have fatigue, appetite loss, right-sided stomach pain, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
Serious gastrointestinal problems, including bleeding, blockage, ulcers (sores), or perforation (holes) of the stomach or intestines. Let your doctor know right away if you have stomach pain, bright red or black stools, severe diarrhea or vomiting, or if you are coughing or vomiting blood.
Less Serious Side Effects
Stomach problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, or heartburn
Skin warmth, redness, burning, or itching
Hair loss
Sources:
Vumerity, National Library of Medicine DailyMed (2024)
Diroximel fumarate, MedlinePlus (2022)
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