FINGOLIMOD belongs to the group of medications called immunomodulators primarily used to treat the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, resulting in symptoms such as problems with sensation, balance, vision, and arm or leg movement. Additionally, FINGOLIMOD is used to treat hospitalised cases of coronavirus disease, an infection caused by COVID-19.
FINGOLIMOD contains fingolimod that prevents the immune system's attack on the central nervous system by reducing the ability of lymphocytes (white blood cells) to move freely within the body and stopping them from reaching the brain and spinal cord. This limits nerve damage caused by multiple sclerosis. The immunomodulation activity of FINGOLIMOD might help treat covid-19.
Take FINGOLIMOD as prescribed. FINGOLIMOD should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew or break it. FINGOLIMOD may cause certain common side effects, including an increased risk of infections, headache, back pain, cough, and diarrhoea. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if these side effects persist or worsen.
It is advisable to inform the doctor if you are allergic or sensitive to any of its components. Avoid FINGOLIMOD in case of a history of the lowered immune response, severe active infection, hepatitis, tuberculosis, active cancer, or severe liver problems. Keep your doctor informed if you have recently had surgery or are scheduled for surgery soon. FINGOLIMOD is not advisable if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or breastfeeding. You must use effective contraception during treatment and two months after stopping treatment.
Multiple sclerosis (MS), Covid-19.
FINGOLIMOD belongs to the group of medications called immunomodulators primarily used to treat the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Additionally, FINGOLIMOD is used to treat hospitalised cases of coronavirus disease. FINGOLIMOD protects against immune system attacks on the central nervous system (CNS) by limiting the ability of lymphocytes (white blood cells) to circulate freely within the body and preventing them from reaching the brain and spinal cord. This helps to reduce the nerve damage produced by multiple sclerosis. FINGOLIMOD's immunomodulation activity may help treat covid-19.
It is advisable to inform the doctor if you are allergic or sensitive to any of its components. Avoid FINGOLIMOD in case of a history of the lowered immune response, severe active infection, hepatitis, tuberculosis, active cancer, severe liver problems, irregular or abnormal heartbeat, heart attack, angina, stroke, heart failure. Inform your doctor before taking FINGOLIMOD if you have severe breathing problems during sleep, symptoms of slow heart rate, syncope (sudden loss of consciousness or fainting), visual disturbances, diabetes, severe lung problems or smoker’s cough, low count of WBC (white blood cells). FINGOLIMOD is not recommended if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or breastfeeding. You must use effective contraception during treatment and for two months after stopping treatment. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and all the medicines you are taking along with vaccinations to rule out any side effects.
Drug-Drug Interactions: FINGOLIMOD may interact with medicines that suppress or modulate the immune system (e.g. natalizumab, mitoxantrone, teriflunomide), medicines that slow the heartbeat (e.g. atenolol), medicines for irregular heartbeat (e.g. quinidine, disopyramide, amiodarone), medicines used to treat epilepsy (e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine), and medicines used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (e.g. efavirenz), corticosteroid medications (e.g. methylprednisolone), and live attenuated vaccines.
Drug-Food Interactions: Consuming alcohol along with FINGOLIMOD is not advisable as it may cause unpleasant side effects, or you may become more sensitive to the effects of alcohol.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor before taking FINGOLIMOD if you have had lowered immune response, severe active infection or active chronic infection, active cancer, severe liver or lung problems, heart disorders (including abnormal electrocardiogram, slow heart rate), diabetics, severe breathing problems during sleep, sudden loss of consciousness or fainting (syncope), chickenpox, and visual disturbances.
Consuming alcohol along with FINGOLIMOD is not advisable as it may cause unpleasant side effects, or you also may become more sensitive to the effects of alcohol.
During pregnancy, FINGOLIMOD is strictly prohibited. Women of child-bearing age must use effective contraception during treatment and for two months after the last dose.
While taking FINGOLIMOD, you should not breastfeed. FINGOLIMOD can pass into breast milk and cause serious side effects in the baby.
FINGOLIMOD is unlikely to influence your ability to drive and use machines. However, do not drive or operate machinery if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react. Seek medical attention if the symptoms persist longer.
FINGOLIMOD to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns. Avoid taking FINGOLIMOD if you have severe liver problems.
FINGOLIMOD to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
FINGOLIMOD is not intended for use in children below ten years old.
Multiple sclerosis (MS): Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, resulting in symptoms such as problems with sensation, balance, vision, arm or leg movement.
Coronavirus Disease: Coronavirus disease, also known as SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2), is an infectious disease caused by the coronavirus. Coronavirus belongs to a group of RNA viruses and has crown-like projections on the surface of the pathogen. The virus transmits through droplets generated from an infectious person’s cough, sneeze or heavy breathing.