Fingolimod Aurovitas, 0.5 mg, hard capsules
Fingolimodum
Fingolimod Aurovitas contains the active substance fingolimod.
Fingolimod Aurovitas is used to treat adults and children and adolescents (10 years of age and older) with a relapsing-remitting form of multiple sclerosis (MS), in particular:
Fingolimod Aurovitas does not cure MS, but it helps to reduce the number of relapses and slow down the progression of disability caused by MS.
MS is a long-term disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. In MS, the inflammatory process damages the protective covering (myelin) of the nerves in the CNS, preventing them from working properly. This is called demyelination.
The relapsing-remitting form of MS is characterized by recurring relapses (exacerbations) of neurological symptoms, reflecting the inflammatory process in the CNS. Symptoms vary among patients, but often include problems with walking, numbness, vision problems, or balance problems. Symptoms of relapses may completely disappear, but some problems may persist.
Fingolimod Aurovitas 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 reduces nerve damage caused by MS. Fingolimod Aurovitas also reduces some immune reactions in the body.
If any of these conditions apply to you, or if you are in doubt, consult your doctor before taking Fingolimod Aurovitas.
Before starting treatment with Fingolimod Aurovitas, discuss with your doctor:
If any of these conditions apply to you, or if you are in doubt, consult your doctor before taking Fingolimod Aurovitas.
Slow heart rate (bradycardia) and irregular heartbeat
At the start of treatment or after taking the first dose of 0.5 mg, Fingolimod Aurovitas slows down the heart rate. As a result, you may feel dizzy, tired, or have palpitations or a drop in blood pressure. If these symptoms are severe, you should tell your doctor, as you may need immediate treatment.Fingolimod Aurovitas may also cause irregular heartbeat, especially after taking the first dose. Irregular heartbeat usually returns to normal within less than one day. Slow heart rate usually returns to normal within one month. During this period, no clinically significant effect on heart rate is expected.
Your doctor will ask you to stay in the doctor's office or clinic for at least 6 hours after taking the first dose of Fingolimod Aurovitas or after the first dose of 0.5 mg when switching 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 start of treatment, appropriate treatment can be given. Before the first dose of Fingolimod Aurovitas and after the 6-hour observation period, an ECG will be performed. During this time, your doctor may continuously monitor your heart activity using an electrocardiogram. If after 6 hours of observation you have a very slow or decreasing heart rate or if the ECG shows abnormalities, you may need to be monitored for a longer period (for at least 2 hours longer or possibly until the next day) until these symptoms resolve. The same procedure may be recommended if you restart treatment with Fingolimod Aurovitas after a treatment interruption, depending on how long the interruption lasted and how long you took Fingolimod Aurovitas before the interruption.
If you have irregular or abnormal heartbeat or are at risk of having them, or if you have an abnormal ECG, heart disease, or heart failure, Fingolimod Aurovitas may not be suitable for you.
If you have a history of sudden loss of consciousness or slow heart rate, Fingolimod Aurovitas may not be suitable for you. You may need to consult a cardiologist (a doctor specializing in heart conditions) who will advise on how to start treatment with Fingolimod Aurovitas, including how to monitor you at night.
If you are taking medicines that can slow the heart rate, Fingolimod Aurovitas may not be suitable for you. You may need to consult a cardiologist who will check if you can switch to other medicines that do not slow the heart rate, to allow treatment with Fingolimod Aurovitas. If such a switch is not possible, the cardiologist will advise on how to start treatment with Fingolimod Aurovitas, taking into account monitoring until the next day after the first dose of Fingolimod Aurovitas.
Patients who have never had chickenpox
If you have never had chickenpox, your doctor will check if you are immune to the virus that causes it (varicella-zoster virus). If you are not protected against the virus, you may need to be vaccinated before starting treatment with Fingolimod Aurovitas. If this is the case, your doctor will delay the start of treatment with Fingolimod Aurovitas for one month after the full course of vaccination.
