What is Fingolimod (Gilenya) prescribed for?
Fingolimod (Gilenya) is a medicine for people with MS. It does not cure MS. It can help prevent the immune system from attacking the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. It reduces the number of blood cells that cause worsening symptoms. This can help reduce the number of times MS symptoms grow worse and may prevent or delay disability.
Fingolimod (Gilenya) Information
How to use Fingolimod?
Before you start taking fingolimod, your doctor will do some blood tests to make sure it is safe for you. You will also be monitored for at least 6 hours after your first dose. Your doctor may need to keep an eye on your heart rate.
Take fingolimod by mouth with or without food, as directed by your prescribing information and medication guide. Do not stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor first. Stopping gilenya treatment early can cause your symptoms to return or grow worse.
The dosage of fingolimod is based on your age and weight. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed. This will not make your condition improve any faster and it could increase your risk of side effects.
Take fingolimod regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
If your condition gets worse, tell your doctor.
Fingolimod drug interactions
The list provided below includes drugs that are recognized to interact with Fingolimod. However, it is important to note that this is not an exhaustive compilation of all potential drug interactions.
- Ocrevus (ocrelizumab)
- Flomax (tamsulosin)
- Lyrica (pregabalin)
- Asacol (mesalamine)
- Ampyra (dalfampridine)
- Rutin (bioflavonoids)
- Prozac (fluoxetine)
- Cymbalta (duloxetine)
- Augmentin (amoxicillin / clavulanate)
- Acetylsalicylic Acid (aspirin)
- Heparin Sodium (heparin)
- Topamax (topiramate)
- Retinol (vitamin a topical)
- Aimovig (erenumab)
- Tysabri (natalizumab)
- Rebif (interferon beta-1a)
- Aldactone (spironolactone)
- Trileptal (oxcarbazepine)
Disclose all of your current medications, including prescription medications and OTC products, to your doctor. They will assess the potential interaction and determine whether it is beneficial to use both drugs together. If not, adjustments need to be made to your treatment plan.
Common Side effects of Fingolimod?
Few known side effects of FingolimodTabs. Please note that this is not a complete list of all possible side effects of Fingolimod.
- Nervousness
- Pounding in the Ears
- Sweating
- Blurred Vision
- Fever
- Headache
- Runny Nose
- Cough-Producing Mucus
- Dizziness
- Tightness in the Chest
- General Feeling of Discomfort or Illness
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Chills
- Diarrhoea
- Cough
- Sore Throat
- Unusual Tiredness or Weakness
- Slow or Fast Heartbeat
- Loss of Appetite
- Joint Pain
- Nausea
- Shivering
- Muscle Aches and Pains
- Trouble Sleeping
Please inform your doctor about any side effects you experience. If you find these side effects difficult to manage, contact your doctor for medical advice.
What precautions should I take while using Fingolimod?
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. This includes taking the medication exactly as prescribed and not stopping or starting it without talking to your doctor.
Monitor your heart rate and blood pressure. Fingolimod can cause bradycardia. It is important to check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly, especially during the first dose.
Be aware of signs of infection. Fingolimod can lower your immune system, so you are more likely to get sick. Be aware of signs of infection, such as fever, sore throat, or cough, and report them to your doctor immediately.
Tell your doctor about your medical history and other medications you are taking. Fingolimod can interact with other medications. Tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies.
Attend regular follow-up appointments. This will allow your doctor to monitor your overall health and assess the effectiveness of the drug.
Fingolimod (Gilenya) FAQs
Fingolimod cost in Canada?
Fingolimod 0.5mg Tabs cost in Canada
- 28 tabs - $829.50 USD ($29.63 per tabs)
- 56 tabs - $1491.00 USD ($26.63 per tabs)
- 84 tabs - $2016.00 USD ($24.00 per tabs)
Gilenya cost in Canada?
Gilenya 0.5mg capsules cost in Canada
- 28 capsules - $2929.50 USD ($104.63 per capsules)
- 56 capsules - $5817.00 USD ($103.88 per capsules)
- 84 capsules - $8662.50 USD ($103.13 per capsules)
Is Fingolimod a cure for multiple sclerosis (MS)?
Fingolimod (Gilenya) is a medicine that can help people with multiple sclerosis (MS). It does not cure MS. It can help to reduce the number of MS attacks and slow down the progression of the disease.
Fingolimod works by reducing the number of immune cells that can damage the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. However, It is important to talk to your doctor about whether fingolimod is right for you or not. Fingolimod can have some side effects, so it is important to weigh the benefits and risks before starting treatment.
How often do I need to have follow-up appointments while taking Fingolimod?
When you start taking Fingolimod, your doctor or healthcare provider may closely monitor your response and potential side effects. They may schedule follow-up appointments more frequently during the initial stages of treatment. Your doctor will assess your tolerance, measure your heart rate, and monitor for any adverse reactions.
Once you have stabilised on Fingolimod, the frequency of follow-up appointments may decrease. It's still important to have regular check-ups to evaluate your MS progression. As well as monitor your overall health, and assess the medication's effectiveness.