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dimethyl fumarate
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC DirectoryForms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryRegulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 210309-001 | DIMETHYL FUMARATE | CAPSULE, DELAYED RELEASE | DIMETHYL FUMARATE | Prescription | AB | ||
| 210309-002 | DIMETHYL FUMARATE | CAPSULE, DELAYED RELEASE | DIMETHYL FUMARATE | Prescription | AB |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing
Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.
Approval history
Source: Drugs@FDA| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 6 | Labeling | Approved | January 22, 2025 | Standard |
| Supplement | 5 | Labeling | Approved | February 8, 2024 | Standard |
| Supplement | 4 | Labeling | Approved | February 8, 2024 | Standard |
| Supplement | 3 | Labeling | Approved | February 8, 2024 | Standard |
| Supplement | 2 | Labeling | Approved | February 8, 2024 | Standard |
| Supplement | 1 | Labeling | Approved | February 8, 2024 | Standard |
| Original application | 1 | Approved | October 6, 2020 | Standard |
Review documents
- 0 · Original application · December 3, 2019
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20240423). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Recent Major Changes
openFDA Drug LabelingRecent Major Changes Warnings and Precautions, Serious Gastrointestinal Reactions ( 5.7 ) 12/2023
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug Labeling1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules are indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults. Dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules are indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults. ( 1 )
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug Labeling2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Starting dose: 120 mg twice a day, orally, for 7 days ( 2.1 ) • Maintenance dose after 7 days: 240 mg twice a day, orally ( 2.1 ) • Swallow dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules whole and intact. Do not crush, chew, or sprinkle capsule contents on food ( 2.1 ) • Take dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules with or without food ( 2.1 ) 2.1 Dosing Information The starting dose for dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules is 120 mg twice a day orally. After 7 days, the dose should be increased to the maintenance dose of 240 mg twice a day orally. Temporary dose reductions to 120 mg twice a day may be considered for individuals who do not tolerate the maintenance dose. Within 4 weeks, the recommended dose of 240 mg twice a day should be resumed. Discontinuation of dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules should be considered for patients unable to tolerate return to the maintenance dose. The incidence of flushing may be reduced by administration of dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules with food. Alternatively, administration of non-enteric coated aspirin (up to a dose of 325 mg) 30 minutes prior to dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules dosing may reduce the incidence or severity of flushing [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . Dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules should be swallowed whole and intact. Dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules should not be crushed or chewed, and the capsule contents should not be sprinkled on food. Dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules can be taken with or without food. 2.2 Blood Tests Prior to Initiation of Therapy Obtain a complete blood cell count (CBC) including lymphocyte count before initiation of therapy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . Obtain serum aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin levels prior to treatment with dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )].
Dosage Forms and Strengths
openFDA Drug Labeling3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Dimethyl Fumarate Delayed-Release Capsules are available as hard gelatin delayed-release capsules containing 120 mg or 240 mg of dimethyl fumarate. The 120 mg capsules have a white opaque body imprinted with “307” in black ink and a blue cap imprinted with the Glenmark logo “G” in black ink. The 240 mg capsules have a blue body imprinted with “308” in black ink and a blue cap imprinted with the Glenmark logo “G” in black ink. Delayed-release capsules : 120 mg and 240 mg ( 3 )
Contraindications
openFDA Drug Labeling4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to dimethyl fumarate or to any of the excipients of dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules. Reactions have included anaphylaxis and angioedema [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Known hypersensitivity to dimethyl fumarate or any of the excipients of dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules. ( 4 )
Warnings and Cautions
