Tecfidera is a brand-name delayed-released oral capsule that’s prescribed for certain forms of multiple sclerosis. It contains the active ingredient dimethyl fumarate. It’s not known whether Tecfidera is safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Keep reading for specific information about reproductive health and Tecfidera. For a comprehensive look, see this other article on Tecfidera.

If you can become pregnant, it’s important to consider whether Tecfidera is a safe choice for you.

Clinical trials examining Tecfidera in pregnant people don’t exist yet. But other studies and dataTrusted Source show that the drug isn’t known to increase the risk of serious congenital anomalies (also known as “birth defects”). It’s also not known to increase the risk of pregnancy loss or cause side effects in the pregnant person or fetus.

Animal studies show that Tecfidera may be harmful to a fetus and may not be safe to take during pregnancy. However, animal studies don’t always predict what will happen in humans.

If you become pregnant while taking Tecfidera, you can take part in the Tecfidera Pregnancy Registry. A pregnancy registry helps gather information on how certain drugs can affect pregnancy. If you’d like to join the registry, talk with your doctor, call 866-810-1462, or visit the registry’s website.

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about whether to take Tecfidera.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, it’s important to consider how Tecfidera may affect you and a breastfed child.

The available clinical trials don’t examine whether Tecfidera passes into breast milk or what effects the drug has on breastfed children. However, other studies and dataTrusted Source show that small amounts of monomethyl fumarate may pass into breast milk. Your body turns Tecfidera’s active ingredient dimethyl fumarate into monomethyl fumarate once you take Tecfidera. These small amounts may not cause side effects in breastfed children. However, your doctor may still want to monitor your child while you take Tecfidera.

If you’re taking Tecfidera and would like to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about the potential risks and benefits.

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