Can you drink alcohol while taking Tecfidera?
Although there is no direct interaction between alcohol and Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate), you should not drink excessive quantities of alcohol while you are taking Tecfidera, because it may increase the risk of side effects such as inflammation of the stomach (gastritis), especially in those with a history of stomach problems. You should avoid drinking alcohol, especially strong spirits, for at least an hour after taking Tecfidera; however, one glass of alcohol, now and then at a different time of day to your Tecfidera dose is considered OK.
Be aware that alcohol can also exacerbate MS symptoms, such as imbalance, tremor, numbness, and lack of coordination, even after just one drink in some people. If alcohol affects you in this way, then it is probably better that you avoid alcohol completely. The risks of alcohol consumption for people with MS are still being studied.
References
- Oglethorpe A. Do Multiple Sclerosis and Alcohol Mix? Web MD https://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/features/do-ms-alcohol-mix
- Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) 02/2020 Biogen Inc. https://www.drugs.com/pro/tecfidera.html
- Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) April 2020 Multiple Sclerosis Trust https://www.mstrust.org.uk/a-z/tecfidera-dimethyl-fumarate#:~:text=The%20way%20Tecfidera%20works%20is,released%20during%20the%20immune%20attack
Read next
Is Tecfidera an immunosuppressant?
Yes, Tecfidera does suppress the immune system. Although experts are not sure exactly how Tecfidera does this, Tecfidera has been associated with reductions in lymphocyte counts, and several serious opportunistic viral infections, such as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and herpes zoster, as well as uncommon fungal and bacterial infections. Continue reading
How do Vumerity and Tecfidera compare for multiple sclerosis (MS)?
Vumerity and Tecfidera are administered in the same way and used to treat the same condition, multiple sclerosis (MS). They also have the same active metabolite, which means that they have the same therapeutic effect - work the same way - in people with MS.
However, Vumerity and Tecfidera do have different chemical structures and Vumerity is better tolerated and causes fewer gastrointestinal problems compared with Tecfidera. Continue reading
Can I stop taking Tecfidera? What happens if I do?
There does not appear to be any rebound disease repercussions associated with stopping Tecfidera abruptly, unlike some other MS drugs such as Tysabri or Gilenya. Studies have shown the majority of patients taking Tecfidera discontinue or switch to another treatment within two years. Continue reading
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Drug information
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