About fingolimod hcl
Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulator
Used for
- Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults
- Relapsing multiple sclerosis in children aged 10 years and older
Usual adult dose
0.5 mg by mouth once daily for adults.
Usual dose in children
For ages 10 years and older: under 40 kg, 0.25 mg once daily; 40 kg or more, 0.5 mg once daily.
Common side effects
- Headache, diarrhea, cough, or back pain
- Slow heart rate, especially after the first dose
- Increased liver enzymes
- Infections, including herpes infections
Important warnings
- Can cause a dangerous slowing of the heart; first-dose monitoring is required.
- May increase serious infection risk; assess infection history and vaccination status.
- Rare risks include progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and macular edema.
- Stopping treatment can cause severe worsening of multiple sclerosis.
Pregnancy
May harm a fetus. Effective contraception is recommended during treatment and for two months after stopping.
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether fingolimod passes into breast milk; discuss risks and benefits with a clinician.
Interactions
- Medicines that slow heart rate or affect heart rhythm
- Other immune-suppressing medicines
- Live vaccines, which should be avoided during treatment and for two months afterward
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.