Tecfidera interactions

Tecfidera interactions with other medications

Before you start treatment with Tecfidera, tell your doctor and pharmacist which prescription, over-the-counter, and other medications you take. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions. (To learn whether Tecfidera interacts with supplements, herbs, or vitamins, see the “Tecfidera and other interactions” section.)

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Here’s a table of drugs that can interact with Tecfidera. Keep in mind that this table doesn’t include all drugs that may interact with Tecfidera. Some of these interactions are described in detail in “Drug interactions in depth.”

When to avoid Tecfidera

In some cases, factors or conditions could prevent your doctor from prescribing Tecfidera due to the risk of harm. These are known as contraindications. The contraindications of Tecfidera include:

Having had an allergic reaction to Tecfidera or any of its ingredients

If you have had an allergic reaction to Tecfidera or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Tecfidera. Taking the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you.

Note:Before you start treatment with Tecfidera, it’s important to tell your doctor if this contraindication applies to you. They can determine whether to prescribe Tecfidera.

Tecfidera interaction with alcohol

There aren’t any known interactions between Tecfidera and alcohol. However, your doctor may advise you to avoid or limit alcohol consumption during Tecfidera treatment.

This is because drinking alcohol while taking the drug may worsen some of Tecfidera side effects. For example, you may experience:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• flushing

If you consume alcohol during Tecfidera treatment, these side effects may be more likely to occur. If you have questions about drinking alcohol while taking Tecfidera, talk with your doctor.

Drug interactions in depth

Here’s a closer look at certain drug interactions of Tecfidera.

Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus)

Ocrelizumab is an intravenous (IV) infusion medication used to treat certain types of multiple sclerosis (MS) and clinically isolated syndrome.

Interaction result: Taking Tecfidera with ocrelizumab can increase the risk of immunosuppression. Immunosuppression is when the immune system is weakened.

Interaction explained: Tecfidera and ocrelizumab can both cause immunosuppression as side effects. If you take these drugs together, this side effect can be more likely to occur. If your immune system is weakened, you can be at risk for serious infections, such as tuberculosis and pneumonia.

Steps you or your doctor may take: Tell your doctor if you’re taking ocrelizumab before you start treatment with Tecfidera. They likely won’t prescribe these drugs together. Your doctor can discuss alternative treatment options for you.

Nrf2 activators

Nrf2 is a protein within cells that helps protect the body from damage from harmful molecules. Nrf2 activators are a group of drugs that cause your body to produce more Nrf2 proteins. This helps decrease inflammation in your body.

Interaction result: Taking Tecfidera with other Nrf2 activators can increase the risk of side effects of both drugs.

Interaction explained: Tecfidera belongs to the Nrf2 activator class of drugs. Nrf2 activator drugs all work similarly and cause similar side effects. Taking multiple Nrf2 activators at the same time can increase the risk of side effects of the drugs. These include severe gastrointestinal side effects, immunosuppression, and liver problems.

Examples of Nrf2 activator drugs: Here are some Nrf2 activators that may interact with Tecfidera:

• monomethyl fumarate (Bafiertam)
• diroximel fumarate (Vumerity)

Steps you or your doctor may take: If you’re taking a Nrf2 activator, tell your doctor before you start taking Tecfidera. Doctors likely won’t prescribe more than one Nrf2 activator at a time. They can discuss alternative medications for your condition.

Tecfidera and other interactions

Tecfidera may have other interactions, such as with supplements, foods, vaccines, or even lab tests. You’ll find details below. Keep in mind that the following information does not include all other possible interactions with Tecfidera.

Tecfidera interactions with supplements

It’s possible for drugs to interact with supplements such as vitamins and herbs.

Tecfidera interactions with herbs

There are no specific reports of herbs interacting with Tecfidera. However, that doesn’t mean herbal interactions won’t occur or be recognized in the future. Because of this, it’s important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products during Tecfidera treatment.

Tecfidera interactions with vitamins

There are no specific reports of vitamins interacting with Tecfidera. However, that doesn’t mean vitamin interactions won’t occur or be recognized in the future. Because of this, you should talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any vitamin product with Tecfidera.

