Vumerity Capsule: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Vumerity Capsule (diroximel fumarate) is a prescription delayed-release oral capsule belonging to a class of medicines called selective immunosuppressants, or immunomodulators. It is used to treat certain relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults. The exact way it works is not fully known, and it must be taken exactly as prescribed, swallowed whole without crushing, chewing, or opening.

What is Vumerity Capsule

Vumerity is a prescription oral capsule used to treat certain forms of multiple sclerosis in adults. It is a delayed-release capsule, meaning the medicine is released slowly into your body over time.

Vumerity Capsule uses

• Treats relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease

Benefits of Vumerity Capsule

• May reduce stomach problems compared with a similar medicine, dimethyl fumarate, based on one study
• May cause fewer people to stop treatment due to stomach problems compared with dimethyl fumarate, based on one study
• Helps reduce MS relapses
• May reduce new inflammatory brain lesions

How Vumerity Capsule works

The exact way Vumerity works to treat multiple sclerosis is not known.

Vumerity Capsule dosage

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor and follow all directions on your prescription label. Swallow the capsule whole; do not crush, chew, break, or open it. If taking with food to reduce flushing, avoid high-fat, high-calorie meals or snacks. Do not drink alcohol at the same time as your dose. Your doctor may have you take aspirin before your dose to help reduce flushing. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can, but skip it if it is almost time for your next dose; do not take two doses at once. Vumerity is not approved for use in anyone younger than 18 years old.

Available forms and strengths

• Delayed-release oral capsule

Side effects of Vumerity Capsule

Common

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Diarrhea
• Flushing
• Vomiting
• Skin discoloration or rash
• Indigestion

Serious

• Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (a rare, serious brain infection)
• Low white blood cell levels
• Shingles or other infections
• Serious digestive system problems such as tears, bleeding, ulcers, or blockage in the intestines
• Liver problems
• Severe allergic reaction

Warnings and precautions

• Do not take Vumerity if you have had a severe allergic reaction to diroximel fumarate or dimethyl fumarate, or if you are also taking dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera).
• Vumerity can cause a rare, serious brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), which usually leads to death or severe disability over weeks or months.
• Vumerity can lower your white blood cell count, so you will need regular blood tests before and during treatment.
• Taking Vumerity together with Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) can increase your risk of side effects because both drugs break down into the same substance in the body.
• It is not known whether Vumerity is safe to take during pregnancy. Animal studies showed an increased risk of birth defects, but this may not reflect what happens in humans. Talk with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• It is not known whether Vumerity passes into breast milk or what effects it may have on a breastfed child. Talk with your doctor before taking Vumerity if you are breastfeeding.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems before starting Vumerity. If you have moderate or severe kidney problems, your doctor may not recommend this medicine.
• Tell your doctor about any liver problems before starting Vumerity, since this medicine can cause liver problems and may worsen existing liver disease.
• Do not drink alcohol at the same time you take your Vumerity dose. Alcohol may make the medicine less effective and may increase your risk of side effects.
• Vumerity usually does not directly impair driving, but avoid driving if dizziness or weakness occurs.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help right away if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Call your doctor right away if you have problems with speech, thought, vision, or muscle movement, as these may be signs of a serious brain infection that can start gradually and get worse quickly.
• Call your doctor right away if you notice signs of liver problems, such as upper right-sided stomach pain, loss of appetite, tiredness, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have ongoing stomach-area pain, black or tarry stools, severe vomiting or diarrhea, or you vomit blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, as these can be signs of serious digestive problems.

Alternatives

• Tecfidera
• Bafiertam
• Aubagio