Description
Gilenya is a medication your doctor may prescribe if you have relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS), which is when MS is well-controlled on other medications, but the symptoms start to get worse.
MS is a disease that can affect every major system in the body, including:
- Visual
- Nervous
- Musculoskeletal
- Urinary
- Speech
- Sensory
Gilenya works by binding to S1P receptors on cells of the immune system called lymphocytes. It prevents these cells from emerging from lymph nodes.
Fact Table |
Formula |
C19H33NO2 |
License |
US FDA, EU EMA |
Bioavailability |
More than 90% |
Legal status |
Rx-only |
Chemical Name |
Fingolimod |
Elimination half-life |
6-9 days |
Dosage (Strength) |
0.5mg |
Pregnancy |
Not Recommended |
Brands |
Gilenya |
Protein binding |
99.7% |
PubChem CID |
107970 |
MedlinePlus |
a611006 |
ChEBI |
63115 |
ATC code |
L04AA27 |
DrugBank |
DB08868 |
KEGG |
D10001 |
Routes of administration |
By mouth |
Directions
The standard dosage is 0.5 mg by mouth once daily.
Gilenya can slow the heart rate, so the first dose must be administered in a healthcare setting where the patient can be monitored for at least six hours.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Gilenya is fingolimod.
Interactions
Common drug interactions with this drug are:
- Amiodarone
- Baricitinib
- BCG (Intravesical)
- Bradycardia-Causing Agents
- Ceritinib
- Cladribine
- COVID-19 Vaccine (mRNA)
- Disopyramide
- Dofetilide
- Dronedarone
- Echinacea
- Ibutilide
- Immunosuppressants
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Virus Vaccine
- Natalizumab
- Pimecrolimus
- Quinidine
- Rabies Vaccine
- Roflumilast
- Sipuleucel-T
- Sotalol
- Tacrolimus
- Tofacitinib
- Vaccines (Inactivated)
- Vaccines (Live)
- Varicella Virus Vaccine
Cautions
Any vaccines that are needed should be administered before starting Gilenya.
Use caution if you have a history of heart disease. When starting Gilenya, there is a high risk that it can cause a slow heart rate.
You are at an increased risk of infection when taking this drug.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all precautions that can apply to you before starting Gilenya.
Side Effects
Potential Gilenya side effects may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Actinic keratosis
- Alopecia
- Asthenia
- Back pain
- Blurred vision
- Bradycardia
- Cough
- Decreased lung function
- Diarrhea
- Dyspnea
- First-degree atrioventricular block
- Headache
- Herpes virus infection
- Herpes zoster infection
- Hypertension
- Increased gamma-glutamyl transfer
- Increased serum alanine aminotransferase
- Increased serum aspartate transaminase
- Increased serum triglycerides
- Influenza
- Leukopenia
- Lymphocytopenia
- Migraine
- Nausea
- Second-degree atrioventricular block
- Sinusitis
References
- Gilenya [package insert]. Morris Plains, NJ: Novartis; 2012.
About Dr. Conor Sheehy (Page Author)
Dr. Sheehy (BSc Molecular Biology, PharmD) works a clinical pharmacist specializing in cardiology, oncology, and ambulatory care. He’s a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist (BCPS), and his experience working one-on-one with patients to fine tune their medication and therapy plans for optimal results makes him a valuable subject matter expert for our pharmacy. Read More....
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Product Code : 12570