Fingolimod is used to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (nerve cell disorder).
This medicine helps reduce the severity of the disease and slows down the progression of physical disability in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Take Fingolimod exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Fingolimod must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor or pharmacist know.
Do not take Fingolimod if you have a history of allergic reactions (swollen eyes or mouth, difficulty breathing, rashes) to this medicine.
Alert your doctor if you:
- have experienced heart attack, chest pain, stroke, and heart failure in the past 6 months
- have heart rhythm disorder
as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine with medicines used to treat abnormal heart rhythm. Please see the section “Can I take this with other medicines?” below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- liver disease
- heart disease
- infections
It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with this medicine. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist. Avoid pregnancy for at least 2 months after you stop taking this medicine.
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor may need to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and any signs or symptoms of infections. Your doctor may also need to do regular tests for blood count, liver function, an eye examination and an ECG (a recording of electrical activity of the heart) to check your body’s response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Fingolimod may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and blurred vision . If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
This medicine may also cause any of the following side effects: headache, diarrhoea, back pain, cough, flu, and inflammation of the sinuses.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- slow heartbeat or irregular heart rhythm
- shadows or blind spot in the centre of the vision, problems seeing colours or details
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take this medicine with medicines used to treat abnormal heart rhythm (e.g quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, sotalol).
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- medicines for cancer e.g. mitoxantrone
- medicines for immune system disorder e.g. natalizumab
- medicines for immunity e.g. vaccines
- medicines for fungal infections e.g. ketoconazole
- medicines for bacterial infections antibiotics e.g. erythromycin
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Fingolimod.
Always inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
Always return any unused or expired capsules to the clinic, hospital or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.
Sign Out
