FINGOLIMOD SOLINEA, 0.5 mg, hard capsules
Fingolimod
The active substance of Fingolimod Solinea is fingolimod.
Fingolimod Solinea is used in adults and children and adolescents (aged 10 years and older with a body weight of over 40 kg) to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), particularly in:
or
Fingolimod Solinea 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.
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 usually include walking difficulties, numbness, vision problems, or balance problems. Relapse symptoms may completely resolve, but some disturbances may persist.
Fingolimod Solinea 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 Solinea also weakens some immune responses of the body.
If any of these situations occur, you should tell your doctor and not take Fingolimod Solinea.
Before starting treatment with Fingolimod Solinea, you should discuss the following with your doctor:
If any of these situations occur, you should tell your doctor before taking
Fingolimod Solinea.
Slow 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 using other fingolimod-containing medications with lower potency, fingolimod slows down the heart rate. As a result, the patient may experience dizziness, fatigue, palpitations, or low blood pressure. If these symptoms are very
severe, you should inform your doctor, as immediate treatment may be necessary.Fingolimod Solinea 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.
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 Solinea or after the first dose of 0.5 mg in case of a change in treatment from a daily dose of 0.25 mg using other fingolimod-containing medications with lower potency, with hourly measurement of pulse and blood pressure, so that if any adverse reactions occur that happen at the beginning of treatment, appropriate treatment can be applied. Before the first dose of Fingolimod Solinea and after the end of the 6-hour observation, an ECG will be performed on the patient. During this time, the doctor may also perform continuous monitoring of 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, there may be a need for longer 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 Fingolimod Solinea after a break in treatment, depending on how long the break lasted and how long the patient took Fingolimod Solinea 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, Fingolimod Solinea may not be suitable for them.
If the patient has a history of sudden loss of consciousness or slow heart rate, Fingolimod Solinea may not be suitable for them. There may be a need for consultation with a cardiologist (a specialist who deals with the heart), who will advise on how to start treatment with Fingolimod Solinea, including how to monitor the patient at night.
If the patient is taking medications that can slow down the heart rate, Fingolimod Solinea may not be suitable. There may be a need for consultation with a cardiologist, who will check if the patient can switch to other medications that do not slow down the heart rate, to allow treatment with Fingolimod Solinea. If such a change in treatment is not possible, the cardiologist will advise the patient on how to start treatment with Fingolimod Solinea, taking into account monitoring until the next day after administration of the first dose of Fingolimod Solinea.
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 Solinea. If this is the case, the doctor will delay the start of treatment with Fingolimod Solinea by one month after the full vaccination cycle.
Infections
Fingolimod Solinea reduces the number of white blood cells (especially lymphocytes). White blood cells fight infections. While taking Fingolimod Solinea (and up to 2 months after the end of 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 accompanied by stiff neck, sensitivity to light, nausea, rash, and/or confusion or seizures (seizure attacks) (which may be symptoms of meningitis and/or brain infection caused by fungal or herpes virus infection), they should contact their doctor immediately, as this condition can be severe and life-threatening.
If the patient thinks their MS is getting worse (e.g., weakness or vision problems) or if the patient notices any new symptoms, they should talk to their doctor immediately, as these may be symptoms of a rare brain disease caused by infection and called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). PML is a serious disease that can lead to severe disability or death. The doctor will consider performing an MRI scan to assess the patient's condition and decide whether it is necessary to stop taking Fingolimod Solinea.
Patients treated with Fingolimod Solinea have reported infections with the human papillomavirus (HPV), including cases of warts, dysplasia, warts, and HPV-related cancer. The doctor will consider whether the patient needs to be vaccinated against HPV before starting treatment with Fingolimod Solinea. In women, the doctor will also recommend screening for HPV.
Macular edema
Before starting treatment with Fingolimod Solinea, the doctor may refer patients with existing or past vision problems or other symptoms of macular edema (such as blurred vision, blind spots, or flashes of light) or uveitis (inflammation or infection of the eye) or diabetes for ophthalmological examinations.
