Fingolimod
The active substance in Fingolimod Teva is fingolimod.
Fingolimod Teva is used in adults and children and adolescents (aged 10 years and older) to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS), particularly in:
or
Fingolimod Teva 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 Teva 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. This way, the medicine reduces nerve damage caused by MS. Fingolimod Teva also weakens some immune system reactions.
Before starting treatment with Fingolimod Teva, the patient should discuss the following with their doctor:
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, Fingolimod Teva slows down heart rate. As a result, the patient may experience dizziness, fatigue, or palpitations, or their blood pressure may drop. If these symptoms are severe, the patient should inform their doctor immediately, as they may require immediate treatment. Fingolimod Teva 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.
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 Teva or after the first dose of 0.5 mg in case of a change in treatment from a daily dose of 0.25 mg, with hourly measurements of heart rate 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 Teva and after the 6-hour observation period, an ECG will be performed on the patient. During this time, the doctor may also 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, 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 Teva after a break in treatment, depending on how long the break lasted and how long the patient took Fingolimod Teva 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 Teva may not be suitable for them.
If the patient has a history of sudden loss of consciousness or slow heart rate, Fingolimod Teva may not be suitable for them. There may be a need for consultation with a cardiologist (a heart specialist) who will advise on how to start treatment with Fingolimod Teva, including how to monitor the patient at night.
If the patient is taking medicines that can slow down heart rate, Fingolimod Teva may not be suitable. There may be a need for consultation with a cardiologist to check if the patient can switch to other medicines that do not slow down heart rate, to allow treatment with Fingolimod Teva. If such a change in treatment is not possible, the cardiologist will advise the patient on how to start treatment with Fingolimod Teva, taking into account monitoring until the next day after administration of the first dose of Fingolimod Teva.
Patients who have never had chickenpox
If the patient has never had chickenpox, the doctor will check if the patient is immune to varicella-zoster virus infection. If the patient is not protected against the virus, they may need to be vaccinated before starting treatment with Fingolimod Teva. If this is the case, the doctor will delay the start of treatment with Fingolimod Teva by one month after the full vaccination course.
Infections
Fingolimod Teva reduces the number of white blood cells (especially lymphocytes). White blood cells fight infections. While taking Fingolimod Teva (and for 2 months after stopping treatment), the patient may be more prone 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, rash, and/or confusion or seizures (which can 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.
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 can be symptoms of a rare brain disease caused by infection, 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 Teva.
Patients treated with Fingolimod Teva have reported infections with the human papillomavirus (HPV), including cases of warts, dysplasia, and HPV-related cancer. The doctor will consider whether the patient needs to be vaccinated against HPV before starting treatment with Fingolimod Teva. In women, the doctor will also recommend screening for HPV.
Macular edema
Before starting treatment with Fingolimod Teva, the doctor may refer patients with existing or past vision problems or other symptoms of macular edema or uveitis for eye examinations.
The doctor may also refer the patient for eye examinations after 3 to 4 months of starting treatment with Fingolimod Teva.
The macula is a small area of the retina that allows for sharp, clear vision of shapes, colors, and other details. Fingolimod Teva may cause macular edema, a condition where the macula becomes swollen. Macular edema usually occurs within the first 4 months of treatment with Fingolimod Teva.
The risk of macular edema is higher in patients with diabetesor with a history of uveitis. In such cases, the doctor will prescribe regular eye examinations to detect macular edema.
If the patient has had macular edema, they should inform their doctor before resuming treatment with Fingolimod Teva.
Macular edema can cause vision problems similar to those experienced during an MS relapse (optic neuritis). In the early stages, symptoms may not be noticeable. The patient should inform their doctor about any changes in vision. The doctor may refer the patient for eye examinations, especially if:
Liver function tests
Patients with severe liver disease should not take Fingolimod Teva. Fingolimod Teva 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 (brown) urine, pain in the right side of the abdomen, fatigue, decreased appetite, or unexplained nausea and vomiting, they should tell their doctor immediately.
If the patient experiences any of these symptoms after starting treatment with Fingolimod Teva, they should tell their doctor immediately.
