What is a Generic Drug?

A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.

Gilenya (Fingolimod)

Sezzle
Brand

Gilenya (Fingolimod)

Prescription Required

Strength
Qty
0.5mg

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Generic

What is a Generic?

Generic Equivalent - Gilenya (Fingolimod)

Prescription Required

Strength
Qty
0.5mg

You'll have option to make 4 interest-free payments by credit card once your order is confirmed using Sezzle

  • Product Details

    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

    1. Gilenya [package insert]. Morris Plains, NJ: Novartis; 2012.

    Dr Conor Sheehy
    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

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