Fingolimod

Fingolimod is used to prevent episodes of symptoms and slow the worsening of disability in patients with relapsing forms (course of disease where symptoms flare up from time to time) of multiple sclerosis (MS; a disease in which the nerves do not function properly and people may experience weakness, numbness, loss of muscle coordination, and problems with vision, speech, and bladder control). Fingolimod is in a class of medications called sphingosine l-phosphate receptor modulators. It works by decreasing the action of immune cells that may cause nerve damage.

Fingolimod comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Take fingolimod at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take fingolimod exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. You will take your first dose of fingolimod in your doctor's office. You will need to stay at the office for 6 hours after you take the medication so that you can be monitored. Fingolimod may cause your heartbeat to slow, especially during the first 6 hours after you take your first dose. Tell your doctor if you experience dizziness, tiredness, or slow or irregular heartbeat during this time. Fingolimod may help control multiple sclerosis but will not cure it. Do not stop taking fingolimod without talking to your doctor. If you do not take fingolimod for 2 weeks or longer, talk to your doctor before you start taking it again. You may experience slowed heartbeat when you start taking fingolimod again, so you will need to take your first dose in your doctor's office. Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with fingolimod and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website (<a href='http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085729.htm'>http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085729.htm</a>) or the manufacturer's website to obtain the Medication Guide.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Fingolimod may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

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headache</li>
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weakness</li>
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back pain</li>
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numbness, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet</li>
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depression</li>
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dry, peeling, or itchy skin</li>
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hair loss</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

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slow or pounding heartbeat</li>
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chest pain</li>
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excessive tiredness</li>
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dizziness</li>
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fainting</li>
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sore throat, fever, chills, cough, and other signs of infection</li>
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eye pain</li>
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blurriness, shadows, or a blind spot in the center of your vision</li>
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sensitivity to light</li>
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unusual color to your vision</li>
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shortness of breath</li>
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nausea</li>
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vomiting</li>
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loss of appetite</li>
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stomach pain</li>
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yellowing of the skin or eyes</li>
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dark urine</li></ul>Fingolimod may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking fingolimod, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to fingolimod, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in fingolimod capsules. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take during your treatment with fingolimod and for 2 months after your treatment. Be sure to mention any of the following: beta-blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin), carteolol (Cartrol), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal), sotalol (Betapace), and timolol (Blocadren); calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor); ketoconazole (Nizoral); medications to control the immune system; medications for cancer, heart problems, or high blood pressure; and medications for irregular heartbeat such as amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), procainamide, quinidine (Quinaglute, others), and sotalol (Betapace). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have ever fainted, if you currently have a fever or other signs of infection, and if you have or have ever had diabetes; breathing problems; high blood pressure; uveitis (inflammation of the eye); a slow heartbeat; or heart, liver, or kidney disease. tell your doctor if you have never had chicken pox and have not received the chicken pox vaccine. Your doctor may order a blood test to see if you have been exposed to chicken pox. You may need to receive the chicken pox vaccine and then wait one month before beginning your treatment with fingolimod. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking fingolimod. do not have any vaccinations during your treatment with fingolimod or for 2 months after your treatment without talking to your doctor.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911. Symptoms of overdose may include:

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chest tightness or discomfort</li></ul>