FINGOLIMOD

Fingolimod is a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator that works by decreasing the number of certain white blood cells (lymphocytes) that enter the central nervous system (CNS).

This drug is used to prevent episodes of symptoms and slow the worsening of disability in patients with relapsing-remitting forms (course of disease where symptoms flare up from time to time) of multiple sclerosis (MS; a disease in which the nerves do not function properly and people may experience weakness, numbness, loss of muscle coordination, and problems with vision, speech, and bladder control).

Do not use Fingolimod if:

  • You are allergic to any ingredient in Fingolimod
  • You have an active infection, including a long-term infection
  • You have had a heart attack, unstable angina, stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA) (“mini-stroke”), or certain types of heart failure in the last 6 months
  • You have a history of certain types of irregular heartbeat (eg, heart block, sick sinus syndrome) and you do not have a pacemaker
  • You have a certain type of irregular heartbeat (prolonged QT interval, congenital QT prolongation)
  • You are taking certain antiarrhythmics (eg, amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, dronedarone, ibutilide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol)

If any of these apply to you, contact your doctor or health care provider right away.

Side effects of this medication include:

  • Weakness
  • Back Pain
  • Pain In The Hands Or Feet
  • Diarrhea
  • Migraine

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

  • Slow or pounding heartbeat
  • Chest pain
  • Rash
  • Hives
  • Itching
  • Swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, throat, tongue, lips, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Excessive tiredness
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Sore throat, body aches, fever, chills, cough, and other signs of infection and for 2 months after your treatment
  • Headache
  • Neck stiffness
  • Confusion
  • Seizure
  • Blurriness, shadows, or a blind spot in the center of your vision
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Unusual color to your vision
  • Changes in vision
  • Skin sores or lesions
  • Sores that do not heal
  • Weakness on one side of the body or clumsiness of the arms or legs
  • Changes in your thinking, memory, or orientation that can cause confusion or personality changes
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Stomach pain
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • Dark urine

Tell your doctor promptly if any of these effects persist or worsen. Also, call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Precautions

Before taking Fingolimod, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

  • Breathing Problems (Such As Asthma, Bronchitis, Emphysema, Sleep Apnea)
  • Current/Recent/Returning Infection (Including Hepatitis And Tuberculosis)
  • Diabetes
  • Fainting
  • Certain Eye Problems (Macular Edema, Uveitis)
  • Heart Problems (Such As Slow/Irregular Heartbeat, Heart Failure, Previous Heart Attack, Chest Pain, Qt Prolongation In The Ekg)
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Liver Disease
  • Stroke Or “Mini-Stroke”/Transient Ischemic Attack (Tia)

 

Interactions

Drug interactions may interfere with how your medication works. Tell your doctor about all your medications and any you start or stop using during treatment with Fingolimod.

Some of the products that may interact with this drug include:

  • Ketoconazole
  • Drugs that slow down your heartbeat (including digoxin, beta-blockers such as atenolol/metoprolol, calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem/verapamil)
  • Certain drugs for irregular heartbeat (including amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, dronedarone, ibutilide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol)
  • Other drugs that weaken the immune system/increase the risk of infection (such as natalizumab, rituximab).

Call emergency hotline if someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing.

 

Available brand:

  • Gilenya

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