Infections
Fingolimod reduces the number of white blood cells (especially lymphocytes). White blood cells fight infections. While taking Fingolimod Aurovitas (and for 2 months after stopping treatment), you may be more likely to get infections. Any existing infections may get worse. Infections can be severe and life-threatening. If you think you have an infection, have a fever, feel flu-like symptoms, have shingles, or have a headache with stiff neck, sensitivity to light, nausea, rash, and/or confusion or seizures (convulsions) (which can be symptoms of meningitis and/or encephalitis caused by a fungal or viral infection), you should contact your doctor immediately, as this can be severe and life-threatening.
Patients treated with Fingolimod Aurovitas have reported infections with the human papillomavirus (HPV), including cases of warts, dysplasia, papillomas, and HPV-related malignant tumors. Your doctor will consider the need for vaccination against HPV before starting treatment with Fingolimod Aurovitas. For women, the doctor will also recommend screening for HPV.
PML
PML is a rare brain disorder caused by infection that can lead to severe disability or death. Your doctor will order an MRI scan before starting treatment and during treatment to monitor the risk of PML.
If you think your MS is getting worse or if you notice new symptoms, such as changes in mood or behavior, new weakness, or worsening of existing weakness on one side of the body, changes in vision, confusion, transient memory loss, or difficulties with speech and communication, you should talk to your doctor as soon as possible. These can be symptoms of PML. You should also talk to your partner or caregivers and inform them about your treatment. You may not be aware of symptoms that are apparent to others.
If you develop PML, it can be treated, and treatment with Fingolimod Aurovitas will be stopped. In some patients, after the removal of fingolimod from the body, there can be an inflammatory reaction. This reaction (known as immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome or IRIS) can worsen the patient's condition, including worsening of brain function.
Macular edema
Before starting treatment with Fingolimod Aurovitas, your doctor may refer you for eye exams if you have existing or past vision problems or other symptoms of macular edema or uveitis or if you have diabetes.
Your doctor may refer you for eye exams 3 to 4 months after starting treatment with Fingolimod Aurovitas.
The macula is a small area of the retina at the back of the eye that allows for sharp, clear vision of shapes, colors, and other details. Fingolimod can cause swelling, a condition called macular edema. This swelling usually occurs within the first 4 months of treatment with Fingolimod Aurovitas.
The risk of macular edema is higher in patients with diabetes or a history of uveitis. In such cases, your doctor will recommend regular eye exams to detect macular edema.
If you develop macular edema, you should inform your doctor before resuming treatment with Fingolimod Aurovitas.
Macular edema can cause certain vision problems, similar to those experienced during an MS relapse (optic neuritis). In the early stages, symptoms may not appear at all.
You should inform your doctor about any changes in your vision. Your doctor may refer you for eye exams, especially if:
Liver function tests
Patients with severe liver disease should not take Fingolimod Aurovitas, as it may affect liver function tests. You may not notice any symptoms, but if you experience yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pain on the right side of the abdomen, fatigue, or loss of appetite or unexplained nausea and vomiting, you should immediately inform your doctor. If you experience any of these symptoms after starting treatment with Fingolimod Aurovitas, you should immediately inform your doctor. Before, during, and after treatment, your doctor will order blood tests to monitor liver function. If the test results indicate liver problems, treatment with Fingolimod Aurovitas may be stopped.
High blood pressure
Your doctor may regularly check your blood pressure, as fingolimod can cause a slight increase in blood pressure.
Lung problems
Fingolimod has a minor effect on lung function. Patients with severe lung disease or a chronic cough typical of smokers are at a higher risk of side effects.
Blood cell count
A expected effect of Fingolimod Aurovitas is a reduction in the number of white blood cells in the blood. Their number usually returns to normal within 2 months after stopping treatment. If you need to have blood tests, you should inform your doctor that you are taking Fingolimod Aurovitas. Otherwise, your doctor may not be able to interpret the results of the blood test, and in the case of certain tests, your doctor may order more blood to be taken than usual.
