Yes — Tecfidera has an FDA-approved generic. Its generic (chemical) name is dimethyl fumarate, and generic versions have been available in the United States since 2020. The generic contains the same active ingredient, strength, and delayed-release capsule form as brand-name Tecfidera, and is used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) — typically at a substantially lower price.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not replace guidance from your neurologist, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not start, stop, or switch any medication — including changing between brand and generic — without talking to your prescriber. Individual results, dosing, and safety considerations vary.
Is there a generic for Tecfidera?
Yes. The generic name for Tecfidera is dimethyl fumarate (sometimes abbreviated DMF). The FDA lists a generic as available in the U.S., and multiple manufacturers now produce it.
Tecfidera (brand name) and dimethyl fumarate (generic name) are the same medication. Tecfidera was first FDA-approved on March 27, 2013, and FDA-approved generic dimethyl fumarate entered the U.S. market in 2020. Because the FDA requires generics to be therapeutically equivalent to the brand, generic dimethyl fumarate must match Tecfidera in active ingredient, strength, dosage form, and route of administration.
Tecfidera vs. generic dimethyl fumarate: what’s the difference?
The main difference is cost. Brand Tecfidera and generic dimethyl fumarate share the same active ingredient, strengths (120 mg and 240 mg delayed-release capsules), and dosing, and both are held to the FDA’s bioequivalence standards.
| Tecfidera (brand) | Dimethyl fumarate (generic) | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Dimethyl fumarate | Dimethyl fumarate (same) |
| Strengths | 120 mg, 240 mg | 120 mg, 240 mg (same) |
| Form | Delayed-release capsule, oral | Delayed-release capsule, oral (same) |
| Approved use | Relapsing forms of MS | Relapsing forms of MS (same) |
| FDA standard | Brand reference product | Must meet FDA bioequivalence |
| Typical cost | Highest | Substantially lower (varies by manufacturer) |
Comparison of active ingredient, strengths, dosage form, and approved use sourced from Dimethyl Fumarate (Lexi-Drugs), UpToDate Lexidrug, last updated July 20, 2026; and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Accessed June 24, 2026.
How much does generic Tecfidera cost?
Generic dimethyl fumarate is significantly cheaper than brand Tecfidera. Using Average Wholesale Price (AWP) as a benchmark, a 240 mg brand Tecfidera capsule is listed at about $207.27, while generic dimethyl fumarate 240 mg ranges from roughly $0.94 to $148.95 per capsule depending on the manufacturer.
Illustrative AWP benchmark per 240 mg capsule — not the price you pay at the pharmacy.
| Product (240 mg, per capsule) | AWP benchmark |
|---|---|
| Tecfidera (brand) | $207.27 |
| Dimethyl fumarate (generic) | $0.94 – $148.95 |
Pricing figures are Average Wholesale Price (AWP) benchmarks sourced from Dimethyl Fumarate (Lexi-Drugs), UpToDate Lexidrug — Pricing: US, last updated July 20, 2026; accessed June 24, 2026. AWP is a published reference benchmark for comparison only — it is not the amount a patient pays. Your actual out-of-pocket cost depends on your insurance, pharmacy, and any assistance you qualify for, and generic pricing varies by manufacturer.
Because your real cost depends on coverage and assistance rather than list price, if affordability is your main concern, see our guide on copay assistance and savings options for Tecfidera for the programs, cards, and grants that may lower what you pay.
What is dimethyl fumarate and how does it work?
Dimethyl fumarate is an oral disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for relapsing MS. It is converted in the body to its active metabolite, monomethyl fumarate (MMF), and is believed to work through anti-inflammatory and cell-protective effects by activating the Nrf2 pathway.
Dimethyl fumarate is approved to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease. Its exact mechanism in MS is not fully understood, but it is thought to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the nervous system.
How is generic Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) dosed?
The usual dose is 120 mg twice daily for the first 7 days, then increased to the maintenance dose of 240 mg twice daily. Capsules are swallowed whole and can be taken with or without food.
Taking it with food — especially high-fat, high-protein food — may reduce flushing and stomach side effects. Capsules should not be crushed, chewed, or opened. Always follow your prescriber’s specific instructions.
