Let's learn about VUMERITY (Diroximel Fumarate)? What you need to know about this drug for MS

Has your doctor diagnosed you or someone close to you with a condition called 'Multiple Sclerosis' (MS)? If so, you may have been prescribed a drug called 'Diroximel Fumarate', which comes under the brand name VUMERITY, as a treatment. The name may sound a bit complicated. But don't worry. In this article, we will talk about this drug in a very simple way, like you would tell a friend, how it works, what to be careful about while using it, and its side effects.

First, let's see what kind of medicine this is.

Simply put, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a condition in which our body's own immune system becomes overactive and attacks our own nervous system. It's like our own defenses mistaking us for the enemy and attacking us.

Now, this medicine called Diroximel Fumarate works by slowing down the overactive immune system. This reduces the damage to the nervous system. This helps control the worsening of symptoms and reduces the frequency of flare-ups caused by the disease.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication

It is very important that your doctor knows your complete health history before prescribing this medication. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell them before starting this medication.

• If you currently have any infectious condition (such as fever, cold, cough).
• If you have kidney disease .
• If you have liver disease .
• If you have previously been diagnosed with low white blood cell counts .
• If you have had an allergic reaction to Diroximel Fumarate, Dimethyl Fumarate, or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If you are pregnant or expecting a baby .
• If you are a breastfeeding mother .

How exactly do I use this medicine?

To get the most out of a medication, it is essential to use it as directed.

• This medicine comes in capsules. Swallow it with a glass of water.
• Never break, crush, or chew these capsules. They should be swallowed whole.
• Take your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time.
• This can be taken with or without food. However, some people may experience mild stomach upset if taken without food. If this happens, take it with a small meal.
• But here's something to keep in mind: If you're taking the medication with a meal, it shouldn't be a high-calorie or high-fat meal. Simply put, it shouldn't contain more than 700 calories and 30 grams of fat. (For example, don't take it with a heavy meal like fried rice or kottu, which are made with a lot of oil.)
• Avoid taking this medicine with alcohol completely.
• Continue using this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

Sometimes we forget to take our medicine. If that happens, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.

What to do if you take too much medicine?

If you think you have accidentally taken more than the prescribed dose, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

Things you should be especially careful about when taking the medicine

While using this medicine, it is important to pay attention to changes in your body.

• Regular medical check-ups: Your doctor will tell you when you need to come back. Be sure to go on those days to check your condition. He or she will also order blood tests to check things like the number of white blood cells in your blood while you are taking this medicine.
• Flushing: Some people may experience a flushed, hot, or burning sensation in their face, neck, or chest after taking this medication. This is called flushing. This is usually not dangerous and will go away after a while. To reduce this, as we mentioned earlier, taking the medication with a low-fat/low-calorie meal can help. Sometimes, taking an aspirin will help reduce this. But don't do this without first consulting your doctor.
• Risk of infection: Since this medicine suppresses the immune system, you may be at slightly increased risk of developing infections. Therefore, if you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, or cough, do not self-medicate and see a doctor. Try to stay away from places where sick people hang out.
• Rare but serious brain infection: This is very rare. But it's important to be aware. This medicine can cause a serious brain infection (PML - Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy) in some patients. If you have vision problems, trouble thinking, trouble speaking, or trouble walking or keeping your balance , tell your doctor right away .

Side effects that may occur when using the medicine

Like any medicine, this one can have some side effects. Some are very serious, so you should seek medical advice immediately. Some are not so serious, but if they persist, you should tell your doctor. Let's look at these separately.

How do you keep your medicine safe?

• Keep out of reach of children and pets .
• Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Keep away from excessive heat and moisture.
• Do not use expired medicine.

The best way to get rid of expired or no longer needed medications is to hand them over to a 'medication take-back program' at your hospital or pharmacy. If that's not possible, ask your doctor about it.