Key takeaways
Daclizumab (Zinbryta) and dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) are both medications used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. However, they belong to different medication classes and have distinct characteristics. Daclizumab is a monoclonal antibody that was available as an injection but has been discontinued due to safety concerns, including liver injury and immune-related problems. In contrast, dimethyl fumarate is a fumaric acid derivative available as an oral capsule, which you take twice a day. Dimethyl fumarate comes has both a brand and a generic version. Common side effects of dimethyl fumarate include stomach upset and flushing. Dimethyl fumarate can also weaken your immune system, increasing the risk of infections, and requires regular blood tests to monitor liver health and white blood cell counts.
