Siponimod is used to treat multiple sclerosis (disease affecting the brain and/or spinal cord).
This medicine helps slow down the effect of the disease such as worsening physical disability.
Take Siponimod 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.
Siponimod 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.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will perform a blood or saliva test to determine the dose that is best suited for you.
If you missed a dose and it is within the first 6 days of treatment, inform your doctor immediately. Your doctor may require you to restart the treatment.
If a dose is missed after Day 6 (day 7 onwards [maintenance doses]), skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
If you missed maintenance doses for 4 or more days, notify your doctor immediately. You may be required to restart the treatment.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- active cancer
- infection in the brain
- have experienced heart attack, chest pain, stroke, and heart failure in the past 6 months
- heart rhythm disorder
- very low immune system e.g. undergoing chemotherapy or have undergone organ transplant surgery
as Siponimod may not be suitable for you.
Some genetic traits can affect an individual's response to Siponimod or cause serious side effects. Individuals with
CYP2C9 *3/*3 gene type are recommended to not take Siponimod. If you know you have this gene type or if you are not sure you have this gene type, inform your doctor as this medicine may not be suited for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with Siponimod, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child. You must use proven birth control methods while taking Siponimod.
You must avoid any vaccinations without consulting with your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- diabetes
- eye problem e.g. infection or inflammation of the eyes
- high blood pressure
- asthma
- lung problems
- liver disease
- never had chicken pox or never been vaccinated against it
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Pregnancy tests may be done before starting therapy.
- Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count primarily white blood count, liver function, eye examination) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure while you are being treated with this medicine.
- Regular monitoring of signs of infections, and changes in vision may also be needed.
Siponimod may cause dizziness primarily at the start of treatment. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to see clearly.
This medicine may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, high blood pressure, diarrhoea, nausea, weakness, pain in arms and legs, and tremor.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- pearly nodules appearing on the skin which can be a type of skin cancer
- fits or seizure
- blind spot in the center of vision, or problem seeing colours
- slow or irregular heartbeat
- rash with small fluid-filled blisters which can be a viral infection called herpes zoster
- headache with stiff neck, sensitivity to light, feeling sick or confused, as these could be sign of fungal infection in the brain
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Avoid vaccinations during treatment or 4 weeks after treatment with Siponimod.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- carbamazepine (medicine for fits or seizures)
- medicine for heart rhythm problem e.g. quinidine, amiodarone, sotalol
- medicine for high blood pressure e.g. propranolol, verapamil, diltiazem
- medicine for fungal infection e.g. fluconazole
- medicine for sleep disorders e.g. modafinil
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Siponimod.
Always notify 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.
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