Fingolimod
Generic name: fingolimod [ fin-GOE-li-mod ]
Brand name: Gilenya
Dosage form: oral capsule (0.5 mg)
Drug class:Selective immunosuppressants
What is fingolimod?
Fingolimod is used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults and children who are at least 10 years old. This medication will not cure MS, it will only decrease the frequency of relapse symptoms.
Fingolimod may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use fingolimod if you take certain heart rhythm medicines, or if you've had a serious heart condition in the past 6 months. Serious heart conditions include certain heart rhythm disorders, heart failure, chest pain, heart attack, or stroke.
Fingolimod can slow your heart rate when you start taking it. You will receive your first dose in a setting where your heart rhythm can be monitored. If you miss 1 or more doses, you may also need to restart fingolimod under medical observation.
You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Call your doctor if you have a fever, chills, aches, tiredness, vomiting, confusion, neck stiffness, increased sensitivity to light, or problems with coordination, thought, vision, or muscle movement.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use fingolimod if you are allergic to it, or if you have certain serious heart conditions, especially:
severe heart failure (that required you to be in the hospital);
"AV block" or sick sinus syndrome (unless you have a pacemaker);
long QT syndrome; or
recent (within the past 6 months) heart attack, stroke, "mini-stroke" or TIA, chest pain (unstable angina), or other serious heart problem.
Your doctor will check your heart function before you start taking fingolimod.
Some heart rhythm medications can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with fingolimod. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use: amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, flecainide, dronedarone, ibutilide, mexiletine, procainamide,