Before starting treatment with Fingolimod Aurovitas, your doctor will check if you have a sufficient number of white blood cells in your blood to start treatment and may order regular repeat tests. If you do not have enough white blood cells, it may be necessary to stop treatment with Fingolimod Aurovitas.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES)
In patients with MS treated with fingolimod, there have been rare reports of a condition called posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). Symptoms of this condition may include sudden severe headache, confusion, seizures, and vision problems. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking Fingolimod Aurovitas, you should immediately inform your doctor, as this can be severe.
Cancer
In patients with MS treated with fingolimod, there have been reports of skin cancers. If you notice any lumps on your skin (such as shiny lumps with a pearl-like color), spots, or open sores that do not heal within a few weeks, you should immediately contact your doctor. Symptoms of skin cancer may include abnormal growths or changes in skin tissue (such as unusual moles) that change color, shape, or size over time. Before starting treatment with Fingolimod Aurovitas, it is necessary to examine your skin for any lumps. Your doctor will also perform regular skin checks during treatment with Fingolimod Aurovitas. If you experience skin problems, your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist who, after consulting with you, may decide on the need for regular visits.
In patients with MS treated with fingolimod, there have been reports of a certain type of cancer of the lymphatic system (lymphoma).
Exposure to sunlight and protection against ultraviolet radiation
Fingolimod weakens the immune system. This increases the risk of developing malignant tumors, especially skin cancers. You should limit your exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet radiation by:
Unusual changes in the brain related to MS relapse
In patients treated with fingolimod, there have been rare reports of unusually large changes in the brain related to MS relapse. In the case of a severe MS relapse, your doctor will consider performing an MRI scan to assess this condition and decide on the possible need to stop taking Fingolimod Aurovitas.
Switching from other medicines to Fingolimod Aurovitas
Your doctor may switch your treatment directly from interferon-beta, glatiramer acetate, or dimethyl fumarate to Fingolimod Aurovitas if there are no symptoms of abnormality caused by previous treatment. Your 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 Fingolimod Aurovitas. When switching from teriflunomide, your doctor may advise you to wait for a certain period or undergo an accelerated elimination procedure. If you are treated with alemtuzumab, careful evaluation and discussion with your doctor are necessary before deciding whether Fingolimod Aurovitas is suitable for you.
Women of childbearing potential
If fingolimod is used during pregnancy, it may harm the unborn baby. Before starting treatment with Fingolimod Aurovitas, your doctor will explain the risk to you and ask you to have a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy. Your doctor will give you a card explaining why you should not become pregnant while taking Fingolimod Aurovitas. The card also contains information on what to do to avoid becoming pregnant while taking Fingolimod Aurovitas. Female patients must use effective contraception during treatment and for 2 months after stopping treatment (see "Pregnancy and breastfeeding").
If you become pregnant while taking Fingolimod Aurovitas, you should immediately inform your doctor.Your doctor will decide whether to stop treatment (see "Stopping Fingolimod Aurovitas" in section 3 and section 4 "Possible side effects"). You will also need to have regular prenatal check-ups.
Breastfeeding
You should not breastfeed while taking Fingolimod Aurovitas.Fingolimod Aurovitas may pass into breast milk, posing a risk of severe side effects to the baby.
Your doctor will inform you whether your disease allows you to drive or use machines safely. You should not expect Fingolimod Aurovitas to affect your ability to drive or use machines.
However, at the start of treatment, you must stay in the doctor's office or clinic for at least 6 hours after taking the first dose of Fingolimod Aurovitas. During this time and potentially after it, your ability to drive or use machines may be impaired.
Maltodextrin is absorbed as glucose. If you have been diagnosed with intolerance to some sugars, you should contact your doctor before taking this medicine.