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 Teva may be discontinued.
High blood pressure
The doctor may regularly check the patient's blood pressure, as Fingolimod Teva can cause a slight increase in blood pressure.
Lung problems
Fingolimod Teva 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.
White blood cell count
The expected effect of Fingolimod Teva is a reduction in white blood cell count in the blood. The count 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 Fingolimod Teva. Otherwise, the doctor may not be able to interpret the test results correctly, and in the case of certain tests, the doctor may need to take more blood than usual.
Before starting treatment with Fingolimod Teva, the doctor will check if the patient has a suitable white blood cell count to start treatment and may prescribe regular repeat tests. If the patient does not have a sufficient white blood cell count, it may be necessary to discontinue treatment with Fingolimod Teva.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES)
Rarely, patients with MS treated with Fingolimod Teva have reported a condition called posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). Symptoms of this condition may include severe headache, confusion, seizures, and vision changes. If the patient experiences any of these symptoms while taking Fingolimod Teva, they should tell their doctor immediately, as this condition can be severe.
Cancer
Patients with MS treated with Fingolimod Teva have reported cases of skin cancer. If the patient notices any lumps on their skin (e.g., shiny lumps with a pearly color), spots, or open sores that do not heal within a few weeks, they should 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 Teva, it is necessary to examine the skin for any lumps. The doctor will also perform regular skin checks during treatment with Fingolimod Teva. 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.
Patients with MS treated with fingolimod have also reported cases of a type of cancer of the lymphatic system (lymphoma).
Exposure to sunlight and protection from ultraviolet radiation
Fingolimod weakens the immune system. This increases the risk of developing cancer, especially skin cancer. The patient should limit their exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet radiation by:
Unusual changes in the brain related to MS relapse
Patients treated with fingolimod have reported rare cases of unusually large changes in the brain related to MS relapse. In cases of severe MS relapse, the doctor will consider performing an MRI scan to assess the patient's condition and decide whether to discontinue treatment with Fingolimod Teva.
Switching from other medicines to Fingolimod Teva
The doctor may switch treatment directly from interferon beta, glatiramer acetate, or dimethyl fumarate to Fingolimod Teva if there are no symptoms of abnormality 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 Teva. In cases of switching from teriflunomide, the doctor may advise the patient to wait for a certain period or undergo an accelerated elimination procedure. Patients previously treated with alemtuzumab require careful evaluation and discussion with their doctor before deciding whether Fingolimod Teva is suitable for them.
Women of childbearing age
If Fingolimod Teva is used during pregnancy, it may harm the unborn child. Before starting treatment with Fingolimod Teva, 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 Teva. The card also contains information on what to do to avoid becoming pregnant while taking Fingolimod Teva. Female patients must use effective contraception during treatment and for 2 months after stopping treatment (see "Pregnancy and breastfeeding").
The doctor will decide whether to stop treatment(see "Stopping treatment with Fingolimod Teva" in section 3 and section 4 "Possible side effects"). The patient will also need to attend prenatal check-ups.
Breastfeeding
Do not breastfeed while taking Fingolimod Teva. Fingolimod Teva may pass into breast milk, posing a risk of severe side effects in the baby.
The doctor will inform the patient whether their condition allows them to drive vehicles safely, including riding a bicycle and operating machinery. It is not expected that Fingolimod Teva will affect the ability to drive vehicles or 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 Teva. During this time and potentially after it, the patient's ability to drive vehicles or operate machinery may be impaired.
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol (23 mg) of sodium per capsule, which means it is essentially "sodium-free".
Treatment with Fingolimod Teva 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 the patient has any doubts, they 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 body weight over 40 kg will be advised by their doctor to switch 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 Fingolimod Teva.
Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Fingolimod Teva is for oral use.
Fingolimod Teva should be taken once a day, with a glass of water. The capsules should always be swallowed whole, without opening. Fingolimod Teva can be taken with or without food.
Taking Fingolimod Teva 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 Fingolimod Teva, they should consult their doctor or pharmacist.
If the patient takes too much of the medicine, they should contact their doctor immediately.
