Side Effects of diroximel fumarate: A Synthesis of Findings from 7 Studies

This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician.Data sources and disclaimers (data limitations, copyright, etc.)Please check the disclaimer.

This page's analysis is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM).

Original Abstract of the Article

Key Research Findings

Diroximel fumarate (DRF) is a second-generation drug used to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). While it has been shown to be effective, DRF can also have side effects, some of which can be serious. One of the most common side effects is gastrointestinal discomfort. However, less common side effects such as an increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections are often overlooked. 1

When comparing DRF to other MS treatment drugs, DRF, interferon beta, and fumarates have shown to maintain the immune response to the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. However, ocrelizumab may suppress the immune response and increase the risk of vaccine-related side effects. 2

Reasons for Side Effects

Side effects of DRF can be attributed to its immunosuppressive effect. DRF alleviates MS symptoms by suppressing the immune system, but it can also lower the body's immune defenses, making it more susceptible to infections. 1

Common Side Effects

Gastrointestinal

DRF is known to cause gastrointestinal side effects. 7

Infections

DRF has immunosuppressive effects and can cause opportunistic infections. 1

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Gastrointestinal

Dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and drug therapy may be tried to mitigate gastrointestinal side effects of DRF. 7

Infections

Prevention of opportunistic infections requires good hygiene practices such as handwashing, gargling, and regular health checks. 1

Comparison between Studies

Commonalities between Studies

Multiple studies have demonstrated that DRF is effective in treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Additionally, DRF has been shown to exhibit fewer gastrointestinal side effects and higher patient satisfaction compared to dimethyl fumarate (DMF), the traditional fumarate formulation. 6 , 4 , 5

Differences between Studies

DRF has shown a reduction in gastrointestinal side effects compared to DMF. However, some studies suggest that DRF may have a higher risk of infections compared to DMF. 2

Points to Note Regarding Real-Life Applications

It is crucial to be aware of the gastrointestinal side effects and the risk of infections when taking DRF. By practicing dietary modifications, improving lifestyle habits, and undergoing regular health check-ups, you can mitigate side effects. 7 , 1

Limitations of Current Research

Research on the long-term safety and efficacy of DRF is limited. Furthermore, research on the mechanisms by which DRF increases the risk of infection and the countermeasures to reduce this risk is also insufficient. 2

Future Research Directions

Further research is needed on the long-term safety and efficacy of DRF, as well as strategies to mitigate the risk of infection. Elucidating the detailed mechanisms of DRF's immunosuppressive effect is essential. 2

Conclusion

DRF is an effective immunomodulatory drug for treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, but it carries the risk of gastrointestinal side effects and infections. When taking DRF, it is important to be aware of these side effects and to consult with your doctor before taking it. 7 , 1

Literature analysis of 7 papers

Positive Content

Neutral Content

Negative Content

Article Type

Randomized Controlled Trial0

Meta-Analysis0

Systematic Review0

Review1

Journal Article6

Vaginal Herpes Zoster While Under Treatment for Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis With Diroximel Fumarate.

Author: GülSedat, AhmedAdeenah F, McGrawCorey

MS treatment

Opportunistic infections

This case report describes a patient who experienced lymphopenia, recurrent yeast infections, and labial shingles while on diroximel fumarate (DRF) for relapsing-remitting MS. This case highlights the potential side effects and rare complications of DRF.

Language : English

COVID-19 Vaccine Response in People with Multiple Sclerosis Treated with Dimethyl Fumarate, Diroximel Fumarate, Natalizumab, Ocrelizumab, or Interferon Beta Therapy.

Author: JaberAliya, PatelMeera, SylvesterAndrew, YarussiMary, KalinaJ Tamar, MendozaJason P, AvilaRobin L, TremblayMatthew A

COVID-19 vaccine response

Vaccine-related side effects

Natalizumab, fumarates, and interferon beta preserved humoral response to the mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine in people with MS, while ocrelizumab muted the response. All DMTs preserved T cell response, with ocrelizumab associated with a greater risk of vaccine-related side effects.

Language : English

Diroximel Fumarate as a Novel Oral Immunomodulating Therapy for Relapsing Forms of Multiple Sclerosis: A Review on the Emerging Data.

Author: HauerLarissa, SellnerJohann

GI tolerability

MS treatment

Diroximel fumarate (DRF), a second-generation oral fumaric acid ester (FAE), has been developed to have better gastrointestinal (GI) tolerability compared to dimethyl fumarate (DMF) for multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment. The improved tolerability is likely due to reduced methanol production and potentially lower off-target activity. Clinical trials have demonstrated its superior GI tolerability, leading to its approval for relapsing forms of MS.

Language : English

Real-World Analysis Affirms the High Persistence and Adherence Observed with Diroximel Fumarate in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

Author: LagerBrittney, LisenoJacob, BožinIvan, EnglandSarah M, ShankarSai L, MendozaJason P, LewinJames B

Improved MS outcomes

Reduced GI side effects

Multiple sclerosis

This study examines the real-world persistence and adherence to diroximel fumarate (DRF) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). It aims to provide insights into real-world use of DRF, which has demonstrated fewer gastrointestinal side effects compared to dimethyl fumarate.

Language : English

Health-Related Quality of Life with Diroximel Fumarate in Patients with Relapsing Forms of Multiple Sclerosis: Findings from Qualitative Research Using Patient Interviews.

Author: GudesblattMark, RomanCortnee, SingerBarry A, SchmidtHollie, ThomasJessica, ShankarSai L, LyonsJennifer, KapadiaShivani

High adherence rate

Improved GI tolerability

This concept elicitation study aimed to identify treatment-related concepts most meaningful to patients taking diroximel fumarate (DRF) for relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). The study found that patients highly valued DRF's improved gastrointestinal tolerability and low treatment discontinuation rates compared to dimethyl fumarate (DMF). These findings highlight the importance of considering patient perspectives on treatment-related concepts when evaluating drug efficacy and adherence.

Language : English

Multiple Sclerosis Patients Treated With Diroximel Fumarate in the Real-World Setting Have High Rates of Persistence and Adherence.

Author: LisenoJacob, LagerBrittney, MillerCatherine, ShankarSai L, MendozaJason P, LewinJames B

Improved GI tolerability

Real-world persistence not assessed

This study evaluated the persistence and adherence to diroximel fumarate (DRF) in a real-world clinical practice setting. DRF is a treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis with improved gastrointestinal tolerability compared to dimethyl fumarate.

Language : English

Improving the Gastrointestinal Tolerability of Fumaric Acid Esters: Early Findings on Gastrointestinal Events with Diroximel Fumarate in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis from the Phase 3, Open-Label EVOLVE-MS-1 Study.

Author: PalteMichael J, WehrAngela, TawaMark, PerkinKristopher, Leigh-PembertonRichard, HannaJerome, MillerCatherine, PennerNatasha

Improved GI properties

GI TEAEs

Diroximel fumarate (DRF) is a novel oral fumarate in development for patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). This study presented GI tolerability findings from the EVOLVE-MS-1 study and discussed biologic hypotheses for the improved GI properties of DRF.

Language : English

This site uses cookies. Visit our privacy policy page or click the link in any footer for more information and to change your preferences.

Switcher