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg) of sodium per capsule, which is considered "sodium-free".
Treatment with Fingolimod Aurovitas will be supervised by a doctor with experience in treating multiple sclerosis.
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. If you are not sure, ask your doctor.
The recommended dose is:
Do not take more than the recommended dose.
Fingolimod Aurovitas is for oral use.
Take Fingolimod Aurovitas once a day, with a glass of water. Fingolimod Aurovitas capsules should always be swallowed whole, without opening.
Fingolimod Aurovitas can be taken with or without food.
Taking Fingolimod Aurovitas at the same time every day will help you remember to take your medicine.
If you have any questions about the duration of treatment with Fingolimod Aurovitas, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you take too much of this medicine, contact your doctor immediately.
If you have been taking Fingolimod Aurovitas for less than 1 month and you miss a dose for the whole day, you should contact your doctor before taking the next dose. Your doctor may decide to keep you under observation when taking the next dose.
If you have been taking Fingolimod Aurovitas for at least 1 month and you miss taking it for more than 2 weeks, you should contact your doctor before taking the next dose. Your doctor may decide to keep you under observation when taking the next dose. However, if you miss taking it for up to 2 weeks, you can take the next dose as planned.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Some side effects may be or may become serious
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):
A very rare(may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people):
Frequency not known(frequency cannot be estimated from the available data):
If any of these reactions occur, inform your doctor immediately.
Other side effects
Very common(may affect more than 1 in 10 people):
Common(may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
(migraine)
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 great intensity, inform your doctor.
If you experience any side effects, including any side effects not listed in this leaflet, tell your doctor or pharmacist. 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.: +48 22 49 21 301, fax: +48 22 49 21 309, website: https://smz.ezdrowie.gov.pl
Side effects can also be reported to the marketing authorization holder.
By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Store the medicine out of sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the carton and blister.
The expiry date refers to the last day of the month stated.
Store below 30°C.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. This will help protect the environment.
The active substance is fingolimod.
Each capsule contains 0.5 mg of fingolimod (as fingolimod hydrochloride).
Other ingredients are:
Filler: maltodextrin, talc, sodium stearyl fumarate.
Capsule shell:
Body: titanium dioxide (E 171), iron oxide black (E 172), gelatin.
Cap: titanium dioxide (E 171), iron oxide yellow (E 172), gelatin.
Ink: shellac, iron oxide black (E 172), potassium hydroxide.
Hard gelatin capsule, size "3", with a light yellow cap and a gray body, with a black ink print "FGL 05" on the cap, filled with a white or almost white powder.
Fingolimod Aurovitas, 0.5 mg is available in blisters containing 7, 28, 56, 84, or 98 hard capsules, and in perforated, single-dose blisters containing 28 x 1 hard capsule, in a cardboard box.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Aurovitas Pharma Polska Sp. z o.o.
ul. Sokratesa 13D lokal 27
01-909 Warsaw
e-mail: medicalinformation@aurovitas.pl
APL Swift Services (Malta) Ltd.
HF26, Hal Far Industrial Estate, Hal Far
Birzebbugia, BBG 3000
Malta
Generis Farmacêutica, S.A.
Rua João de Deus 19, Venda Nova
2700-487 Amadora
Portugal
Arrow Génériques
26 Avenue Tony Garnier
69007 Lyon
France
Belgium:
Fingolimod AB 0.5 mg hard capsules/gélules/Hartkapseln
France:
Fingolimod Arrow 0.5 mg, gélule
Germany:
Fingolimod PUREN 0.5 mg Hartkapseln
Italy:
Fingolimod Aurobindo
Netherlands:
Fingolimod Aurobindo 0.5mg, harde capsules
Portugal:
Fingolimod Generis
Poland:
Fingolimod Aurovitas
Spain:
Fingolimod Aurovitas 0.5 mg cápsulas duras EFG
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