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TECFIDERA

dimethyl fumarate · Capsule

Prescription NDA TE AB RLD Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
TECFIDERA
Generic name
dimethyl fumarate
Dosage form
Capsule
Route
Oral
Marketing category
NDA · NDA
Labeler
Biogen Inc.
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
2
NDC product codes
2
Packages
2
Data completeness
77% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Dimethyl Fumarate 120 mg/1 1373483 View
Dimethyl Fumarate 240 mg/1 1373483 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Capsule
Route of administration
Oral
Presentations
4

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
204063
Application type
NDA · New Drug Application
Approval date
March 27, 2013
Sponsor
BIOGEN
Products on application
2
Submissions recorded
25
Products approved under application 204063.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
204063-001 TECFIDERA CAPSULE, DELAYED RELEASE DIMETHYL FUMARATE Prescription AB RLD
204063-002 TECFIDERA CAPSULE, DELAYED RELEASE DIMETHYL FUMARATE Prescription AB RLD RS

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AB
Reference Listed Drug
Yes
Reference Standard
Yes

What 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.

Patents and exclusivity

Source: Orange Book
Patent listings submitted under 21 U.S.C. 355(b)(1) and (c)(2).
Patent Expires Product Substance Use code Submitted
8399514 February 7, 2028 001 No U-1384 April 24, 2013
8399514 February 7, 2028 002 No U-1384 April 24, 2013
10391160 March 13, 2035 001 No U-3148 April 28, 2021
10555993 March 13, 2035 001 No U-3148 April 28, 2021
10994003 March 13, 2035 001 No U-3148 May 28, 2021
10391160 March 13, 2035 002 No U-3148 April 28, 2021
10555993 March 13, 2035 002 No U-3148 April 28, 2021
10994003 March 13, 2035 002 No U-3148 May 28, 2021
10959972 November 16, 2035 001 No U-1384 April 28, 2021
11129806 November 16, 2035 001 No U-1384 October 27, 2021
11007166 November 16, 2035 001 No U-1384 May 28, 2021
11007167 November 16, 2035 001 No U-1384 May 28, 2021
11246850 November 16, 2035 001 No U-1384 March 11, 2022
10959972 November 16, 2035 002 No U-1384 April 28, 2021
11129806 November 16, 2035 002 No U-1384 October 27, 2021
11007167 November 16, 2035 002 No U-1384 May 28, 2021
11007166 November 16, 2035 002 No U-1384 May 28, 2021
11246850 November 16, 2035 002 No U-1384 March 11, 2022

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 204063.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 31 Labeling Approved March 12, 2024 Standard
Supplement 32 Labeling Approved December 13, 2023 Standard
Supplement 29 Efficacy Approved February 10, 2023 Standard
Supplement 30 Labeling Approved September 29, 2022 Standard
Supplement 28 Labeling Approved September 29, 2022 Standard
Supplement 27 Labeling Approved February 10, 2022 Standard
Supplement 26 Labeling Approved January 29, 2021 Standard
Supplement 23 Efficacy Approved February 5, 2020 Standard
Supplement 25 Labeling Approved December 11, 2019 Standard
Supplement 24 Labeling Approved July 10, 2019 Standard
Supplement 20 Labeling Approved December 15, 2017 Standard
Supplement 17 Labeling Approved January 19, 2017 Standard
Supplement 14 Labeling Approved February 29, 2016 Standard
Supplement 15 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved December 24, 2015 Standard
Supplement 13 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved October 16, 2015 Standard
Supplement 12 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved July 14, 2015 Standard
Supplement 11 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved June 16, 2015 Standard
Supplement 6 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved March 6, 2015 Standard
Supplement 10 Labeling Approved December 3, 2014 Standard
Supplement 8 Labeling Approved December 3, 2014 Standard
Supplement 3 Efficacy Approved December 3, 2014 Standard
Supplement 9 Labeling Approved November 14, 2014 Standard
Supplement 5 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved August 18, 2014 Standard
Supplement 2 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved August 20, 2013 Standard
Original application 1 Type 1 - New Molecular Entity Approved March 27, 2013 Standard

Review documents

  • 0 · Supplement · March 13, 2024
  • 0 · Supplement · March 13, 2024
  • 0 · Supplement · December 14, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · December 14, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · February 14, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · February 13, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · October 3, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · October 3, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · September 30, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · September 30, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · February 14, 2022
  • 0 · Supplement · February 1, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · February 1, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · February 7, 2020
  • 0 · Supplement · February 6, 2020
  • 0 · Supplement · December 12, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · December 12, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · July 11, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · July 11, 2019
  • 0 · Supplement · December 22, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · December 20, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · January 24, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · January 24, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · July 28, 2016
  • 0 · Supplement · March 3, 2016
  • 0 · Supplement · March 2, 2016
  • 0 · Original application · December 23, 2014
  • 0 · Supplement · December 10, 2014
  • 0 · Supplement · December 10, 2014
  • 0 · Supplement · December 10, 2014

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20250604). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20250604

Recent Major Changes

openFDA Drug Labeling

Warnings and Precautions, Serious Gastrointestinal Reactions ( 5.7 ) 12/2023

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE TECFIDERA is 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. TECFIDERA is 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 Labeling

2 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 TECFIDERA capsules whole and intact. Do not crush, chew, or sprinkle capsule contents on food ( 2.1 ) Take TECFIDERA with or without food ( 2.1 ) 2.1 Dosing Information The starting dose for TECFIDERA 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 TECFIDERA should be considered for patients unable to tolerate return to the maintenance dose. The incidence of flushing may be reduced by administration of TECFIDERA with food. Alternatively, administration of non-enteric coated aspirin (up to a dose of 325 mg) 30 minutes prior to TECFIDERA dosing may reduce the incidence or severity of flushing [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . TECFIDERA should be swallowed whole and intact. TECFIDERA should not be crushed or chewed, and the capsule contents should not be sprinkled on food. TECFIDERA 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 TECFIDERA [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] .

