Brand name: Gilenya.
Generic name: Fingolimod.
Who takes it?:
This is for adults and children over 10 yrs. It can be prescribed if you have Very Active Relapsing Remitting MS (two or more relapses in one year and increased MRI activity). Or if you are still having relapses when taking another DMT.
Gilenya reduces relapses by 50%, studies have also shown that there are less lesions on an MRI scan and that Gilenya may slow down disability progression.
Gilenya must not be taken during pregnancy.
Women of child bearing age should use effective contraception during treatment and for two months after.
How is it given?:
Gilenya is an oral capsule taken once a day. On day one of the treatment you will have to attend the QE for your heart to be monitored for 6 hours, as your heart rate can drop on day one of the treatment. If you missed a capsule in the first month of treatment, you would have to attend the QE for the first day monitoring again. If you miss medication after this time, please contact your MS team for advice.
Who Monitors it?:
Bloods are obtained after month 1 then 3 monthly. You will be informed when they are due, we will ask you either to attend your Gp practice or the MS Nurse home phlebotomy service will collect them.
The MS Nurse phlebotomy service, can come to your home environment or after negotiation with your employer, at your work place.
At each MS Nurse appointment you will be asked about your Gilenya:
- If you have missed any tablets.
- Have any side effects.
- Had any infections.
- Noticed changes in your vision.
- Review your blood pressure.
- Asked about any new moles ect.
Side effects:
- Macular oedema
- Increased risk of infections.
- Headache.
- Back pain.
- Cough.
- Raised liver enzymes.
- Basal cell carcinomas.
- Lowered white blood cells.
- Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) – this is rare, please discuss with your MS Team
Travel:
This medication does not need to be kept in your hand luggage when travelling abroad, however we suggest you do, due to main luggage occasionally being lost or delayed.
Vaccines:
https://www.mssociety.org.uk/care-and-support/health-and-social-care/health-care/flu-jabs
Support: