Question

A patient calls to discuss her side effects from Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate). Every time she takes her Tecfidera she has flushing. What would you suggest to this patient?

a) Flushing is not a side effect of Tecfidera.
b) She should take on an empty stomach to reduce the flushing.
c) Taking the Tecfidera with food and taking an aspirin before her dose can help reduce
flushing.
d) Flushing is a common side effect that doesn't get better over time.

Answer 1

To address flushing from Tecfidera, the patient should take her medication with food and may consider taking aspirin before the dose to reduce flushing, after consulting her healthcare provider.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a patient is experiencing flushing as a side effect from taking Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate), it would be advisable to suggest that she takes the medication with food to potentially reduce this side effect.

In addition, taking an aspirin approximately 30 minutes before taking Tecfidera can help reduce flushing. However, the patient should consult with her healthcare provider before taking aspirin to ensure it is safe for her, especially if she is on other medications or has medical conditions that would contraindicate the use of aspirin.

Flushing is indeed a known side effect of Tecfidera, and it may diminish over time as the body adjusts to the medication. It is essential to discuss any persistent and bothersome side effects with a healthcare provider, who can provide personalized advice and potential alternative treatments.