Prescription Required
Description
Gilenya is an oral capsule consisting of an immunosuppressant called fingolimod. We carry this medication in 0.05mg!
Gilenya is prescribed to treat a condition called multiple sclerosis (MS). MS affects both the brain and spinal cord and occurs when your immune system attacks the myelin in your body, the fatty material that wraps around your nerve fibers to protect them. Without having that protective outer layer, the nerves become damaged and scar tissue may begin to form. Gilenya is not a cure for this long-lasting disease, but will decrease the number of relapse symptoms.
Gilenya (fingolimod) is effective in the treatment of multiple sclerosis due to its ability to trap immune cells in your lymph nodes so they cannot travel to the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).
Directions
Take Gilenya exactly the way your doctor has directed you to. Read all the instructions on the label of the prescription.
Your first dose of Gilenya will be received in a professional medical setting (like a hospital) incase Gilenya causes a decrease in your heart rate as well as to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure for 6 hours following the dose.
Gilenya may be taken with or without food, usually once a day.
This medication should be taken regularly to get the most benefit out of it. Ensure you do not miss a dose by taking the capsule at the same time every day; you may also use a pillbox to help remind you to take your dose. Do not suddenly stop taking Gilenya without first consulting your doctor.
Cautions
Those who have a serious heart condition should not use Gilenya; This includes conditions such as severe heart failure, “AV block”, sick sinus syndrome without the use of a pacemaker, recent heart attack, stroke, any other serious heart problem, and if you have chest pain or take medications for certain heart rhythm medicines.
Your immune system make be affected by Gilenya; you may risk developing infections more easily, including serious and fatal infections. Keep watch for signs of infections (see side effects).
If you are a patient who has ever experienced chickenpox or received a vaccine called Vaivax (a varicella vaccine); you may need to receive the Varivax vaccine roughly 1 month prior to starting treatment with Gilenya; consult your doctor before proceeding to use this medication.
This medication may increase your risk of developing melanoma; a type of skin cancer that has ability to spread rapidly to other organs if it’s not caught and treated at an early stage.
This medication has potential to harm an unborn baby; use effective birth control with using Gilenya and consult your doctor right away if you become pregnant. If you are currently pregnant, consult your doctor before starting Gilenya.
It may or may not be safe to breast feed while on Gilenya; consult your doctor before breast feeding an infant while using Gilenya.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Gilenya (fingolimod) may include:
headache, back pain; stomach pain, diarrhea; pain in your arms or legs; cough, stuffy nose, flu symptoms; or abnormal liver function tests.
The above side effects should not alarm you.
Serious side effects of Gilenya (fingolimod) may include:
shiny nodules on your skin, sores that do not heal, unusual moles that change in color or size; blurred vision, eye pain, or a blind spot or shadows in the center of your vision (may occur 3 to 4 months after you start taking fingolimod); new or worsened breathing problems; sores in your mouth and throat, cold sores, sores on your genital or anal area;
If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.
Signs to watch for:
blood vessel problems in the brain - headache, confusion, change in mental status, sudden vision loss, seizure (convulsions);
heart problems - chest pain, slow or irregular heartbeats, and feeling dizzy or tired;
liver problems -nausea, upper stomach pain, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
signs of infection - fever, chills, body aches, tiredness, nausea and vomiting, neck stiffness, increased sensitivity to light.
FAQs
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor. You may need to take your missed dose in a hospital setting, especially if you miss more than 1 dose.
What is the average dose for an adult with MS (multiple sclerosis)?
The average dose for an adult with MS is 0.5mg once a day.
Is this product safe for children?
Children who are at least 10 years of age may use Gilenya as an effective treatment for MS. Anyone under 10 years old should not use Gilenya.
What are the symptoms of a serious brain infection while using Gilenya?
A serious brain infection could occur in patients using Gilenya. If you notice problems with speech, thought, vision, or muscle movement, call your doctor right away.
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