Gilenya (Fingolimod HCl)

Alternate Name: Tascenso ODT

Dosage Form: Capsule

Administration Route: By mouth

Drug Class: Immune Modulator

Generic Available: Yes

Strength: 0.5 MG

Warnings: It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. If you are a woman who can get pregnant, your doctor may do tests to make sure you are not pregnant before starting this medicine. Use effective birth control during treatment and for 2 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, any type of infection (including chickenpox) or an infection that keeps coming back, or a history of uveitis (swelling in the eye). This medicine may cause slow or uneven heartbeat. Because of this side effect, tell your doctor about any heart or circulation problems you have, including heart disease, high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, heart failure, heart block, angina, or other rhythm problems (including sick sinus syndrome or long QT). Also tell your doctor if you have sleep apnea or a history of repeated fainting. This medicine may cause the following problems:Heart rhythm problemsMacular edema (swelling in the eye)Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML, a brain infection that can be life-threatening)Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (swelling in the brain)Lung or breathing problemsLiver problemsHigh blood pressureIncreased risk of skin cancer (including basal cell carcinoma, melanoma) or lymphomaBrain problems, including posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) Symptoms of your MS may return and become worse after stopping treatment with this medicine. Do not stop using this medicine without checking first with your doctor. This medicine may cause a severe increase in disability (including worsening of MS symptoms) for at least 12 to 24 weeks after stopping the medicine. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this. This medicine lowers the number of white blood cells. This weakens your immune system, so you may get infections more easily. Wash your hands often. Avoid people who are sick. This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds. Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results. Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Food Warnings: Do not use this medicine together with medicine for heart rhythm problems., Some medicines can affect how fingolimod works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Chlorpromazine, citalopram, digoxin, diltiazem, erythromycin, haloperidol, ketoconazole, methadone, mitoxantrone, natalizumab, teriflunomide, verapamilBeta-blockersMedicine the weakens the immune system (including beta interferon, glatiramer acetate, cancer medicine, steroid medicine), This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines. Avoid receiving live vaccines during treatment with this medicine and for 2 months after the last dose., This medicine may cause the following problems:Macular edema (swelling in the eye)Liver problemsProgressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML, a brain infection that can be life-threatening)Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (swelling in the brain)Basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer), Do not stop taking this medicine and then start again without talking to your doctor. Your heartbeat may need to be monitored., Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments., Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone., This medicine lowers the number of white blood cells. This weakens your immune system, so you may get infections more easily. Wash your hands often. Avoid people who are sick. Reported infections include bronchitis, pneumonia, varicella zoster, or herpes simplex. This risk could last up to 2 months after you stop fingolimod treatment.