What is tecfidera prescribed for?

If you’re reading this, chances are pretty high that you or someone close to you has been prescribed tecfidera. Or maybe you just stumbled upon this article while googling random medical terms (I won’t judge). Either way, in this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at what tecfidera is and why it’s prescribed.

Introduction to Tecfidera

Tecfidera is the brand name of a drug called dimethyl fumarate. It comes in capsule form and belongs to a group of medications known as immunomodulators. Immunomodulator – I know that word sounds like something straight out of Star Trek, but all it really means is that these drugs help regulate your immune system.

How does Tecfidera work?

When something goes awry with our immune system – such as when nerve cells in the brain become inflamed and attacked by white blood cells – immunomodulators can suppress the attacks and protect those nerve cells from damage. In multiple sclerosis (MS), which is the most common disease treated with tecfidera, these attacks on nerve cells result in communication problems within the body.

While nobody knows exactly how dimethyl fumarate works to regulate our immune system (it’s like magic without a wand!), researchers believe that it helps by activating specific proteins in our bodies called “Nrf2” proteins (these protein guys sound like they could be superheroes).

Once activated by tecfidera/dimethyl fumarate (cue magical music here), Nrf2 proteins go into action mode – sort of like Iron Man suiting up for battle!! These warrior-like proteins then set off an entire chain reaction inside your immune cells: making them produce more antioxidant enzymes while reducing inflammation levels inside your body tissue.

Okay fine…enough about the super proteins (they just got us all excited for no reason). So what exactly is tecfidera prescribed for?

Why Tecfidera is Prescribed

Tecfidera, as mentioned earlier, is mostly used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). When someone has MS, their body starts attacking and damaging myelin – which protects our nerve cells from damage like a sheepdog herding its flock.

As the disease progresses, symptoms can become worse over time – think of how constipation gets worse with age…you get the idea. Patients could experience anything from vision problems to difficulty walking or standing up straight.

But let me tell you something – these symptoms don’t have to define your life! By taking tecfidera/dimethyl fumarate (yay! it sounds so much cooler this way!), patients might be able to stop or slow down further nerve cell damage in their bodies.

So whether you’re diagnosed with MS and looking for a treatment plan or just interested in learning about those nifty Nrf2 proteins we talked about earlier (who wouldn’t be?), keep reading!

How Tecfidera Is Taken

Tecfidera capsules are usually taken by mouth twice per day — once in the morning and then again at night after dinner. The capsules shouldn’t be opened or crushed but swallowed whole (how difficult could that possibly sound?)…okay okay I know some people will find it slightly challenging; however there’s hope because they can also be consumed with food should swallowing alone prove too traumatizing to one’s life’s grand scheme ‘cos I mean…let’s face it—nobody wants trouble digesting midlife! While on a steady diet of dimethyl fumarate,your doctor may order occasional blood tests as part of monitoring program unlike those restaurant managers who live off mystery….I mean surprise inspections.

These blood tests serve to monitor your white blood cell count just to make sure that it’s within a healthy range because the drug can sometimes affect it more one way than another.

Precautions and Side Effects

As with any medication, there are some precautions you should take before taking or administering tecfidera. For instance, if you’re allergic to dimethyl fumarate ( which would indeed be ironic), then stay far away…

Side effects may include gastrointestinal (GI) problems like nausea, diarrhea or stomach pain , flushing (sounds like my toilet whenever I feed her too much food); these side-effects could either subside on their own gradually as your body gets used to the treatment form. However; speak up immediately when symptoms such as breathing difficulties arise suddenly — after all life is about caution and prevention/active maintenance mechanisms.

Taking Tecfidera? Here Are Some Things You’ll Want To Avoid

When prescribing this drug in solid forms (capsules) for consumption brand names of specific drugs containing iron sulfate interaction might not go well so play safe by informing your doctor if they have prescribed / has an interest in doing so.

If fatty foods cause you indigestion even under normal circumstances – avoid them whenever possible whilst on the medecine.

Women during pregnancy period are advised against using Tecfidera due to likely potential risks from absorption into bloodstream on fetus development – thus moral message is’lets do what nature does-do not engage where at stake’

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society suggests avoiding live vaccines while undergoing treatment since suppressing over collection of cells carried out by immune systems physicians aim at managing immunity instead of inducing natural compromise through vaccinations especially vulnerable persons who use tecifdera long term management options .

Tecfidera And The Management Of A Good Lifestyle

Beyond medicational considerations staying active mentally😊🧠physically💪 — building a health centered positive outlook backed by regular doctor’s visit program, drinking sufficient water daily and kick starting each day with breakfast goes a long way. Additionally avoiding unnecessary activities that cause more trials and tribulations to the existing ones will also improve lifestyle coherence; proper mental wellbeing is as important as seeing your physician.

So if you are considering Tecfidera/dimethyl fumarate (I mean who wouldn’t want a drug named after them) for MS management/relief or just in search of drugs containing Nfr2 proteins – take some time to follow good practices while taking medication think twice whenever anyone bothers about being ‘hyper’ focused on staying healthy since it’s worth it at its very core.