Tecfidera interactions with food

There were no reports of food interactions with Tecfidera. If you’d like to learn more about eating certain foods during treatment with Tecfidera, talk with your doctor.

Tecfidera interactions with vaccines

There aren’t any known interactions between Tecfidera and vaccines. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to see whether you’re due for any vaccines.

Tecfidera interactions with lab tests

Tecfidera isn’t known to interact with any lab tests. If you have concerns about this medication interacting with lab tests, talk with your doctor.

TECFIDERA INTERACTION WITH CANNABIS OR CBD

Cannabis (often called marijuana) and cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have not been specifically reported to interact with Tecfidera. However, as with any drug or supplement, talk with your doctor before using cannabis in combination with Tecfidera. The impact of cannabis may affect how well you stick to your Tecfidera treatment plan.

Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.

Tecfidera and health-related interactions

Certain medical conditions and other factors may increase the risk of interactions with Tecfidera. Before you take this drug, be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history. Tecfidera may not be the right treatment option if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health.

Health conditions or factors that might interact with Tecfidera include:

• Weakened immune system: If your immune system is weakened, tell your doctor before you start Tecfidera. Tecfidera can weaken your immune system further, which can increase your risk of serious infections. Your doctor can help determine if Tecfidera is safe for you.
• Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Tecfidera or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Tecfidera. Taking the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you.
• Breastfeeding: It’s not known whether it’s safe to use Tecfidera while breastfeeding. There isn’t enough information to determine whether the drug passes into breast milk or what effects Tecfidera may have on a child who is breastfed. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to, talk with your doctor before using Tecfidera. They can talk with you about treatment options and ways to feed a child who is breastfed.
• Pregnancy: There haven’t been enough clinical trials to determine whether Tecfidera is safe to use while pregnant. Animal studies show that the drug may cause problems with fetal development. However, it’s important to note that animal studies don’t always indicate what may happen in humans. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor before starting Tecfidera. They can advise you on the right treatment plan for you. If you’re pregnant and taking Tecfidera, you can enroll in the Tecfidera Pregnancy Registry. The purpose of this registry is to gather information on how Tecfidera affects pregnancy. If you’d like to enroll, you can call 866-810-1462 or visit the registry’s website.

FAQs about Tecfidera and interactions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Tecfidera and possible interactions.

Can I take acetaminophen if I’m taking Tecfidera?

In general, yes, it’s safe to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) with Tecfidera. There aren’t reports of these medications interacting with each other.

However, keep in mind that both acetaminophen and Tecfidera can cause liver problems, including liver damage. This side effect isn’t likely with acetaminophen unless you take higher doses than recommended. Your risk is also increased if you consume alcohol and take these medications together.

Before taking acetaminophen or any over-the-counter medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can advise you on whether the medication is safe for you and what the right dosage is.

Can I take gabapentin if I’m taking Tecfidera?

Yes, in most cases, it’s safe to take Tecfidera with gabapentin (Neurontin, others). There aren’t any reports of these drugs interacting with each other.

However, gabapentin and Tecfidera may cause similar side effects, including:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea

If you are taking gabapentin and Tecfidera together, these side effects may be more likely to occur. If you have questions about combining these drugs, talk with your doctor.

Preventing interactions

You can take certain steps to help prevent interactions with Tecfidera. Your doctor and pharmacist are key resources, so reach out to them before starting treatment. For example, you should plan to do the following:

• Let them know if you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
• Tell them about any other medications you take, as well as any supplements, herbs, and vitamins.
• Create a medication listTrusted Source, which your doctor and pharmacist can help you fill out.

It’s also important to read the Tecfidera label and other paperworkTrusted Source that may come with the drug. The label may have colored stickers that mention an interaction. And the paperwork, sometimes called the medication guide or patient package insert, may contain details about interactions.

If Tecfidera doesn’t come with paperwork, you can ask your pharmacist to print a copy. If you need help reading or understanding this information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

You can also help prevent interactions with Tecfidera by taking it exactly as your doctor prescribes.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.