Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi, 0.5 mg, hard capsules
Fingolimodum
Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi contains the active substance fingolimod.
Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi is used in adults to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), particularly in:
Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi 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.
Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi 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.
Before starting treatment with Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi, 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 in patients who have previously taken a daily dose of 0.25 mg, Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi slows down the heart rate.
As a result, the patient may experience dizziness, fatigue, palpitations, or a decrease in blood pressure. If these symptoms are severe, the patient should inform their doctor, as they may require immediate treatment.
Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi 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.
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 Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi or after the first dose of 0.5 mg when changing treatment from a daily dose of 0.25 mg, with hourly measurements of pulse and blood pressure, so that if any side effects occur that happen at the beginning of treatment, appropriate action can be taken.
Before the first dose of Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi 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, it may be necessary 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.
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 Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi.
Infections
Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi reduces the number of white blood cells (especially lymphocytes). White blood cells fight infections. During treatment with Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi (and up to 2 months after stopping treatment), the patient may be more susceptible to infections.
Any 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, 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 and life-threatening.
Macular edema
Before starting treatment with Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi, the doctor may refer patients with existing or past visual disturbances or other symptoms of macular edema with posterior uveitis or diabetes for ophthalmological examinations.
The doctor may also refer the patient for ophthalmological examinations 3 to 4 months after starting treatment with Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi.
Macular edema is a condition where the macula becomes swollen. Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi may cause macular edema. Macular edema usually occurs within the first 4 months of treatment with Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi.
The risk of macular edema is higher in patients with diabetes or a history of uveitis. In such cases, the doctor will prescribe regular ophthalmological examinations to detect macular edema.
If the patient develops macular edema, they should inform their doctor before resuming treatment with Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi.
Macular edema can cause certain visual disturbances, such as those that occur during an MS relapse (optic neuritis). In the early stages, symptoms may not appear at all.
The patient should inform their doctor about any changes in vision. The doctor may refer the patient for ophthalmological examinations, especially if:
Liver function tests
Patients with severe liver disease should not take Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi. Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi may affect liver function tests.
The patient is unlikely to experience any symptoms, but if they notice yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, abnormal dark (brown) urine, pain in the right upper abdomen, fatigue, decreased appetite, or unexplained nausea and vomiting, they should immediately tell their doctor.
If the patient experiences any of the above symptoms after starting treatment with Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi, they should immediately tell their doctor.
Before, during, and after treatment, the doctor will prescribe blood tests to monitor liver function.
If the test results indicate liver function disorders, treatment with Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi may be discontinued.
High blood pressure
The doctor may regularly check the patient's blood pressure, as Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi can cause a slight increase in blood pressure.
Lung problems
Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi 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.
White blood cell count
A expected effect of Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi 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 are necessary, the patient should inform their doctor that they are taking Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi. Otherwise, the doctor may not be able to interpret the results of the blood test, and in the case of certain tests, the doctor may prescribe a larger amount of blood to be taken than usual.
Before starting treatment with Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi, the doctor will check if the patient has a sufficient number of white blood cells in the blood to start treatment and may prescribe regular repetition of blood tests.
If there are not enough white blood cells, it may be necessary to discontinue treatment with Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi.
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). The symptoms of this condition may include severe headache, confusion, seizures, and changes in vision.
If the patient experiences any of these symptoms while taking Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi, they should immediately tell their doctor, as this condition can be severe.
Cancer
In patients with MS treated with Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi, there have been reports of skin cancer.
If the patient notices any lumps on their skin (e.g., shiny lumps with a pearl-like color), spots, or non-healing open sores, they should immediately tell their doctor.
Symptoms of skin cancer may include abnormal growths or changes in skin tissue (e.g., new moles) that change color, shape, or size over time.
Before starting treatment with Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi, it is necessary to examine the skin for any lumps.
The doctor will also perform regular skin checks during treatment with Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi.
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 the patient.
Exposure to the sun and protection against sunlight
Fingolimod weakens the immune system. This increases the risk of developing malignant tumors, especially skin cancer.
Patients should limit their exposure to the sun and UV 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 will consider performing an MRI to assess this condition and decide on the possible need to discontinue Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi.
Changing treatment from other drugs to Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi
The doctor may change treatment directly from interferon-beta, glatiramer acetate, or dimethyl fumarate to Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi if there are no symptoms of abnormalities caused by previous treatment.
The doctor may prescribe 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 Fresenius Kabi.
When changing treatment from teriflunomide, the doctor may advise the patient to wait for some time or undergo an accelerated elimination procedure.
Patients previously treated with alemtuzumab require careful evaluation and discussion with their doctor before deciding whether Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi is suitable for them.
