| 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 |
Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.
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.
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.
The side effects of fingolimod include headaches, diarrhea, fatigue and liver enzyme. These can be serious like complications of the heart or infections.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fingolimod is primarily used in multiple sclerosis though medical trialing is performed in the event of autoimmune diseases.
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.
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.
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