Health Boards
Mon-15-02-2016, 20:02 PM
Been on the phone to Germany etc, also my hospital nurse advised me to stop taking tab for a few days and monitor .
If it is furmaderm which is what I expect it is , then I'm afraid it's the end of the road for tab.
This is a copy of a email sent to us today.
Thank you for question to Medicines Information regarding Fumaderm.
Further to our conversation earlier I just want to clarify what was said.
Looking at the active ingredient of Fumaderm (dimethylfumarate) and its metabolite (monomethylfumarate), it does seem feasible that when Fumaderm is metabolised and broken down, one of the by-products could be ethanol which is most likely being detected by the breathalyzer. This could explain why the test is giving high readings.
It is important to note however, I have not been able to find any reported cases of this occuring, which may be due to a lack of access to information because as you said, it is an unlicensed medicine. This theory is based purely on the pharmacology of the medicine and what could potentially happen.
What I would recommend is for your husband to go see his GP/prescriber and explain the situation. They may be able to advise on what the best course of action is and how this will impact his driving. Further information can be found on this link: gov.uk/drug-driving-law
I hope you find this information useful, please feel free to contact Medicines Information again if you have any other queries.
Kindest regards,
Pharmacist
If it is furmaderm which is what I expect it is , then I'm afraid it's the end of the road for tab.
This is a copy of a email sent to us today.
Thank you for question to Medicines Information regarding Fumaderm.
Further to our conversation earlier I just want to clarify what was said.
Looking at the active ingredient of Fumaderm (dimethylfumarate) and its metabolite (monomethylfumarate), it does seem feasible that when Fumaderm is metabolised and broken down, one of the by-products could be ethanol which is most likely being detected by the breathalyzer. This could explain why the test is giving high readings.
It is important to note however, I have not been able to find any reported cases of this occuring, which may be due to a lack of access to information because as you said, it is an unlicensed medicine. This theory is based purely on the pharmacology of the medicine and what could potentially happen.
What I would recommend is for your husband to go see his GP/prescriber and explain the situation. They may be able to advise on what the best course of action is and how this will impact his driving. Further information can be found on this link: gov.uk/drug-driving-law
I hope you find this information useful, please feel free to contact Medicines Information again if you have any other queries.
Kindest regards,
Pharmacist
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Pharmacy Department | Guy's Hospital | Great Maze Pond | London | SE1 9RT
Normal hours M-F: 09:00 - 17:30
Pharmacy Department | Guy's Hospital | Great Maze Pond | London | SE1 9RT
Normal hours M-F: 09:00 - 17:30