Increasingly, researchers have found effective medications to treat rare diseases.
This is the case of Tecfidera, a drug used as a therapeutic resource for Recurrent-Sending Multiple Sclerosis (EMRR).
Although its mechanism is not yet fully understood, the medication has shown good results in the treatment of the disease, being approved by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) in 2015.
Check out more about the remedy:
Contents
What is Tecfidera?
Tecfidera is the trade name of the active ingredient Dimethyl Fumarate, a medicine used in the treatment of Recurrent-remitting Multiple Sclerosis.
It works by decreasing the symptoms of the disease and helping to slow its development.
It is manufactured by Biogen – a biotechnology company – and its use is indicated for patients over 18 years old.
It is administered orally, being found in 120mg and 240mg capsules.
What is Tecfidera for?
The drug is used for Recurrent-remitting Multiple Sclerosis (EMRR), in which in addition to the symptoms of conventional MS – which the immune system destroys the nerves of the nervous system – there are recurrent attacks, causing the manifestations of the disease to become more evident.
It acts to reduce damage due to the problem and, according to the package leaflet, reduces the amount of attacks by 50% compared to treatment without medication.
How does Tecfidera age?
Multiple sclerosis is a condition that affects the central nervous system. The recurrent-remitting condition is one in which repeated attacks (outbreaks) of symptoms of the nervous system occur. During outbreaks, symptoms such as visual impairments, loss of balance and problems walking can occur.
According to the package insert, Tecfidera’s mechanism of action is not yet fully understood.
Despite this, it is believed to work by reducing the inflammation caused when the body attacks myelin and protects nerve cells from damage caused during immune attacks.
How does the laboratory indicate using the drug?
In the Tecfidera package insert, there is an indication of the use of the medicine. Despite this, it is worth remembering that the dosages must be determined by the doctor (a) responsible, who will prescribe the best option for each clinical picture.
It is recommended to consume with a little water and combined with food, to reduce the risk of side effects.
According to the package insert, the dosage is:
Therapy start dose
120mg of the medication, twice a day. It must be used during the first 7 days or according to medical prescription, after which the maintenance dose is administered.
Maintenance dose
240mg, twice a day. The scheme is used after 7 days of initiation therapy or as directed by a doctor.
What side effects are on the label?
Like other medications, Tecfidera can provide some side effects to those who use it.
Among the most common are:
- Redness in the face and body;
- Diarrhea;
- Enjoo;
- Ache;
- Stomach colic.
Common ones include:
- Gastroenteritis (inflammation of the lining of the intestine);
- Vomiting;
- Gastritis;
- Indigestion
- Burning sensation;
- Itching (itchy skin);
- Rashes (skin lesions);
- Pink and red spots on the skin.
Among the unusual reactions, which can happen, is hypersensitivity.
In addition, there are serious allergic reactions that can occur. If this happens, contact with a doctor must be made immediately.
Are they:
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth or tongue;
- Shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing and wheezing;
- Dizziness or loss of consciousness;
- Low in white blood cell levels.
Despite the aforementioned symptoms, it is worth remembering that each organism reacts differently to the use of the medicine. That way, not all people will necessarily experience all the side effects.
Does Tecfidera lose weight or get fat?
In the package insert there is no information about weight gain or loss related to the drug.
There are some factors that can be related to the changes, such as nausea effects, for example.
In these cases, there is the possibility of a variation in the individual’s frequency of eating, as the symptoms of nausea can lead to an unwillingness to eat and interfere with weight.
What is the price of Tecfidera 120mg and 240mg?
The Tecfidera is a drug that has a high cost with values that vary according to the dosage and number of capsules.
Tecfidera 120mg costs approximately:
- Tecfidera 120mg, box with 14 capsules – R $ 914.82 *;
- Tecfidera 120mg, box with 28 delayed – release capsules – R $ 1,829.65 *;
- Tecfidera 120mg, box with 56 delayed – release capsules – R $ 3,659.28 *;
- Tecfidera 120mg, box with 112 delayed – release capsules – R $ 7,318.53 *.
Tecfidera 240mg has an approximate value of:
- Tecfidera 240mg, box with 28 delayed – release capsules – R $ 3659.28 *;
- Tecfidera 240mg, box with 56 delayed – release capsules – R $ 7,318.53 *;
- Tecfidera 240mg, box with 112 delayed – release capsules – R $ 14,637.10 *.
Varieties of the drug can be found in physical pharmacies and online such as Consulta Remédios , where in addition to comparing values it is possible to make the purchase quickly and conveniently.
* Prices consulted in December 2019. Prices may change.
Does Biogen have a program for patients using Tecfidera?
-Yeah . The Bia Program supports Multiple Sclerosis patients using Biogen drugs.
In this program, patients have access to a multidisciplinary team of professionals, who provide information about the disease, tips, do individual monitoring and provide support, aiming at quality of life.
To register and get more information, just go to the program’s website .
Does SUS provide Tecfidera?
-Yeah . Dimethyl Fumarate is part of the list of drugs distributed by SUS.
People who have a medical prescription, but for some reason did not get the drug through SUS, it is possible to go to court to receive it, opening a lawsuit.
During the procedure it is necessary to present the Medical Report, exams, application and budget in 3 different pharmacies.
For the budget, it is possible to count on the assistance of the high cost medication quotation advisory , which performs the quotation in a simple and practical way.
Multiple sclerosis is a rare disease in which the immune system destroys the nerve cover of the nervous system. In Brazil, there are less than 150 thousand cases per year.
For the treatment of the disease, there are medications such as Tecfidera, which aim to reduce the symptoms of the problem.
Minuto has other information about medicines and treatments! Keep reading!