Dimethyl Fumarate: A Review of Efficacy and Practical Management Strategies for Common Adverse Events in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Delayed-release dimethyl fumarate (DMF; also known as gastroresistant DMF) is indicated for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis. Flushing and gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events (AEs) are common within the first few months of starting DMF therapy. Although most symptoms are mild or moderate in severity, transient, and infrequently result in treatment discontinuation, they nevertheless present a challenge for patients to adhere to therapy and achieve an optimal treatment response.

METHODS: This review discusses management strategies for the prophylaxis and treatment of common DMF-associated AEs based on clinical trial evidence and real-world experience in clinical practice settings.

RESULTS: Before starting DMF therapy, patients should receive counseling on the importance of treatment adherence and the likely occurrence and severity of flushing and GI AEs (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain). Management strategies, such as administering DMF with food, using a slower-dose titration schedule, applying temporary dose reductions, and using symptomatic therapies, provide clinicians with several approaches to address DMF tolerability. In particular, DMF coadministration with certain foods (eg, sausage, peanut butter) may prevent or reduce the severity of GI AEs. Taking aspirin 325 mg/day 30 minutes before administering DMF in the first month of therapy can reduce the incidence and severity of flushing without negatively affecting GI-related events.

CONCLUSIONS: Through continual patient education and support and management of treatment-related flushing and GI AEs, clinicians can help patients adhere to and persist with DMF therapy, thus maximizing treatment benefit.