What to know before taking TECFIDERA

Finding out what to know before starting brand-name Tecfidera® (dimethyl fumarate) is a key first step

Before taking and while you take TECFIDERA, tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had:

  • low white blood cell counts or an infection
  • any other medical conditions

Tell your healthcare provider if you are:

  • pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TECFIDERA will harm your unborn baby
    • The TECFIDERA Pregnancy Registry study is now closed. If you become pregnant while taking TECFIDERA, talk to your healthcare provider
  • breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if TECFIDERA passes into your breast milk. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will take TECFIDERA or breastfeed
  • taking prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements

Before starting on treatment, your healthcare provider should:

  • check your complete blood cell count (CBC) and liver function
    • It's important to check your CBC, including your lymphocyte count (white blood cell count), and liver function before you start treatment with TECFIDERA. You will also need to check your lymphocyte count and liver function periodically while on treatment.

How does your TECFIDERA arrive?

TECFIDERA is not available at your local pharmacy or through a standard mail order service, but you don't have to go out of your way to get it. Your healthcare provider's office and your insurance company will work together to order it from a specialty pharmacy. This type of pharmacy carries medicines that need special handling or storage. Once an order is placed on your behalf, it is shipped directly to you.

How does your TECFIDERA arrive?

TECFIDERA is not available at your local pharmacy or through a standard mail order service, but you don't have to go out of your way to get it.

Your healthcare provider's office and your insurance company will work together to order it from a specialty pharmacy. This type of pharmacy carries medicines that need special handling or storage. Once an order is placed on your behalf, it is shipped directly to you.