The Basics
What is Dimethyl fumarate?
Used to treat multiple sclerosis, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting forms, or secondary progressive forms.
Brand names for Dimethyl fumarate
Tecfidera
How Dimethyl fumarate is classified
Dermatologic Agents, Immunosuppressive Agents, Radiation-Sensitizing Agents
Dimethyl fumarate During Pregnancy
Dimethyl fumarate pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Dimethyl fumarate while pregnant
N/A
Taking Dimethyl fumarate While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Dimethyl fumarate?
There is no published experience with dimethyl fumarate during breastfeeding. Although some authors recommend avoiding breastfeeding during dimethyl fumarate therapy,[1][2] others and the manufacturer do not.[3] Avoiding breastfeeding for 4 to 5 hours after a dose should minimize infant exposure. The infant should be monitored for adequate weight gain, and developmental milestones, especially in younger, exclusively breastfed infants. Some authors also recommend monitoring for vomiting and diarrhea.[3]
Maternal / infant drug levels
There is no published experience with dimethyl fumarate during breastfeeding. Although some authors recommend avoiding breastfeeding during dimethyl fumarate therapy,[1][2] others and the manufacturer do not.[3] Avoiding breastfeeding for 4 to 5 hours after a dose should minimize infant exposure. The infant should be monitored for adequate weight gain, and developmental milestones, especially in younger, exclusively breastfed infants. Some authors also recommend monitoring for vomiting and diarrhea.[3]
Possible effects of Dimethyl fumarate on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Dimethyl fumarate
(Multiple Sclerosis) Glatiramer, Immune Globulin, Interferon Beta.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Bove R, Alwan S, Friedman JM et al. Management of multiple sclerosis during pregnancy and the reproductive years: a systematic review. Obstet Gynecol. 2014;124:1157-68. PMID: 25415167
2. Thone J, Thiel S, Gold R et al. Treatment of multiple sclerosis during pregnancy – safety considerations. Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2017;16:523-34. PMID: 28333552
3. Almas S, Vance J, Baker T et al. Management of multiple sclerosis in the breastfeeding mother. Mult Scler Int. 2016;2016:6527458. PMID: 26966579
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
