What is Tecfidera?
Tecfidera is a medication used to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), a type of multiple sclerosis (MS) in which there are relapses followed by periods of remission. Tecfidera contains the active ingredient dimethyl fumarate, which is thought to help reduce inflammation in the brain and spinal cord that is characteristic of MS. Tecfidera is an oral medication, taken in capsule form, and is approved for use in adults.
Tecfidera has been shown in clinical trials to reduce the frequency and severity of MS relapses. It is also thought to slow the progression of physical disability associated with MS. Some common side effects of Tecfidera include flushing and gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. These side effects can be managed with proper dosing strategies and over-the-counter medications.
Tecfidera has been approved for use in a number of countries around the world, including the United States. It is important to note that Tecfidera is not a cure for MS, but rather a treatment that can help manage symptoms and slow progression of the disease. As with all medications, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of Tecfidera, as well as any other medications or supplements you may be taking.
Frequently Asked Questions about tecfidera
TECFIDERA is available as hard gelatin delayed-release capsules containing 120 mg or 240 mg of dimethyl fumarate.
TECFIDERA is indicated for the treatment of patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. The starting dose for TECFIDERA is 120 mg twice a day orally. After 7 days, the dose should be increased to the maintenance dose of 240 mg twice a day orally.
The way Tecfidera works is not fully understood, but laboratory studies suggest that it may work in two ways: reduces the inflammation caused when the immune system attacks myelin, resulting in less damage to myelin. protects nerve cells from damage caused by chemicals released during the immune attack.
The launch came just days after FDA approved the generic drug and months after a patent court battle with Tecfidera's manufacturer, Biogen.
Back in the '50s, a German doctor proposed using fumaric acid derivatives to treat psoriasis. He tried one successfully on himself. By the '90s Fumapharm AG, a Swiss company, was selling a psoriasis drug along those lines in Germany, and it started working on one for multiple sclerosis that became Tecfidera.
So-called “brand name” drugs typically have sole access to the marketplace until their patents expire. That allows drugmakers to charge high prices - more than an $8,000-a-month list price in the case of Tecfidera - in part to recoup research costs.
Find out how TECFIDERA was shown to be effective against relapsing MS
- Cut relapses.
- Delay progression of physical disability.
- Slow development of brain lesions.
Bruce Cohen and Dr. Gabriel Pardo discussing the latest disease modifying treatment Tecfidera® and was created in 2013. To learn more about Tecfidera® and other disease modifying treatment options, download the Consensus on Disease-Modifying Therapies.
The effectiveness of dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) is classed as 'good'. This puts it between DMTs classed as 'high' effectiveness and those classed as 'moderate'. This is based on how much it reduces relapses and slows down how fast people's disability gets worse.
Tecfidera User Reviews & Ratings. Tecfidera has an average rating of 6.3 out of 10 from a total of 97 reviews on Drugs.com. 49% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 28% reported a negative experience.
Tecfidera, the newest pill treatment to enter the market, is also priced in the range of $62,000 per year.