Women of childbearing age
If Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi is used during pregnancy, it may harm the unborn child.
Before starting treatment with Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi, the doctor will explain the risks 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 Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi.
The card also contains information on what to do to avoid becoming pregnant while taking Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi.
Patients must use effective contraception during treatment and for 2 months after stopping treatment (see "Pregnancy and breastfeeding").
Worsening of MS after stopping treatment with Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi
The patient should not stop taking Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi or change the dose without consulting their doctor.
The patient should immediately tell their doctorif they think their MS is worsening after stopping treatment with Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi.
This situation can be serious (see "Stopping treatment with Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi" in section 3, as well as section 4 "Possible side effects").
Experience with the use of Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi in elderly patients (over 65 years) is limited.
In case of doubts, the patient should consult their doctor.
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:
Other drugs:
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
Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi should not be taken during pregnancy if the patient is trying to become pregnant or if the patient can become pregnant and is not using effective contraception.
If Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi is used during pregnancy, it may harm the unborn child.
The risk of birth defects in children exposed to fingolimod during pregnancy is about twice as high as in the general population (where the risk 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 Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi.
If the patient becomes pregnant while taking Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi, they should immediately tell their doctor.
The doctor will decide whether to discontinue treatment (see "Stopping treatment with Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi" in section 3, as well as section 4 "Possible side effects").
The patient will also need to undergo prenatal check-ups.
Breastfeeding
Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi should not be taken during breastfeeding.
Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi may pass into breast milk, posing a risk of severe side effects in the child.
The doctor will inform the patient whether their condition allows them to drive vehicles, including bicycles, and operate machines safely.
The patient should not expect Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi to affect their 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 Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi.
During this time and potentially after it, the patient's ability to drive vehicles and operate machines may be impaired.
Treatment with Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi will be supervised by a doctor with experience in treating MS.
This medicine should always be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor.
In case of doubts, the patient should consult their doctor.
The recommended dose is:
Adults:
The dose is one 0.5 mg capsule per day.
The patient should not exceed the recommended dose.
Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi is intended for oral administration.
Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi should be taken once a day, with a glass of water.
The capsules should always be swallowed whole, without opening.
Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi can be taken with or without food.
Taking Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi at the same time every day will help the patient remember to take their medicine.
If the patient has questions about the duration of treatment with Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi, they should consult their doctor or pharmacist.
If the patient takes too much of the medicine, they should immediately contact their doctor.
If the patient takes Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi for less than 1 month and forgets to take a 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 Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi 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 Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi or change the dose without consulting their doctor.
Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi 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 described in this leaflet may still occur.
After stopping treatment with Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi, the patient should wait 6-8 weeks before starting new MS treatment.
Patients resuming treatment with Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi after more than 2 weeks of stopping the medicine may experience the effect on heart rate again, which is usually observed after starting treatment for the first time, 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 Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi after a break of more than two weeks without consulting their doctor.
The doctor will decide how to monitor the patient after stopping treatment with Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi.
The patient should immediately tell their doctorif they think their MS is worsening after stopping treatment with Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi.
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, Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Some side effects may be serious or become serious.
If the patient experiences any of these side effects, they should immediately tell their doctor.
Other side effects
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
Jerozolimskie Avenue 181C
02-222 Warsaw
phone: +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, it is possible to gather more information on the safety of the 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 after "EXP". The expiry date refers to the last day of the month stated.
Do not store above 30°C.
Store in the original packaging to protect from moisture.
Do not use this medicine if the packaging is damaged or shows signs of opening.
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.
Each capsule contains 0.5 mg of fingolimod (as hydrochloride).
Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi, 0.5 mg, hard capsules (16 mm, size 3) have a white body and yellow cap.
Each carton contains 7, 28, or 98 hard capsules.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Accord Healthcare Polska Sp. z o.o.
Taśmowa 7
02-677 Warsaw
Synthon Hispania, S.L.
c/ Castelló, 1
08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat (Barcelona)
Spain
This medicinal product is authorized in the Member States of the European Economic Area and in the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) under the following names:
Synthon BV | |
Microweg 22 | |
6545 CM Nijmegen | |
Netherlands |
Member State | Medicinal Product Name |
Netherlands | Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi 0.5 mg, hard capsules |
Belgium | Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi 0.5 mg, hard capsules Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi 0.5 mg, gélules Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi 0.5 mg, Hartkapseln |
Czech Republic | Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi |
Spain | Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi 0.5 mg hard capsules EFG |
Italy | Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi |
Norway | Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi |
Poland | Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi |
Portugal | Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi |
United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) | Fingolimod Fresenius Kabi 0.5 mg hard capsules |
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