Tecfidera Safety Update

A case of a brain viral infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) was just reported in a patient treated with Tecfidera for 4 1/2 years.  This patient had low lymphocyte counts (a type of white blood cell) for over 3 1/2 years while on treatment.  Approximately 6 percent of patients on Tecfidera may have a temporarily low lymphocyte count, but only 2% of patients on Tecfidera have a chronically low lymphocyte counts  (<500 cells/mcl).  This patient’s lymphocytes fluctuated between 290 and 580 cells/mcl.  The patient died from pneumonia.

Over 100,000 people have been treated with Tecfidera.  The risks of treatment must be balanced against the benefits of therapy.  Consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes in therapy.