The doctor may also refer the patient for ophthalmological examinations after 3 to 4 months of starting treatment with Fingolimod Solinea.
The macula is a small area of the retina at the back of the eye that allows for sharp and detailed vision of shapes, colors, and other details. Fingolimod Solinea may cause macular edema, a condition called macular edema. This edema usually occurs within the first 4 months of treatment with Fingolimod Solinea.
The risk of macular edema is higher in patients with diabetesor with 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 Solinea.
Macular edema can cause vision problems similar to those experienced 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 Solinea.
Fingolimod Solinea 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 (jaundice), dark urine (brown), pain in the right upper abdomen (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 Solinea, 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 Solinea may be discontinued.
High blood pressure
The doctor may regularly check blood pressure, as Fingolimod Solinea can cause a slight increase in blood pressure.
Lung diseases
Fingolimod Solinea has a minor effect on lung function. Patients with severe lung disease or a cough typical of smokers are at higher risk of adverse reactions.
Blood cell count
The expected effect of Fingolimod Solinea is a reduction in the number of white blood cells in the blood. Their number usually returns to normal within 2 months after the end of treatment.
If blood tests need to be performed, the patient should inform their doctor that they are taking Fingolimod Solinea. 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 than usual.
Before starting treatment with Fingolimod Solinea, the doctor will check if the patient has a sufficient number of white blood cells to start treatment and may prescribe regular repetition of blood tests.
In case of insufficient white blood cell count, it may be necessary to discontinue treatment with Fingolimod Solinea.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES)
In patients with MS treated with Fingolimod Solinea, there have been rare reports of a disease called posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). The symptoms of this disease may include severe headache with a sudden onset, confusion, seizures, and/or vision changes. If any of these symptoms occur during treatment with Fingolimod Solinea, the patient should immediately tell their doctor, as this condition can be severe.
Cancer
Patients with MS treated with Fingolimod Solinea have reported skin cancers.
If the patient notices any lumps on the skin (e.g., shiny lumps with a pearly color), spots, or open sores that do not heal within a few weeks, 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 Solinea, it is necessary to examine the skin for any lumps. The treating doctor will also perform regular skin checks during treatment with Fingolimod Solinea. If skin problems occur, the treating doctor may refer the patient to a dermatologist, who may decide on the need for regular visits after consultation.
Patients with MS treated with fingolimod have reported a type of lymphoma (a type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system).
Exposure to sunlight and protection from ultraviolet radiation
Fingolimod weakens the immune system. This condition increases the risk of developing cancers, especially skin cancers. The patient should limit exposure to sunlight and UV radiation by:
Unusual changes in the brain associated with MS relapse
Patients treated with Fingolimod Solinea have reported rare cases of unusually large changes in the brain associated with MS relapse. In case of a severe relapse, the doctor will consider performing an MRI scan to assess this condition and decide whether it is necessary to discontinue Fingolimod Solinea.
Switching to Fingolimod Solinea
The doctor may directly switch treatment from interferon beta, glatiramer acetate, or dimethyl fumarate to Fingolimod Solinea if there are no symptoms of abnormality caused by the previous treatment. The doctor may prescribe a blood test to rule out such abnormalities. After stopping treatment with natalizumab, it may be necessary to wait 2-3 months before starting treatment with Fingolimod Solinea. In case of switching treatment from teriflunomide, the doctor may recommend waiting for a certain period or undergoing an accelerated elimination procedure. If the patient has been treated with alemtuzumab, a thorough assessment and discussion with the doctor are necessary before deciding whether Fingolimod Solinea is suitable for the patient.
Women of childbearing age
Fingolimod Solinea should not be used during pregnancy, if the patient is trying to become pregnant, or in women of childbearing age who do not use effective contraception. If Fingolimod Solinea is used during pregnancy, there is a risk of harm to the unborn child. The incidence of congenital malformations observed in infants exposed to Fingolimod Solinea during pregnancy is about 2 times higher than in the general population (in which the incidence of congenital malformations is about 2-3%). The most commonly reported congenital malformations were heart, kidney, and musculoskeletal malformations.
