Fingolimod
About Fingolimod
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.
Uses of Fingolimod
Medicinal Benefits
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.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Fingolimod
- Cough
- Chest discomfort
- Fever
- Slow heartbeat (bradycardia)
- Weight loss
- Headache
- Back pain
- Diarrhoea
- Depression
- Anxiety
Drug Warnings
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 Interactions
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.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionConsuming 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.
Pregnancy
unsafeDuring pregnancy, Fingolimod is strictly prohibited. Women of child-bearing age must use effective contraception during treatment and for two months after the last dose.
Breast Feeding
unsafeWhile taking Fingolimod, you should not breastfeed. Fingolimod can pass into breast milk and cause serious side effects in the baby.
Driving
cautionFingolimod 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.
Liver
cautionFingolimod 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.
Kidney
cautionFingolimod to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Children
cautionFingolimod is not intended for use in children below ten years old.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Keep a healthy state of mind. Fear is one of the biggest causes of decreased immunity. See a therapist if you feel the need.
- Meditation, music and yoga have also proven very effective in helping mental health.
- Keep yourself at a safe distance from people.
- Always sneeze or cough into your elbow and keep a handkerchief on you.
- Wash your hands with soap and water regularly.
- Eat more lean meats, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables and whole-grain foods to give you more energy. Load up on Vitamin-C rich citrus fruit for enhanced immunity.
- Steam inhalation for 3-5 minutes every day and salt-water gargle with warm water has proven very effective in keeping respiratory infections at bay and promoting health.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as dehydration is often seen in pneumonia.
- Avoid tobacco use as smoking hampers lung health and makes breathing even more difficult.
Special Advise
- Do not stop taking Fingolimod or adjust your dose without doctor notice.
- Seek medical advice from your doctor about reliable methods of contraception.
- Your doctor may confirm whether you have enough white blood cells in your blood and may advise check-ups regularly.
- Your doctor may also prescribe blood tests to check your liver function before, during, and after therapy.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
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.
FAQs
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 contains Fingolimod, an Immunomodulator. The Immunomodulation activity of Fingolimod might be beneficial to reduce mortality in covid-19.
There is currently no cure for multiple sclerosis, but several treatments can help control the condition. Fingolimod helps lower the number of relapses and slows down the progression of physical disabilities due to multiple sclerosis.
No, it is a medication prescribed by a doctor to treat or prevent specific medical issues or conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Covid-19. Taking it on your own can result in unfavourable side effects.
Elevation of liver enzymes may occur in patients receiving Fingolimod. Transaminase and bilirubin levels should be monitored.
Fingolimod may cause weight loss as a common side effect. If you experience any abnormal weight loss during the treatment, please seek medical advice.
Fingolimod may increase the risk of infections. Fingolimod should not be used in patients with active infections. It is advisable to obtain a complete blood count (CBC) before initiating treatment and also monitor for infection during treatment and for two months after discontinuation.
