fingolimod
The active substance in Fimodigo is fingolimod.
Fimodigo is used in adults and children and adolescents (aged 10 and over) to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), particularly in:
Fimodigo does not cure MS, but it helps reduce the number of relapses and slows down the progression of disability caused by MS.
MS is a chronic disease of the central nervous system (CNS), consisting of the brain and spinal cord. In MS, the inflammatory process destroys the nerve sheath (called myelin) in the CNS, preventing it from functioning properly. This phenomenon is called demyelination.
Fimodigo helps protect the CNS from immune system attacks by reducing the ability of certain white blood cells (lymphocytes) to move freely in the patient's body and preventing them from entering the brain and spinal cord. In this way, the medicine limits nerve damage caused by MS. Fimodigo also weakens some immune system reactions.
Before starting treatment with Fimodigo, the patient should discuss the following with their doctor:
Low heart rate (bradycardia) and irregular heartbeat
At the beginning of treatment or after taking the first dose of 0.5 mg, fingolimod slows down the heart rate. As a result, the patient may feel dizzy, tired, have palpitations, or experience low blood pressure. If these symptoms are severe, the patient should tell their doctor immediately, as they may require immediate treatment. Fingolimod may also cause irregular heartbeat, especially after taking the first dose. Irregular heartbeat usually returns to normal within less than one day. Low heart rate usually returns to normal within one month. During this period, no clinically significant effect on heart rate is expected.
The doctor will ask the patient to stay in the doctor's office or clinic for at least 6 hours after taking the first dose of Fimodigo or after taking the first dose of 0.5 mg if the treatment is changed from a daily dose of 0.25 mg, with hourly measurements of pulse and blood pressure, so that if any side effects occur at the beginning of treatment, appropriate treatment can be applied. Before the first dose of Fimodigo and after completing the 6-hour observation, the patient will undergo an ECG. During this time, the doctor may continuously monitor the patient's heart activity using an electrocardiogram. If after 6 hours of observation, the patient has a very slow or decreasing heart rate or if the ECG shows abnormalities, the doctor may need to extend the monitoring of the patient's condition (for at least 2 hours longer or possibly until the next day) until these symptoms resolve. The same procedure may be recommended if the patient resumes treatment with Fimodigo after a break in treatment, depending on how long the break lasted and how long the patient took Fimodigo before the break.
If the patient has irregular or abnormal heartbeat, or risk factors for these events, or abnormal ECG or heart disease, or heart failure, Fimodigo may not be suitable for them.
If the patient has a history of sudden loss of consciousness or slow heart rate, Fimodigo may not be suitable for them. The doctor may need to consult a cardiologist (a heart specialist) who will advise on how to start treatment with Fimodigo, including how to monitor the patient at night.
If the patient is taking medications that slow heart rate, Fimodigo may not be suitable for them. The doctor may need to consult a cardiologist to check if the patient can switch to other medications that do not slow heart rate, to allow treatment with Fimodigo. If such a change in treatment is not possible, the cardiologist will advise the patient on how to start treatment with Fimodigo, taking into account monitoring until the next day after administration of the first dose of Fimodigo.
Patients who have never had chickenpox
If the patient has never had chickenpox, the doctor will check the patient's immunity to the varicella-zoster virus. If the patient is not protected against the virus, they may need to be vaccinated before starting treatment with Fimodigo. If this is the case, the doctor will delay the start of treatment with Fimodigo by one month after the full vaccination cycle.
Infections
Fingolimod reduces the number of white blood cells (especially lymphocytes). White blood cells fight infections. During treatment with Fimodigo (and up to 2 months after stopping treatment), the patient may be more susceptible to infections. Existing infections may worsen. Infections can be severe and life-threatening. If the patient thinks they have an infection, have a fever, flu-like symptoms, shingles, or a headache with stiff neck, sensitivity to light, nausea, rash, and/or confusion or seizures (which may be symptoms of meningitis and/or encephalitis caused by fungal or viral infections), they should contact their doctor immediately, as this condition can be severe.
If the patient experiences any of the above symptoms after starting treatment with Fimodigo, they should tell their doctor immediately.
Before, during, and after treatment, the doctor will order blood tests to monitor liver function. If the test results indicate liver dysfunction, treatment with Fimodigo may be discontinued.
High blood pressure
The doctor may regularly check the patient's blood pressure, as Fimodigo can cause a slight increase in blood pressure.
Lung diseases
Fimodigo has a minor effect on lung function. Patients with severe lung disease or a cough typical of smokers are at higher risk of side effects.
Blood cell count
The expected effect of fingolimod is a decrease in the number of white blood cells in the blood. Their number usually returns to normal within 2 months after stopping treatment. If blood tests need to be performed, the patient should inform their doctor that they are taking Fimodigo. Otherwise, the doctor may not be able to interpret the test results, and in the case of certain tests, the doctor may order more blood to be drawn than usual.
Before starting treatment with Fimodigo, the doctor will check if the patient has a sufficient number of white blood cells in the blood to start treatment and may order regular repeat tests. If there are not enough white blood cells, it may be necessary to discontinue treatment with Fimodigo.