Therefore, if the patient is of childbearing age:
The doctor will provide the patient with a card explaining why they should not become pregnant while taking Fingolimod Solinea.
tell their doctor.The doctor will decide on discontinuing treatment (see "Discontinuing Fingolimod Solinea in section 3, as well as section 4, "Possible side effects").
The patient will also need to undergo prenatal check-ups.
Breastfeeding
Do not breastfeed while taking Fingolimod Solinea.Fingolimod Solinea 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 safely, including cycling and operating machinery. It is not expected that Fingolimod Solinea will affect the ability to drive vehicles and operate machinery.
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 Solinea. During this time and potentially after it, the ability to drive vehicles and operate machinery may be impaired.
Treatment with Fingolimod Solinea will be supervised by a doctor with experience in treating multiple sclerosis.
This medicine should always be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor. If you are unsure, ask your doctor.
The recommended dose is:
Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Fingolimod Solinea is intended for oral use.
Fingolimod Solinea should be taken once a day, with a glass of water. Fingolimod Solinea should always be swallowed whole, without opening the capsules. Fingolimod Solinea can be taken with or without food.
Taking Fingolimod Solinea at the same time every day will help you remember to take your medicine.
If you are unsure how long to take Fingolimod Solinea, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you take a higher dose of Fingolimod Solinea than recommended, contact your doctor immediately.
If you take Fingolimod Solinea for less than 1 month and forget to take 1 dose for the whole day, contact your doctor before taking the next dose. The doctor may decide to keep you under observation during the administration of the next dose.
If you take Fingolimod Solinea for at least 1 month and forget to take the medicine for more than 2 weeks, contact your doctor before taking the next dose. The doctor may decide to keep you under observation during the administration of the next dose. However, if you forget to take the medicine for up to 2 weeks, you can take the next dose as planned.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Do not stop taking Fingolimod Solinea or change the dose without consulting your doctor first.
Fingolimod Solinea stays in the body for 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 Solinea, wait 6-8 weeks before starting new MS treatment.
In patients resuming treatment with Fingolimod Solinea after more than 2 weeks of stopping the medicine, the effect on heart rate may occur 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. Do not resume treatment with Fingolimod Solinea after a break of more than 2 weeks without consulting your doctor.
The treating doctor will decide how to monitor the patient after stopping treatment with Fingolimod Solinea. If the patient thinks their MS is getting worse after stopping treatment with Fingolimod Solinea, they should immediately tell their doctor. This situation may be serious.
If you have any further questions about the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Like all medicines, Fingolimod Solinea can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Some side effects may be or may become serious:
Very common(may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
Common(may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
Uncommon(may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):
Rare(may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people):
Frequency not known(frequency cannot be estimated from the available data):
If you experience any of these side effects, tell 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):
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 estimated from the available data):
If any of these symptoms occur with high severity, tell your doctor.
The medicinal product should be stored out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use this medicinal product after the expiry date stated on the packaging after "Expiry date (EXP)". The expiry date refers to the last day of the given month. Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original packaging to protect from moisture. Do not use medicinal products from packaging that is damaged or shows signs of opening. Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste containers. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. This will help protect the environment.
Fingolimod Solinea is a capsule, size 3, consisting of a yellow cap and a white, opaque body, with "FGM 0.5 mg" printed in black ink on the cap. Fingolimod Solinea is available in OPA/Aluminium/PVC/Aluminium or OPA/Aluminium/PE and desiccant/Aluminium blisters containing 28 hard capsules, in a cardboard box.
Solinea Sp. z o.o. Sp. K., Elizówka 65, Hala I, 21-003 Ciecierzyn, Poland
Bluepharma - Indústria Farmacêutica, S.A.
26-06-2023
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