openFDA Drug Labeling5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Anaphylaxis and Angioedema: Discontinue and do not restart dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules if these occur. ( 5.1 ) • Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML): Withhold dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules at the first sign or symptom suggestive of PML. ( 5.2 ) • Herpes Zoster and Other Serious Opportunistic infections: Consider withholding dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules in cases of serious infection until the infection has resolved. ( 5.3 ) • Lymphopenia: Obtain a CBC including lymphocyte count before initiating dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules, after 6 months, and every 6 to 12 months thereafter. Consider interruption of dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules if lymphocyte counts <0.5 x 10 9 /L persist for more than 6 months. ( 5.4 ) • Liver Injury: Obtain serum aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin levels before initiating dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules and during treatment, as clinically indicated. Discontinue dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules if clinically significant liver injury induced by dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules is suspected. ( 5.5 ) 5.1 Anaphylaxis and Angioedema Dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules can cause anaphylaxis and angioedema after the first dose or at any time during treatment. Signs and symptoms have included difficulty breathing, urticaria, and swelling of the throat and tongue. Patients should be instructed to discontinue dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules and seek immediate medical care should they experience signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis or angioedema. 5.2 Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) has occurred in patients with MS treated with dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules. PML is an opportunistic viral infection of the brain caused by the JC virus (JCV) that typically only occurs in patients who are immunocompromised, and that usually leads to death or severe disability. A fatal case of PML occurred in a patient who received dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules for 4 years while enrolled in a clinical trial. During the clinical trial, the patient experienced prolonged lymphopenia (lymphocyte counts predominantly <0.5×10 9 /L for 3.5 years) while taking dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . The patient had no other identified systemic medical conditions resulting in compromised immune system function and had not previously been treated with natalizumab, which has a known association with PML. The patient was also not taking any immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory medications concomitantly. PML has also occurred in the postmarketing setting in the presence of lymphopenia (<0.9×10 9 /L). While the role of lymphopenia in these cases is uncertain, the PML cases have occurred predominantly in patients with lymphocyte counts <0.8×10 9 /L persisting for more than 6 months. At the first sign or symptom suggestive of PML, withhold dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules and perform an appropriate diagnostic evaluation. Typical symptoms associated with PML are diverse, progress over days to weeks, and include progressive weakness on one side of the body or clumsiness of limbs, disturbance of vision, and changes in thinking, memory, and orientation leading to confusion and personality changes. MRI findings may be apparent before clinical signs or symptoms. Cases of PML, diagnosed based on MRI findings and the detection of JCV DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid in the absence of clinical signs or symptoms specific to PML, have been reported in patients treated with other MS medications associated with PML. Many of these patients subsequently became symptomatic with PML. Therefore, monitoring with MRI for signs that may be consistent with PML may be useful, and any suspicious findings should lead to further investigation to allow for an early dia …
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug Labeling6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following important adverse reactions are described elsewhere in labeling: • Anaphylaxis and Angioedema [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] • Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] • Herpes Zoster and Other Serious Opportunistic Infections [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] • Lymphopenia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] • Liver Injury [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] • Flushing [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] • Serious Gastrointestinal Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥10% and ≥2% placebo) were flushing, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA at 1 (888) 721-7115 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. In placebo-controlled and uncontrolled clinical studies, a total of 2513 patients have received dimethyl fumarate and been followed