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS TECFIDERA is available as hard gelatin delayed-release capsules containing 120 mg or 240 mg of dimethyl fumarate. The 120 mg capsules have a green cap and white body, printed with “BG-12 120 mg” in black ink on the body. The 240 mg capsules have a green cap and a green body, printed with “BG-12 240 mg” in black ink on the body. Delayed-release capsules : 120 mg and 240 mg ( 3 )

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS TECFIDERA is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to dimethyl fumarate or to any of the excipients of TECFIDERA. Reactions have included anaphylaxis and angioedema [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Known hypersensitivity to dimethyl fumarate or any of the excipients of TECFIDERA. ( 4 )

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Anaphylaxis and Angioedema: Discontinue and do not restart TECFIDERA if these occur. ( 5.1 ) Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML): Withhold TECFIDERA at the first sign or symptom suggestive of PML. ( 5.2 ) Herpes Zoster and Other Serious Opportunistic Infections: Consider withholding TECFIDERA in cases of serious infection until the infection has resolved. ( 5.3 ) Lymphopenia: Obtain a CBC including lymphocyte count before initiating TECFIDERA, after 6 months, and every 6 to 12 months thereafter. Consider interruption of TECFIDERA if lymphocyte counts <0.5 x 10 9 /L persist for more than six months. ( 5.4 ) Liver Injury: Obtain serum aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin levels before initiating TECFIDERA and during treatment, as clinically indicated. Discontinue TECFIDERA if clinically significant liver injury induced by TECFIDERA is suspected. ( 5.5 ) 5.1 Anaphylaxis and Angioedema TECFIDERA 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 TECFIDERA 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 TECFIDERA. 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 TECFIDERA for 4 years while enrolled in a clinical trial. During the clinical trial, the patient experienced prolonged lymphopenia (lymphocyte counts predominantly <0.5x10 9 /L for 3.5 years) while taking TECFIDERA [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 (<0.9x10 9 /L). While the role of lymphopenia in these cases is uncertain, the PML cases have occurred predominantly in patients with lymphocyte counts <0.8x10 9 /L persisting for more than 6 months. At the first sign or symptom suggestive of PML, withhold TECFIDERA 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 diagnosis of PML, if present. Lower PML-related mortality and morbidity have been reported following discontinuation of another MS medication associated with PML in patients with PML who were initially asymptomatic compared to patients with PML who had characteristic clinical signs and symptoms at diagnosis. It is not known whether these differences are due to early detection and discontinuation of MS treatment or due to differences in disease in these patients. 5.3 He …

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

6 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 Biogen at 1-800-456-2255 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 TECFIDERA 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 TECFIDERA, and 426 patients have received at least 10 years of treatment with TECFIDERA. Adverse Reactions in Placebo-Controlled Trials In the two well-controlled studies demonstrating effectiveness, 1529 patients received TECFIDERA 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 TECFIDERA 240 mg twice a day and 771 placebo-treated patients. The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥10% and ≥2% more than placebo) for TECFIDERA were flushing, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea. Table 1: Adverse Reactions in Study 1 and 2 reported for TECFIDERA 240 mg BID at ≥ 2% higher incidence than placebo TECFIDERA 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 Labeling

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from the TECFIDERA 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 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Data Human Data In a prospective observational TECFIDERA Pregnancy Registry (2013-2022), 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 TECFIDERA 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 TECFIDERA 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 Labeling

12.1 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 Labeling

11 DESCRIPTION TECFIDERA contains 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 highly soluble in water with a molecular mass of 144.13. TECFIDERA is 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: microcrystalline cellulose, silicified microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, talc, silica colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, triethyl citrate, methacrylic acid copolymer - Type A, methacrylic acid copolymer dispersion, simethicone (30% emulsion), sodium lauryl sulphate, and polysorbate 80. The capsule shell, printed with black ink, contains the following inactive ingredients: gelatin, titanium dioxide, FD&C blue 1; brilliant blue FCF, yellow iron oxide and black iron oxide. Structural Formula

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING TECFIDERA is available as hard gelatin delayed-release capsules in two strengths containing either 120 mg or 240 mg of dimethyl fumarate. The green and white 120 mg capsules are printed with “BG-12 120 mg” in black ink. The green 240 mg capsules are printed with “BG-12 240 mg” in black ink. TECFIDERA is available as follows: 30-day Starter Pack, (NDC 64406-007-03): 7-day bottle 120 mg capsules, quantity 14 23-day bottle 240 mg capsules, quantity 46 120 mg capsules: 7-day bottle of 14 capsules (NDC 64406-005-01) 240 mg capsules: 30-day bottle of 60 capsules (NDC 64406-006-02) Store at 15°C to 30°C (59 to 86°F). Protect the capsules from light. Store in original container.

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
122,284
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed 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.

Recalls

Source: FDA Enforcement
Drug recall enforcement reports associated with this product.
Classification Reported Firm Reason Status
Class III July 15, 2020 Biogen MA Inc. cGMP deviations: one lot of the product was distributed to US Markets despite being rejected during in-process control. Terminated

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
64406-005-01 64406-005 Biogen Inc. 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC in 1 CARTON (64406-005-01) / 14 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC March 27, 2013
64406-006-02 64406-006 Biogen Inc. 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC in 1 CARTON (64406-006-02) / 60 CAPSULE in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC March 27, 2013
64406-005 64406-005 Biogen Inc. — March 27, 2013
64406-006 64406-006 Biogen Inc. — March 27, 2013

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to 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
Enforcement FDA Recall records

Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.