About fingolimod
Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulator
Used for
- Treats relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults and children aged 10 years and older.
Usual adult dose
0.5 mg by mouth once daily for relapsing multiple sclerosis.
Usual dose in children
A weight-based dose once daily: 0.25 mg below 40 kg; 0.5 mg at 40 kg or above.
Common side effects
- Headache, diarrhea, cough, or back pain
- Increased liver enzymes
- Slow heart rate or heart block, especially after the first dose
- Infections, including shingles
Important warnings
- Can cause serious heart rhythm problems; monitored first dosing is required.
- May increase infection risk; screening and vaccination checks are important.
- Can cause macular swelling, liver injury, or high blood pressure.
- Stopping treatment can cause severe worsening of multiple sclerosis.
Pregnancy
May harm an unborn baby. Effective contraception is needed during treatment and for two months after stopping.
Breastfeeding
It is unknown whether fingolimod passes into breast milk; product information generally advises against breastfeeding during treatment.
Interactions
- Medicines that slow heart rate or affect heart rhythm
- Other immune-suppressing medicines
- Live vaccines, during treatment and for two months after stopping
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.