Uses
What is Vumerity used for?
Vumerity (diroximel fumarate) is commonly used to treat certain forms of multiple sclerosis, such as clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease.
Vumerity may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Vumerity work (mechanism of action)?
It is not known exactly how Vumerity works, but it may involve affecting how cells in your body respond to stress.
How is Vumerity supplied (dosage forms)?
Vumerity is available as 231 mg delayed-release oral capsules that are taken by mouth.
How should I store Vumerity?
Vumerity should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Vumerity?
The most common side effects of Vumerity are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Flushing
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
There may be other side effects of Vumerity that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Vumerity?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Vumerity are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Vumerity may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Vumerity and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Flushing
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat (angioedema)
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML). People taking Vumerity may develop a rare brain disease called PML from the JC virus. PML is very serious and can lead to death. Stop taking Vumerity and call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of PML.
- Clumsiness or loss of coordination
- Difficulty walking or speaking
- Facial drooping
- Vision problems
- Thinking, memory, or personality changes
- Weakness on one side of your body that gets worse
- Seizures
Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Vumerity. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach or belly pain
- Fever
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Light-colored poop
- Dark-colored urine (pee)
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
Severe Stomach Problems. Vumerity can cause bleeding, sores, blockages, and tears in the stomach or intestines. Stop taking Vumerity and call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of severe stomach problems.
- Stomach pain that does not go away
- Black poop or bright red blood in your poop
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea
- Coughing up blood or blood clots
- Throwing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
Blood Disorders. Vumerity can cause low white blood cell levels (lymphopenia). White blood cells help your body fight infection. You will not feel different when your white blood cell counts drop. So, it is important to keep all of your lab work appointments while you are taking Vumerity.
Serious Infections. Vumerity may increase your risk of developing a serious infection, such as tuberculosis (TB), shingles, or other infections from bacteria, fungi, or viruses. These infections can affect a variety of body parts, including your skin, brain, eyes, and stomach or intestines. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of the following signs and symptoms of a serious infection.
- Cough or difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Low blood pressure or fast heartbeat
- Extreme weakness or tiredness
- Skin rash associated with severe pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Vumerity?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Vumerity.
- Vumerity
- Diroximel fumarate
- Dimethyl fumarate
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Vumerity.
Drug Interactions. Vumerity should not be taken while you are taking certain other medicines. Before taking Vumerity, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are taking. See the Interactions section for more details.
What should I know about Vumerity before using it?
Do not take Vumerity unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share Vumerity with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Vumerity out of the reach of children.
Do not chew, crush, or sprinkle the contents of Vumerity on food, it should be swallowed whole.
Vumerity should be taken twice each day. Taking Vumerity with food may decrease some of the side effects from Vumerity. Avoid taking Vumerity with a high-fat or high-calorie meal or snack. See the Interactions section for more details.
Your healthcare provider will check some blood tests before and during treatment with Vumerity.
Flushing is common, and it may decrease over time. Taking it with food may be helpful. If you still have trouble with flushing (red, hot face when you take Vumerity), you can ask your healthcare provider if taking aspirin might help.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Vumerity?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are taking. This will help them determine if Vumerity is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Kidney or liver problems
- Have or previously had low white blood cell counts
- Have an infection
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Vumerity could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Vumerity while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Vumerity, you can register for the Vumerity Pregnancy Registry by calling 833-569-2635 or at www.vumeritypregnancyregistry.org. This registry collects safety information about the use of Vumerity during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Vumerity passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Vumerity or diroximel fumarate while breastfeeding.
How can I get more information about Vumerity?
For more information about Vumerity, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at https://www.vumerity.com/ or call them at 800-456-2255.
Interactions
Does Vumerity interact with foods or drinks?
Avoid taking Vumerity with high-fat (30 grams or more of fat) or high-calorie (700 calories or more) meals or snacks.
Avoid taking Vumerity with alcohol. Alcohol may decrease your blood levels of Vumerity, possibly reducing its effectiveness. The risk of flushing may also be increased if you drink alcohol while taking Vumerity.
Does Vumerity interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are taking.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera), another medicine used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS), before taking Vumerity.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Vumerity. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Vumerity?
If you or someone else has used too much Vumerity, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Vumerity?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.