for periods up to 13 years with an overall exposure of 11,318 person-years. Approximately 1169 patients have received more than 5 years of treatment with dimethyl fumarate, and 426 patients have received at least 10 years of treatment with dimethyl fumarate. Adverse Reactions in Placebo-Controlled Trials In the two well-controlled studies demonstrating effectiveness, 1529 patients received dimethyl fumarate with an overall exposure of 2244 person-years [see Clinical Studies (14)]. The adverse reactions presented in the table below are based on safety information from 769 patients treated with dimethyl fumarate 240 mg twice a day and 771 placebo-treated patients. The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥10% and ≥2% more than placebo) for dimethyl fumarate were flushing, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea. Table 1: Adverse Reactions in Study 1 and 2 reported for Dimethyl Fumarate 240 mg BID at ≥ 2% higher incidence than placebo Dimethyl Fumarate N=769 % Placebo N=771 % Flushing 40 6 Abdominal pain 18 10 Diarrhea 14 11 Nausea 12 9 Vomiting 9 5 Pruritus 8 4 Rash 8 3 Albumin urine present 6 4 Erythema 5 1 Dyspepsia 5 3 Aspartate aminotransferase increased 4 2 Lymphopenia 2 2 times the ULN. Discontinuations due to elevated hepatic transaminases were 2 times ULN) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )]. Infections and Infestations: Herpes zoster infection and other serious opportunistic infections [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders: Rhinorrhea Skin and Subcutaneous: Alopecia
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug Labeling8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from the Dimethyl Fumarate Delayed-Release Capsules Pregnancy Registry, observational studies, and pharmacovigilance with dimethyl fumarate use in pregnant women have not indicated an increased risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Most of the reported exposures to dimethyl fumarate occurred during the first trimester of pregnancy (see Data) . In animals, adverse effects on offspring survival, growth, sexual maturation, and neurobehavioral function were observed when dimethyl fumarate (DMF) was administered during pregnancy and lactation at clinically relevant doses (see Data). The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Data Human Data In a prospective observational Dimethyl Fumarate Delayed-Release Capsules Pregnancy Registry (2013 to 2022), the rate of major birth defects among 362 live births and stillbirths from women who were exposed to dimethyl fumarate during pregnancy was 3.6% (95% CI: 1.9-6.1). No specific pattern of major birth defects was identified. Important potential study limitations include exposure misclassification, no adjustment for confounders, and lack of an internal comparator cohort. Animal Data In rats administered DMF orally (25, 100, 250 mg/kg/day) throughout organogenesis, embryofetal toxicity (reduced fetal body weight and delayed ossification) were observed at the highest dose tested. This dose also produced evidence of maternal toxicity (reduced body weight). Plasma exposure (AUC) for monomethyl fumarate (MMF), the major circulating metabolite, at the no-effect dose is approximately three times that in humans at the recommended human dose (RHD) of 480 mg/day. In rabbits administered DMF orally (25, 75, and 150 mg/kg/day) throughout organogenesis, embryolethality and decreased maternal body weight were observed at the highest dose tested. The plasma AUC for MMF at the no-effect dose is approximately 5 times that in humans at the RHD. Oral administration of DMF (25, 100, and 250 mg/kg/day) to rats throughout organogenesis and lactation resulted in increased lethality, persistent reductions in body weight, delayed sexual maturation (male and female pups), and reduced testicular weight at the highest dose tested. Neurobehavioral impairment was observed at all doses. A no-effect dose for developmental toxicity was not identified. The lowest dose tested was associated with plasma AUC for MMF lower than that in humans at the RHD. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of DMF or MMF in human milk. The effects on the breastfed infant and on milk production are unknown. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for dimethyl fumarate delayed-release capsules and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from the drug or from the underlying maternal condition. 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. 8.5 Geriatric Use Clinical studies of dimethyl fumarate did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients.
Mechanism of Action
openFDA Drug Labeling12.1 Mechanism of Action The mechanism by which dimethyl fumarate (DMF) exerts its therapeutic effect in multiple sclerosis is unknown. DMF and the metabolite, monomethyl fumarate (MMF), have been shown to activate the Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) pathway in vitro and in vivo in animals and humans. The Nrf2 pathway is involved in the cellular response to oxidative stress. MMF has been identified as a nicotinic acid receptor agonist in vitro .
