Author Question: A patient has begun taking dimethyl fumarate Tecfidera to treat relapsing MS and calls the clinic to ... (Read 86 times)

hbsimmons88 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient has begun taking dimethyl fumarate Tecfidera to treat relapsing MS and calls the clinic to report flushing of the skin with itching and burning sensations. What will the nurse recommend to this patient?

a. Take a nonenteric-coated aspirin 30 minutes before each dose.
b. The provider will order an antihistamine to treat this symptom.
c. Try taking the medication on an empty stomach.
d. You should notify the provider imme-diately.

Question 2

A patient who has recently begun taking interferon beta reports feeling depressed. Which action by the nurse is correct?

a. Notify the provider of these symptoms.
b. Reassure the patient that these symptoms will subside.
c. Request an order for an antidepressant medication.
d. Suggest counseling to discuss the effects of this chronic disease.

gcook · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A
The most common side effect of dimethyl fumarate is flushing, which decreases over time. Pa-tients should be counseled to take a nonenteric-coated aspirin 30 minutes prior to the dose and to take the medication with food. Antihistamines are not indicated. It is not a serious symptom and the provider does not need to be notified.

Answer to Question 2

A
Interferon beta may promote or exacerbate depression and some patients may experience suicidal ideation or may attempt suicide. The provider should be notified so that the patient may be mo-nitored and a reduction of dose may be required. Reassuring the patient is not correct because the symptoms may worsen. Patients experiencing depression should be referred to a psychiatrist for treatment. The depression is caused by the drug and should not be considered a normal effect of the disease.