Managing flushing and gastrointestinal events associated with delayed-release dimethyl fumarate: Experiences of an international panel

Abstract

Strategies for monitoring and managing the known adverse event (AE) profile of therapies for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis have become key to the optimization of patient outcomes. Delayed-release dimethyl fumarate (DMF) was associated with an increased risk of flushing and gastrointestinal (GI) AEs in clinical trials. A survey of clinicians with significant research experience using delayed-release DMF was conducted to provide guidance to clinicians using delayed-release DMF in clinical practice on the management of flushing and GI tolerability AEs. Recommendations for prophylaxis included educating the patient about flushing and GI AEs associated with delayed-release DMF and recommending administration with food. A variety of symptomatic treatments were utilized during the delayed-release DMF clinical trials in patients presenting with delayed-release DMF-related flushing or GI AEs that were severe or bothersome enough to warrant pharmacological intervention.

Keywords: Adverse events; Dimethyl fumarate; Flushing; Gastrointestinal adverse events; Multiple sclerosis; Tolerability.