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Gilenya - Fingolimod

Bharat Pothuri Medically Reviewed by Dr. Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG
Brand Name
Gilenya
Generic Name
Fingolimod
Drug Class
Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor Modulator
Availability
Prescription
Manufacturer
Novartis
Indications
Ulcerative Colitis
Type
Capsule
Doses
Initial: 0.5 mg daily; Maintenance: 0.5 mg daily
Route
Oral
Side Effects
Bradycardia, headache, liver enzyme elevation, infections
Interactions
Avoid with immunosuppressants; increased infection risk
Overdose
Unknown – investigational.
Missed Dose
Unknown – investigational.
Contraindications
Recent cardiovascular events, active infection
Alternatives
Ozanimod, Etrasimod
Co-Pay Assistance Program
Not available
Patient Assistance Program
Available

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fingolimod used for?

Fingolimod has been primarily applied in treating multiple sclerosis (MS) because it reduces the frequency of the disease attacks in addition to slowing down the pace by which the disease advances.

How does Fingolimod work?

Fingolimod achieves this by trapping this section of the white blood cells in the lymph nodes in a manner that it cannot attack the brain but the lymph nodes present it to the spinal cord hence preventing the inflammation.

What are the side effects of Fingolimod?

The side effects of fingolimod include headaches, diarrhea, fatigue and liver enzyme. These can be serious like complications of the heart or infections.

How do we administer Fingolimod?

Fingolimod is administered in 1 dose per day orally. The doctor will prescribe the correct dosage and even they can provide the follow up that is particularly on the initial stages of treatment.

Do you believe that Fingolimod is safe during pregnancy?

Pregnancy Fingolimod is contraindicated. You should consider seeking your healthcare provider advice before taking medication when you are pregnant or even want to have a baby.

Is Fingolimod interactive with other drugs?

Fingolimod can interact with other medications, especially, with the medications that can affect the heart rate or the immunity. Or you should not forget to inform your doctor of the medicines you are taking.

And what shall become of it should I forget to take a dose of Fingolimod?

In case you forget to take either of the doses, take it immediately you realize but not too close to the time you are to take the next dose. Do not double up on doses.

Does this mean that Fingolimod can be used in other non-MS diseases?

Fingolimod is primarily used in multiple sclerosis though medical trialing is performed in the event of autoimmune diseases.

Long-term effects of the Fingolimod consumption?

Chronic use of fingolimod can be used to predict the risk of infection and liver problems. Your doctor will expose you to frequent follow-ups so that he can monitor the potential side effects.

What is the effectiveness of the Fingolimod in the treatment of multiple sclerosis?

It was claimed that Fingolimod reduces the cases of MS relapses and the rate at which the disease progresses to improve the quality of life of the majority of the patients.