Do you have Multiple Sclerosis (MS)? If so, your doctor may have prescribed you a medication called Monomethyl Fumarate. This is used to control relapses. Since this is a drug with a somewhat complicated name, let's talk about it in a simple, friendly way today and make everything clear.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this medicine called Monomethyl Fumarate is used in multiple sclerosis (MS), especially in people with relapsing-remitting disease. It will not cure your disease completely. However, it will help reduce the frequency of flare-ups and keep the disease under control. This means that you can live a normal life. Doctors can also use it for other things, so if you have any questions, ask your doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before giving you this medicine, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor about them.
- If you have any weakness in your immune system .
- If you currently have an infection (such as a fever or cold).
- If you have any liver disease.
- If previous tests have found that you have low white blood cells .
- If you have had an allergic reaction to this medicine or other medicines, foods, or dyes such as `dimethyl fumarate`, `diroximel fumarate`.
- If you are pregnant or planning to have a baby .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
By providing this information accurately, the doctor will be able to provide you with the most appropriate and safest treatment.
The medicine should be used in the right way.
For a medicine to work properly, it is very important to use it correctly.
- This medicine comes in the form of a capsule. Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water.
- Most importantly: Do not break, crush, or chew the capsule. Doing so may change the way the medicine works.
- You can take this with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take the medicine with some food.
- Take your medicine at the prescribed intervals as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed dose.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
What if I take too much medicine by mistake?
If this happens, don't panic. But take immediate action. If possible, call the National Poison Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
It's okay, it can happen. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once for any reason.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
You need to pay a little more attention to your body when taking this medicine.
- Regular medical checkups: Go to your doctor at regular intervals and get yourself checked. He or she may also order blood work to check your blood levels.
- Flushing: This medication may cause some people to experience flushing, which can make their face and body red and feel hot. This usually goes away after a while. However, if it bothers you or doesn't go away, tell your doctor. You may want to ask your doctor if you can take an aspirin before taking the medication as a solution. Don't make decisions alone.
- Risk of infection: This medicine may slightly weaken your immune system, so you are at higher risk of developing infections. If you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, or sore throat, do not self-medicate and tell your doctor. Try to stay away from sick people.
- Very Serious Brain Infection: This is a rare but important thing to know. This medicine can cause a very serious brain infection (Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy - PML) in some people. So if you experience any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. If you cannot reach him, seek medical advice immediately or go to the emergency room.
- Vision changes
- Difficulty thinking, dementia
- Difficulty walking or standing
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Loss of balance
- Memory loss or personality changes
Possible Side Effects
Like any medication, this one can have some side effects. Let's break them down into two categories.
| Nature of the side effect | Symptoms and what to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Symptoms of Liver Injury | Dark yellow or brown urine; yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice); pain in the upper right part of the stomach; loss of appetite; nausea; unusual tiredness. |
| Symptoms of severe brain infection (Brain Infection) | Symptoms such as the aforementioned vision changes, memory loss, difficulty walking, and loss of sensation on one side of the body. |
| Symptoms of Infections | Fever, chills, and sore throat. |
| Side effects that are usually not dangerous, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system problems | Stomach ache, nausea, diarrhea, indigestion. |
| Facial flushing | Face and skin turning red and feeling hot. |
How should you store your medicine?
- Keep it in a safe place out of the reach of children .
- Store unopened bottles at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius, i.e. in the fridge . Throw away after expiration date.
- Once the bottle is opened, it can be stored at room temperature (20-25 degrees Celsius) for up to 3 months. Throw away any medicine in opened bottles that are older than 3 months.
- Keep the medicine in the original bottle it came in. Protect from excessive heat and light.
Take-Home Message
- Monomethyl Fumarate is a medication used to manage Multiple Sclerosis (MS), but it is not a cure.
- Swallow the capsule whole with water without breaking, crushing, or chewing.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and other medications you are taking.
- If you experience any dangerous symptoms such as vision changes, difficulty walking, or memory loss, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you have any questions or concerns about the medication, always talk to the doctor treating you.
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