Tecfidera, whose active ingredient is dimethyl fumarate, is a widely used oral medication designed to help people with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). It primarily works by reducing inflammation in the central nervous system, which is a key factor in the relapsing nature of MS. By modulating the immune system, Tecfidera decreases the frequency of relapses and the formation of new lesions visible on MRI scans, which are signs of disease activity.
The exact way Tecfidera works is not fully understood, but it is believed to activate an antioxidant pathway in the body. This pathway helps neutralize harmful free radicals—unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to inflammation and nerve injury in MS. By turning on this antioxidant mechanism, Tecfidera helps protect nerve cells from damage and supports their survival. This neuroprotective effect is important because MS involves immune attacks on the protective covering of nerves, leading to disability over time.
In addition to its antioxidant role, Tecfidera also influences immune cells, particularly by reducing the activity of cells that drive inflammation and potentially harmful immune responses. This immune modulation helps to lower the chances of relapses, which are episodes where symptoms suddenly worsen due to new or active inflammation in the nervous system.
Clinical studies have shown that people with relapsing MS who take Tecfidera experience fewer relapses and slower progression of disability compared to those who do not receive the treatment. It is taken orally, usually twice a day, which makes it more convenient than some other MS therapies that require injections or infusions.
Tecfidera is generally well tolerated, but it can cause side effects such as flushing, gastrointestinal discomfort, and, in rare cases, a decrease in white blood cell counts, which requires monitoring. Despite these potential side effects, many patients find that the benefits in controlling relapses and disease activity outweigh the risks.
For people with relapsing MS, Tecfidera offers a valuable option to manage their condition by reducing inflammation, protecting nerve cells, and lowering relapse rates. It is part of a broader category of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) that aim to alter the course of MS rather than just treating symptoms. While it does not cure MS, Tecfidera helps many patients maintain a better quality of life by controlling the unpredictable flare-ups characteristic of relapsing MS.
In summary, Tecfidera helps with relapsing MS by decreasing immune system-driven inflammation, reducing relapse frequency, and protecting nerve cells through antioxidant effects. It is an oral medication that has become a standard treatment option for many people living with relapsing forms of MS.