If the patient takes Fingolimod Teva 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 Fingolimod Teva 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.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Do not stop treatment with Fingolimod Teva or change the dose without consulting the doctor first.
Fingolimod Teva stays in the body for up to 2 months after stopping treatment. During this time, the white blood cell count (lymphocyte count) may also be reduced, and side effects described in this leaflet may still occur. After stopping treatment with Fingolimod Teva, the patient should wait 6-8 weeks before starting new MS treatment.
In patients resuming treatment with Fingolimod Teva after more than 2 weeks off the medicine, the effect on heart rate observed usually after starting treatment for the first time 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. Do not resume treatment with Fingolimod Teva after a break of more than 2 weeks without consulting the doctor.
The doctor will decide whether and how to monitor the patient after stopping treatment with Fingolimod Teva. If the patient thinks their MS is getting worse after stopping treatment with Fingolimod Teva, they should tell their doctor immediately. This situation can be serious.
If the patient has any further doubts about using this medicine, they should consult their doctor or pharmacist.
Like all medicines, Fingolimod Teva can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Some side effects may be or may become severe
Very common(may affect more than 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 estimated from the available data):
If any of these symptoms occur with a high intensity, the patient should tell their doctor.
The medicinal product should be stored out of sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicinal product after the expiry date stated on the carton and blister pack after “Expiry date (EXP)” / “EXP”. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month stated. There are no special precautions for storage. 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.
Fingolimod Teva 0.25 mg: A gelatin capsule of approximately 14 mm in size with a black imprint, “TV 3654” on the white opaque capsule cap and “TV 3654” on the white opaque capsule body. Fingolimod Teva 0.5 mg: A gelatin capsule of approximately 14 mm in size with a black imprint, “TV 7820” on the yellow capsule cap and “TV 7820” on the white opaque capsule body. Fingolimod Teva is available in packs containing 7 x 1 hard capsules or 28 x 1 hard capsules in perforated unit dose blisters.
Marketing authorization holder: Teva Pharmaceuticals Polska Sp. z o.o., ul. Emilii Plater 53, 00-113 Warsaw, tel.: (022) 345 93 00. Manufacturer/Importer: Balkanpharma-Dupnitsa AD, 3 Samokovsko Shosse Str., 2600 Dupnitsa, Bulgaria. Teva Operations Poland Sp. z.o.o, ul. Mogilska 80, 31-546 Krakow, Poland. Teva Nederland B.V., Swensweg 5, 2031GA Haarlem, Netherlands. Merckle GmbH, Ludwig-Merckle-Strasse 3, 89143 Blaubeuren, Germany
Germany: Fingolimod-ratiopharm 0.25 mg Hartkapseln; Fingolimod-ratiopharm 0.5 mg Hartkapseln. Belgium: Fingolimod Teva 0.25 mg harde capsules, gélules, Hartkapseln; Fingolimod Teva 0.5 mg harde capsules, gélules, Hartkapseln. Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Sweden: Fingolimod Teva. Finland: Fingolimod ratiopharm 0.25 mg kapseli, kova; Fingolimod ratiopharm 0.5 mg kapseli, kova. France: FINGOLIMOD TEVA 0.25 mg, gélule; FINGOLIMOD TEVA 0.5 mg, gélule. Croatia: Fingolimod Teva 0.25 mg tvrde capsule; Fingolimod Teva 0.5 mg tvrde kapsule. Ireland: Fingolimod Teva 0.5 mg Hard Capsules. Lithuania: Fingolimod Teva 0.5 mg kietosios kapsulės. Luxembourg: Fingolimod Teva 0.25mg gélules; Fingolimod Teva 0.5mg gélules. Latvia: Fingolimod Teva 0.5 mg cietās kapsulas. Netherlands: Fingolimod Teva 0.25 mg, harde capsules; Fingolimod Teva 0.5 mg, harde capsules. Slovenia: Fingolimod Teva 0.25 mg trde kapsule; Fingolimod Teva 0.50 mg trde kapsule. United Kingdom (Northern Ireland): Fingolimod Teva 0.25 mg & 0.5 mg Capsule, Hard
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