Reversible posterior encephalopathy syndrome (PRES)
In patients with MS treated with fingolimod, there have been rare reports of a condition called reversible posterior encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). The symptoms of this condition may include severe headache, confusion, seizures, and/or vision changes. If the patient experiences any of these symptoms during treatment with Fimodigo, they should tell their doctor immediately, as this condition can be severe.
Cancer
In patients with MS treated with fingolimod, there have been reports of skin cancers. If the patient notices any lumps on their skin (e.g., shiny lumps with a pearl-like color), spots, or open sores that do not heal within a few weeks, they should tell their doctor immediately. Symptoms of skin cancer may include abnormal growths or changes in skin tissue (e.g., unusual moles) that change color, shape, or size over time.
Before starting treatment with Fimodigo, it is necessary to examine the patient's skin to detect any lumps. The doctor will also perform regular skin checks during treatment with Fimodigo. If skin problems occur, the doctor may refer the patient to a dermatologist, who may decide on the need for regular visits after consulting with them.
In patients with MS treated with fingolimod, there have been reports of a type of lymphoma (a cancer of the lymphatic system).
Exposure to sunlight and protection from ultraviolet radiation
Fingolimod weakens the immune system. This increases the risk of developing cancers, especially skin cancers. The patient should limit exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet radiation by:
Unusual changes in the brain associated with MS relapse
In patients treated with fingolimod, there have been rare reports of unusually large changes in the brain associated with MS relapse. In the case of a severe MS relapse, the doctor may consider performing an MRI to assess this condition and decide on the possible need to discontinue Fimodigo.
Changing treatment from other medicines to Fimodigo
The doctor may change treatment directly from interferon beta, glatiramer acetate, or dimethyl fumarate to Fimodigo if there are no symptoms of abnormalities caused by previous treatment. The doctor may order a blood test to rule out these abnormalities.
After stopping treatment with natalizumab, it may be necessary to wait 2 to 3 months before starting treatment with Fimodigo. When changing treatment from teriflunomide, the doctor may advise the patient to wait for a certain period or undergo an accelerated elimination procedure for the medicine. Patients previously treated with alemtuzumab require careful evaluation and discussion with their doctor before deciding whether Fimodigo is suitable for them.
Women of childbearing age
If Fimodigo is used during pregnancy, it may harm the unborn child. Before starting treatment with Fimodigo, the doctor will explain the risk to the patient and ask them to perform a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy. The doctor will give the patient a card explaining why they should not become pregnant while taking Fimodigo.
Patients must use effective contraception during treatment and for 2 months after stopping treatment (see "Pregnancy and breastfeeding").
Worsening of MS after stopping Fimodigo
The patient should not stop taking Fimodigo or change the dose without first consulting their doctor.
The patient should tell their doctor immediatelyif they think their MS is getting worse after stopping Fimodigo. This situation can be serious (see "Stopping Fimodigo" in section 3 and section 4 "Possible side effects").
Experience with fingolimod in elderly patients (over 65 years) is limited. In case of doubts, the patient should consult their doctor.
Fimodigo is not intended for use in children under 10 years of age, as it has not been studied in this age group with MS.
The warnings and precautions mentioned above also apply to children and adolescents.
Particularly important for children and adolescents and their caregivers are the following:
The patient should tell their doctor or pharmacist about all medicines they are currently taking or have recently taken, as well as any medicines they plan to take:
medicines that slow heart rate(e.g., beta blockers, such as atenolol). Taking Fimodigo with these medicines may increase the effect on heart rate in the first days of treatment.
medicines for irregular heartbeat, such as quinidine, disopyramide, amiodarone, or sotalol. Fimodigo should not be taken by patients taking these medicines, as it may increase the effect on irregular heartbeat (see also "When not to take Fimodigo").
other medicines: protease inhibitors, antifungal medications such as ketoconazole, azole antifungals, clarithromycin, or telithromycin; carbamazepine, rifampicin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, efavirenz, or St. John's wort preparations (possible risk of reduced efficacy of Fimodigo).
If the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding, thinks they may be pregnant, or plans to have a child, they should consult their doctor before taking this medicine.
Pregnancy
Fimodigo should not be taken during pregnancy, if the patient is trying to become pregnant, or if the patient may become pregnant and is not using effective contraception. If Fimodigo is taken during pregnancy, there is a risk of harm to the unborn child. The rate of birth defects in children exposed to fingolimod during pregnancy is about twice as high as in the general population (where the rate of birth defects is about 2-3%).
The most commonly reported birth defects include heart, kidney, and musculoskeletal defects.
Therefore, if the patient is of childbearing age:
The doctor will give the patient a card explaining why they should not become pregnant while taking Fimodigo.
The doctor will decide whether to discontinue treatment (see "Stopping Fimodigo" in section 3 and section 4 "Possible side effects"). The patient will also need to attend prenatal check-ups.
Breastfeeding
Fimodigo should not be taken while breastfeeding. Fingolimod may pass into breast milk, posing a risk of serious side effects to the baby.
