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Bafiertam (monomethyl fumarate)

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By Editorial Team

2 min read

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: April 2023

Bafiertam® (monomethyl fumarate) is a drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), including:1

Bafiertam is approved for use in adults only.1

What are the ingredients in Bafiertam?

The active ingredient in Bafiertam is monomethyl fumarate.1,2

How does Bafiertam work?

Bafiertam is known as a fumarate therapy. The way Bafiertam works is not entirely understood. It is thought to affect the immune response, making it less inflammatory. Bafiertam also may protect against brain and spinal cord damage.1

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What are the possible side effects of Bafiertam?

The most common side effects of Bafiertam are:2,3

  • Flushing
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea

More severe side effects also can occur. These may include:2,3

  • Allergic reactions: If you experience hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, get emergency medical help right away.
  • Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): A rare brain infection. This can lead to death or severe disability. Get medical help right away if you have weakness on 1 side of the body, clumsiness, vision changes, memory problems, confusion, or personality changes.
  • Infections: This includes viruses such as herpes zoster (shingles) and central nervous system (CNS) infections.
  • Low white blood cell count: Your doctor will order labs before you start taking Bafiertam, 6 months after you begin taking it, and every 6 to 12 months after that to monitor your white blood cell count.
  • Liver problems: These can be serious and lead to liver injury. Your doctor will order blood tests before you start taking Bafiertam and during treatment. Tell your doctor right away if you have appetite loss, pain on the right side of your stomach, fatigue, dark-colored urine, or yellowing of the skin and eyes.

These are not all the possible side effects of Bafiertam. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking Bafiertam. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking Bafiertam.

Things to know about Bafiertam

Your doctor will monitor you with blood tests during your treatment with Bafiertam.2,3

Based on animal study data, Bafiertam may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you or your partner are or plan to become pregnant.2,3

Before beginning treatment with Bafiertam, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.

For more information, read the full prescribing information for Bafiertam.