Description
openFDA Drug Labeling11 DESCRIPTION Dimethyl Fumarate Delayed-Release Capsules contain dimethyl fumarate which is also known by its chemical name, dimethyl (E) butenedioate, (C 6 H 8 O 4 ). It has the following structure: Dimethyl fumarate is a white to off-white powder that is sparingly soluble in methanol; insoluble in water with a molecular mass of 144.13. Dimethyl Fumarate Delayed-Release Capsules are provided as hard gelatin delayed-release capsules for oral administration, containing 120 mg or 240 mg of dimethyl fumarate consisting of the following inactive ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, hydrophobic colloidal silica, magnesium stearate, methacrylic acid and methyl methacrylate copolymer, methacrylic acid copolymer dispersion (Eudragit L30 D-55), microcrystalline cellulose, simethicone (30% emulsion), talc and triethyl citrate. Eudragit L30 D-55 has the following ingredients: copolymer of methacrylic acid and ethyl acrylate, sodium lauryl sulphate, polysorbate 80 and purified water. The capsule shell for Dimethyl Fumarate Delayed-Release Capsules, 120 mg and 240 mg contains gelatin, titanium dioxide, FD&C blue 1, iron oxide yellow and iron oxide black. The imprinting ink for Dimethyl Fumarate Delayed-Release Capsule, 120 mg and 240 mg has the following components: black iron oxide, potassium hydroxide, and shellac. structure
Overdosage
openFDA Drug Labeling10 OVERDOSE Cases of overdose with dimethyl fumarate have been reported. The symptoms described in these cases were consistent with the known adverse event profile of dimethyl fumarate. There are no known therapeutic interventions to enhance elimination of dimethyl fumarate nor is there a known antidote. In the event of overdose, initiate symptomatic supportive treatment as clinically indicated.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug Labeling16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Dimethyl Fumarate Delayed-Release Capsules are available as hard gelatin delayed-release capsules in two strengths containing either 120 mg or 240 mg of dimethyl fumarate. The 120 mg capsules are size “1” hard gelatin capsules with a white opaque body imprinted with “307” in black ink and a blue cap imprinted with the Glenmark logo “G” in black ink, filled with white to off-white round shaped minitablets. The 240 mg capsules are size “0” hard gelatin capsules with a blue body imprinted with “308” in black ink and a blue cap imprinted with the Glenmark logo “G” in black ink, filled with white to off‐white round shaped minitablets. Dimethyl Fumarate Delayed-Release Capsules are available as follows: 30-day Starter Pack, (NDC 68462-570-78): 7-day bottle 120 mg capsules, quantity 14 - Store in original container. 23-day bottle 240 mg capsules, quantity 46 - Store in original container. 120 mg capsules: 7-day bottle of 14 capsules (NDC 68462-307-41) - Store in original container. Bottle of 500 count (NDC 68462-307-05) 240 mg capsules: 23-day bottle of 46 capsules (NDC 68462-308-68) - Store in original container. 30-day bottle of 60 capsules (NDC 68462-308-60) - Store in original container. Bottle of 500 count (NDC 68462-308-05) Store at 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect the capsules from light.
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: DIMETHYL FUMARATE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.
Packaging and NDCs
Source: NDC Directory| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 83300-120-01 | 83300-120 | Corden Pharma Fribourg SA | 2 BAG in 1 DRUM (83300-120-01) / 20000 CAPSULE in 1 BAG | April 13, 2013 |
| 83300-240-01 | 83300-240 | Corden Pharma Fribourg SA | 2 BAG in 1 DRUM (83300-240-01) / 20000 CAPSULE in 1 BAG | April 13, 2013 |
| 68462-307-05 | 68462-307 | Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA | 500 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (68462-307-05) | October 6, 2020 |
| 68462-307-41 | 68462-307 | Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA | 14 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (68462-307-41) | October 6, 2020 |
| 68462-308-05 | 68462-308 | Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA | 500 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (68462-308-05) | October 6, 2020 |
| 68462-308-60 | 68462-308 | Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA | 60 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (68462-308-60) | October 6, 2020 |
| 68462-308-68 | 68462-308 | Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA | 46 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE (68462-308-68) | October 6, 2020 |
| 83300-120 | 83300-120 | Corden Pharma Fribourg SA | — | April 13, 2013 |
| 83300-240 | 83300-240 | Corden Pharma Fribourg SA | — | April 13, 2013 |
| 68462-307 | 68462-307 | Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA | — | October 6, 2020 |
| 68462-308 | 68462-308 | Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Inc., USA | — | October 6, 2020 |
Sources for this page
| Dataset | Agency | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| NDC Directory | FDA | Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages |
| Drugs@FDA | FDA | Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status |
| Orange Book | FDA | Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity |
| Drug Labeling | FDA / NLM | Prescribing information reproduced above |
| FAERS | FDA | Adverse event report counts |
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