The doctor will inform the patient whether their condition allows them to drive vehicles safely, including riding a bicycle and operating machines. It is not expected that Fimodigo will affect the ability to drive vehicles and operate machines.
However, at the beginning of treatment, the patient must stay in the doctor's office or clinic for 6 hours after taking the first dose of Fimodigo. During this time and potentially after it, the ability to drive vehicles and operate machines may be impaired.
Treatment with Fimodigo will be supervised by a doctor with experience in treating multiple sclerosis.
This medicine should always be taken as directed by the doctor. In case of doubts, the patient should consult their doctor.
The recommended dose is:
Children and adolescents starting treatment with one 0.25 mg capsule per day and later reaching a stable weight over 40 kg will be advised by their doctor to change the dose to one 0.5 mg capsule per day. In this case, it is recommended to repeat the observation period as after the first dose of Fimodigo.
The patient should not exceed the recommended dose.
Fimodigo is intended for oral use.
Fimodigo should be taken once a day, with a glass of water. Fimodigo capsules should always be swallowed whole, without opening. Fimodigo can be taken with or without food.
Taking Fimodigo at the same time every day will help the patient remember to take their medicine.
If the patient has any questions about the duration of treatment with Fimodigo, they should consult their doctor or pharmacist.
If the patient takes too much Fimodigo, they should contact their doctor immediately.
If the patient takes Fimodigo for less than 1 month and forgets to take 1 dose for the whole day, they should contact their doctor before taking the next dose. The doctor may decide to keep the patient under observation during the next dose.
If the patient takes Fimodigo for at least 1 month and forgets to take the medicine for more than 2 weeks, they should contact their doctor before taking the next dose. The doctor may decide to keep the patient under observation during the next dose.
However, if the patient forgets to take the medicine for up to 2 weeks, they can take the next dose as planned.
The patient should not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
The patient should not stop taking Fimodigo or change the dose without first consulting their doctor.
Fimodigo stays in the body for up to 2 months after stopping treatment. During this time, the number of white blood cells (lymphocytes) may also be reduced, and side effects listed in this leaflet may still occur. After stopping Fimodigo, the patient should wait 6-8 weeks before starting new MS treatment.
In patients resuming treatment with Fimodigo after more than 2 weeks of stopping the medicine, the effect on heart rate observed after the first dose may occur again, and monitoring of the patient's condition in the doctor's office or clinic will be necessary due to the resumption of treatment. The patient should not resume treatment with Fimodigo after a break of more than 2 weeks without consulting their doctor.
The doctor will decide how to monitor the patient after stopping Fimodigo. The patient should tell their doctor immediatelyif they think their MS is getting worse after stopping Fimodigo. This situation can be serious.
In case of any further doubts about the use of this medicine, the patient should consult their doctor or pharmacist.
Like all medicines, Fimodigo can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Some side effects may be serious or become serious
Very common(may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
Uncommon(may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
Rare(may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):
Very rare(may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people):
Frequency not known(frequency cannot be estimated from the available data):
If the patient experiences any of these side effects, they should tell their doctor immediately.
Other side effects
Very common(may affect more than 1 in 10 people):
Common(may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
Uncommon(may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
Rare(may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):
Frequency not known(frequency cannot be determined from the available data):
If any of these symptoms occur with significant severity, the patient should tell their doctor.
If the patient experiences any side effects, including any side effects not listed in this leaflet, they should tell their doctor or pharmacist or nurse. Side effects can be reported directly to the Department of Drug Safety Monitoring of the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices, and Biocidal Products:
Al. Jerozolimskie 181C, 02-222 Warsaw, tel.: 22 49-21-301, fax: 22 49-21-309, website: https://smz.ezdrowie.gov.pl.
Side effects can also be reported to the marketing authorization holder.
Reporting side effects will help gather more information on the safety of this medicine.
The medicine should be stored out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the carton and blister pack after "Expiry date" / "EXP". The expiry date refers to the last day of the month stated.
Do not store above 30°C.
Store in the original package to protect from moisture.
Do not use medicines from damaged or opened packages.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. The patient should ask their pharmacist how to dispose of medicines that are no longer needed. This will help protect the environment.
Fimodigo 0.5 mg hard capsules (16 mm, size 3) have a white body and a yellow cap.
OPA/Aluminium/PVC/Aluminium blisters containing 7, 28 or 98 hard capsules in a cardboard box.
Single-dose OPA/Aluminium/PVC/Aluminium blisters containing 7, 28 or 98 hard capsules in a cardboard box.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing authorisation holder:
Vipharm S.A
ul. A. i F. Radziwiłłów 9
05-850 Ożarów Mazowiecki
Poland
Manufacturer/Importer:
Synthon Hispania S.L.
C/ Castelló 1
Sant Boi De Llobregat
08830 Barcelona
Spain
Synthon B.V.
Microweg 22
6545 CM Nijmegen
Netherlands
Czech Republic:
Fimodigo
Netherlands:
Fimodigo 0.5 mg hard capsules
Poland:
Fimodigo
Slovakia:
Fimodigo 0.5 mg
Hungary:
Fimodigo 0.5 mg hard capsule
Date of last renewal of the authorisation:24.07.2024
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