Zinbryta vs. Tecfidera for Multiple Sclerosis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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.

Zinbryta

(daclizumab)

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Dimethyl fumarate

(Tecfidera)

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Summary for Zinbryta

Discontinued

Zinbryta (daclizumab) is a medication used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. It's no longer available in the United States, because it was discontinued.

Indications for Zinbryta

Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)

Pros and Cons for Zinbryta

Pros

Cons

Summary for Tecfidera

Prescription only

Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) is used to treat adults with certain types of multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition that affects your nervous system. This medication is a disease-modifying therapy (DMT) that belongs to the drug class called fumaric acid derivatives. Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) is available as a brand-name medication and a lower-cost generic. The capsules are taken by mouth twice per day. The most common side effects are stomach upset and flushing (e.g., facial warmth, redness, burning sensation).

Indications for Tecfidera

Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)

Pros and Cons for Tecfidera

Pros

Works well to lessen MS relapses
Can take with or without food
Available as a lower-cost generic medication
No known interactions with other medications or supplements

Cons

Need to take twice a day
Might need MRI scans to see whether the medication is working for you
Might need to have regular blood work done to make sure the medication isn't causing any liver problems
Can cause more bothersome stomach-related side effects than Vumerity (diroximel fumarate)