Living with Multiple Sclerosis, or MS as we all know it, can be very challenging at times. Doctors prescribe various medications to control the sudden exacerbations (relapses) of the symptoms of this disease. One such important medication is Diroximel Fumarate. Let's talk about this simply and clearly today.
Simply put, what is this medicine called Diroximel Fumarate?
This is what you get under the brand name VUMERITY®. Simply put, it's a medication that helps people with relapsing forms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) reduce the frequency of their symptoms. This means it can help make your life a little easier by reducing the discomfort caused by the disease.
But you need to understand that this is not a cure for MS. It is just a medication that helps control the symptoms.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
It is very important for your doctor to have a complete picture of your health before prescribing this medication. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor about them.
- If you have any problems with your immune system.
- If you currently have an infection such as a fever or cold.
- If you have kidney disease.
- If you have liver disease.
- If blood tests show low blood counts, such as white blood cells.
- If you have an allergic reaction to the medications Diroximel fumarate, Dimethyl fumarate, or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant, or are expecting a baby.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to use it correctly. Always follow your doctor's instructions.
- Drink this with a glass of water.
- This is very important: It is absolutely forbidden to break, crush, or chew the medicine. The entire capsule must be swallowed at once.
- This can be taken with or without food. However, if you feel a little upset stomach, it is best to take it with a meal.
- Another important thing is to not drink alcohol while taking this medicine.
- Get into the habit of taking your medicine at about the same time every day. Don't take more than your doctor tells you to.
- Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Unit (ETU) without delay.
Special points to be aware of when taking the medicine
It's a good idea to pay a little more attention to your body while taking this medicine.
Regular medical checkups
See your doctor regularly to check on your condition. Tell him/her if your symptoms have improved or worsened. Your doctor may also need to do blood work during this time.
Flushing
Some people may experience a flushed, hot flush on the face and neck when taking this medicine. We call this 'flushing'. To reduce this, it may help to take the medicine with a normal meal, without eating high-fat, high-calorie foods. If this discomfort persists or bothers you, tell your doctor.
Risk of infection
This medicine may lower your immunity a little and increase your risk of developing infections. Therefore, if you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, or sore throat, do not self-medicate, but call your doctor for advice. Try to stay away from places where people are sick.
A very serious, but important risk to be aware of
Very rarely, some people can develop a serious brain infection from this medication. This can be life-threatening, so it's important to be aware of this.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. If you are unable to reach your doctor, seek medical advice immediately.
- Change in vision
- Difficulty thinking or confusion
- Numbness on one side of the body
- Problems with balance when walking or standing
- Memory loss or personality changes
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. Some of them should be reported immediately, and some are usually not serious.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms to know |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. |
| Symptoms of liver injury | Dark yellow/brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, and extreme fatigue. |
| Symptoms of serious brain infection | Vision changes, confusion, weakness on one side of the body, loss of balance, memory loss. |
| Usually not serious (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Digestive system problems | Stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea. |
| Facial flushing | Face and neck become red and feel hot. |
Take-Home Message
- Diroximel Fumarate is a medication that controls the recurrence of MS symptoms, but it does not completely cure the disease.
- Never break, crush, or chew the medicine. Swallow it whole.
- Tell your doctor about any other health conditions you have and any other medications you take.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you notice signs of infection (fever, cough) or serious signs of a brain infection (vision changes, loss of balance).
- Always follow your doctor's instructions exactly. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න