Dosing and administration sourced from Dimethyl Fumarate (Lexi-Drugs), UpToDate Lexidrug, last updated July 20, 2026; accessed June 24, 2026.
What are the side effects of dimethyl fumarate?
The most common side effects are flushing and stomach-related symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea. Less common but serious risks include low white blood cell counts (lymphopenia), liver problems, serious infections, and a rare brain infection called PML.
| Common (>10%) | Serious (discuss with your provider) |
|---|---|
| Flushing (~40%) | Lymphopenia (low lymphocytes) |
| Abdominal pain (~18%) | Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) |
| Diarrhea (~14%) | Liver injury (hepatotoxicity) |
| Nausea (~12%) | Serious infections (e.g., herpes zoster) |
Adverse-reaction frequencies sourced from Dimethyl Fumarate (Lexi-Drugs), UpToDate Lexidrug — Adverse Reactions, last updated July 20, 2026; accessed June 24, 2026. This is not a complete list of side effects. Seek medical help right away for signs of infection, liver problems (e.g., yellowing skin, dark urine), or an allergic reaction.
Because of these risks, providers typically check a complete blood count (including lymphocytes) before starting and about every 3 months during treatment, along with liver tests as needed.
Can dimethyl fumarate be taken with other MS treatments?
Generally, no — dimethyl fumarate is not routinely combined with other disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for MS. It is usually used as a single MS therapy, and combining DMTs is not standard practice.
Certain related medicines are specifically avoided together — for example, dimethyl fumarate should not be combined with diroximel fumarate or monomethyl fumarate, and live vaccines are generally not recommended during treatment. Whether any medication can be safely used alongside dimethyl fumarate is a decision only your neurologist and pharmacist can make based on your full medication list.
Interaction and combination information sourced from Dimethyl Fumarate (Lexi-Drugs), UpToDate Lexidrug — Drug Interactions, last updated July 20, 2026; accessed June 24, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tecfidera generic?
Tecfidera is the brand name; its generic version is called dimethyl fumarate. FDA-approved generics have been available in the U.S. since 2020.
What is the generic name for Tecfidera?
The generic (chemical) name for Tecfidera is dimethyl fumarate, sometimes abbreviated DMF.
Is there a generic for Tecfidera?
Yes. The FDA lists generic dimethyl fumarate as available, produced by multiple manufacturers, in the same 120 mg and 240 mg delayed-release capsule strengths as the brand.
How much does generic Tecfidera cost?
Generic dimethyl fumarate is much cheaper than brand Tecfidera. As an AWP benchmark, brand 240 mg is about $207.27 per capsule versus roughly $0.94–$148.95 for the generic. Your actual price depends on insurance and pharmacy.
Is generic dimethyl fumarate as effective as Tecfidera?
FDA-approved generics must meet bioequivalence standards, meaning they are expected to work the same way as the brand. Talk to your provider about any questions when switching.
Dimethyl fumarate is a prescription medication with serious potential risks, including low white blood cell counts and rare but serious infections. This page does not cover every warning, interaction, or precaution. Read the full prescribing information and speak with your healthcare provider before making any treatment decision.
About this article
Written by
Paola Larrabure — QuickRx Specialty Pharmacy.
Medically reviewed by
Julia, PharmD, licensed pharmacist. Reviewed June 24, 2026.
About QuickRx Specialty Pharmacy
QuickRx Specialty Pharmacy is a specialty and independent pharmacy that helps patients access, understand, and afford complex therapies, including disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis. Learn more about our pharmacists ➜
Clinical information on this page was sourced from UpToDate Lexidrug (Dimethyl Fumarate, Lexi-Drugs), last updated July 20, 2026, and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, and was accurate as of June 24, 2026. Medication information changes over time — always confirm with your provider and current prescribing information.
References & sources
- Dimethyl Fumarate (Lexi-Drugs). UpToDate Lexidrug. Last updated July 20, 2026. online.lexi.com
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration — Tecfidera approval (March 27, 2013) and generic dimethyl fumarate approvals. fda.gov
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society — Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) overview. nationalmssociety.org
- Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate) Prescribing Information. Biogen Inc., December 2023. tecfidera.com
