Vumerity®
diroximel fumarate
Quick Facts
Immune system modulator that dampens inflammatory response and may have antioxidant properties.
Capsule taken orally
Twice daily after a first week titration
Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting MS, and active secondary-progressive MS
Potential Benefit:
Vumerity® data is based on trials of its bioequivalnet, dimethyl fumarate, compared to placebo over 2 years:
- 44-53% fewers relapses
- 21-38% less likely to experience disability progression
Over 2 years MRI showed:
- 74-90% fewers Gd+ lesions
- 71- 85% fewer T2 lesions
- 57- 72% fewer T1 lesions
Common Potential Side Effects
Flushing, stomach problems, redness, itching, rash
Prescription Assistance:
For assistance finding additional resources that might help cover the costs of your prescription, contact MSAA.
Hear from the Expert
Mitzi Joi Williams, MD
“Shared decision making is an essential part of treatment management for multiple sclerosis.”
DRUGMAKER
Biogen
HOW Vumerity® WORKS
The disease modifying therapy Vumerity® is an immune system modulator thought to reduce inflammation. Vumerity® may also have antioxidant properties that help prevent damage to key parts of the central nervous system (CNS) such as the brain and spinal cord. Vumerity® is in the same class of MS therapy as Tecfidera, but causes fewer gastrointestinal (GI) side effects.
FDA-Approved
FDA approved in 2019 to treat relapsing forms of MS, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary-progressive disease, in adults.
Potential Side Effects
Flushing and stomach problems are common, especially at the start of therapy, and may decrease over time; redness, itching, rash, or diarrhea may also occur. Vumerity® is in the same class of MS therapy as Tecfidera®, but is believed to cause fewer gastrointestinal (GI) side effects. Other side effects include herpes zoster infections (shingles), central nervous system infections, decreases in your white blood cell count, and liver problems. A possible serious side effect is progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare brain infection that usually leads to death or severe disability over a period of weeks or months.
OTHER KEY INFORMATION
Your healthcare provider will likely recommend blood tests after the first 6 months of treatment and every 6 -12 months after that.
Testing completed prior to starting Vumerity® includes:
- Complete Blood Count (including lymphocytes)
- Liver Function Tests
Regular testing completed after starting Vumerity® includes:
- Complete Blood Count (including lymphocytes)
- Liver Function Tests
When taking Vumerity, please note there is a titration period (starting at a smaller dose and increasing over successive weeks).
Patient advocates talk about
their treatment experience
-
Kristie Salerno Kent
“I have had situations where treatments aren’t approved at first. My doctors, nurses, they actually go to bat for me and made it happen.” -
Azure Antoinette
"I will be undergoing my first disease-modifying therapy to help treat multiple sclerosis in my body and while I’m very nervous, I am equally as excited and looking forward to the positive effects of how I will feel physically, and mentally, and emotionally." -
Damian Washington
“Nobody’s going to be looking out for your best interests better than you.” -
Cathy Chester
“I think it’s really important to talk about how to age with this illness.” -
Lauren Hutton-Work
“Just because you have this disease does not mean that your work life should be awkward or uncomfortable.” -
Chernise Joseph
“My first neurologist was a frontline neurologist, he wasn’t an MS specialist.” -
Julian Gamboa
“If you’re newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis remember it’s always okay to get a second opinion.” -
Lauren and Sam Alcorn
“Our future is uncertain and we have to enjoy each other and love each other in the present.” -
Shawn Feliciano
“I want to know what medications might work best for someone who’s Hispanic.” -
Darlene Feigen
“The sooner you get on a therapy the better it is in the long run.” -
Birgit Bauer
“At the end of the appointment you should have an answer to the most important questions.” -
Ellen Tutton
“I looked up all the different disease-modifying therapies and compared them to my lifestyle.” -
Victoria Marie Reese
“I’m trying to show my daughter that taking care of yourself is cool.”
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