Package Leaflet: Information for the User
Fingolimod Tarbis 0.5 mg hard capsules EFG
Read the entire package leaflet carefully before starting to take this medication, as it contains important information for you.
Contents of the Package Leaflet
What is Fingolimod Tarbis
The active ingredient of this medication is fingolimod.
What is Fingolimod Tarbis used for
This medication is used in adults and in children and adolescents (10 years of age and older) to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) (characterized by relapses), particularly in:
or
Fingolimod does not cure MS, but it helps reduce the number of relapses and slow the progression of physical disabilities due to MS.
What is Multiple Sclerosis
MS is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS), consisting of the brain and spinal cord. In MS, inflammation destroys the protective sheath (called myelin) that covers the nerves in the CNS, preventing the nerves from functioning properly. This process is called demyelination.
Relapsing-remitting MS is characterized by repeated attacks (relapses) of neurological symptoms that reflect the inflammation occurring in the CNS. Symptoms vary from patient to patient but typically include difficulty walking, loss of sensation in some part of the body (numbness), vision problems, or balance disorders. The symptoms of a relapse may disappear completely when the relapse ends, but some problems may persist.
How Fingolimod Tarbis works
Fingolimod helps combat the immune system's attacks on the CNS by reducing the ability of some white blood cells (lymphocytes) to move freely within the body and preventing them from reaching the brain and spinal cord. This limits the nerve damage attributed to multiple sclerosis. Fingolimod also reduces some of the immune responses of your body.
Do not take Fingolimod Tarbis
If any of the above cases apply to you, tell your doctor without taking Fingolimod Tarbis.
Warnings and precautions
Consult your doctor before starting to take this medication:
If any of the above cases apply to you or if you are not sure, tell your doctor before taking Fingolimod Tarbis.
Slow heart rate (bradycardia) and irregular heartbeats
At the start of treatment or after taking the first dose of 0.5 mg, in the case that you have been changed from a previous dose of 0.25 mg once a day using another medication that contains fingolimod, which is available in lower resistance, fingolimod produces a decrease in heart rate. As a result, you may feel dizzy or tired, be aware of your heartbeat, or your blood pressure may drop. If these effects are severe, tell your doctor as you may need immediate treatment. Fingolimod can also make your heartbeats become irregular, especially after the first dose. The irregular heartbeats usually normalize in less than a day. The slow heart rate usually normalizes within a month. During this period, it is generally not expected to have any clinically significant effect on the heart rate.
Your doctor will ask you to stay in the office or hospital for at least 6 hours, with pulse and blood pressure checks every hour, after taking the first dose of this medication or after taking the first dose of 0.5 mg, in the case that you have been changed from a previous dose of 0.25 mg once a day, using another medication that contains fingolimod, which is available in lower resistance, so that appropriate measures can be taken in case of adverse effects that appear at the start of treatment. You will need to have an electrocardiogram before the first dose of this medication and after the 6-hour monitoring period. Your doctor may continuously monitor your electrocardiogram during this time. If after the 6-hour period you have a very slow or decreasing heart rate, or if your electrocardiogram shows abnormalities, you will need to be monitored for a longer period (at least 2 hours more and possibly overnight, until this is resolved). The same may apply if you are resuming this medication after a pause in treatment, depending on both the duration of the pause and how long you were taking this medication before the pause.
If you have or are at risk of having irregular or abnormal heartbeats, if your electrocardiogram is abnormal, or if you have heart disease or heart failure, this medication may not be suitable for you.
If you have suffered from sudden fainting in the past or a decrease in heart rate, Fingolimod Tarbis may not be suitable for you. You will be evaluated by a cardiologist (heart specialist) who will advise you on how to start treatment with fingolimod, including nighttime monitoring.
If you are taking other medications that can slow your heart rate, this medication may not be suitable for you. It is necessary for a cardiologist to evaluate you and determine if you can switch to alternative medications that do not decrease the heart rate to allow treatment with this medication. If the aforementioned change is impossible, the cardiologist will advise you on how to start treatment with this medication, including nighttime monitoring.
If you have never had chickenpox
If you have not had chickenpox, your doctor will check your immunity to the virus that causes it (varicella-zoster virus). If you are not protected against the virus, you will likely need to be vaccinated before starting treatment with this medication. If so, your doctor will delay the start of treatment with this medication for one month after completing the vaccination cycle.
Infections
Fingolimod reduces the number of white blood cells in your blood (especially the number of lymphocytes). White blood cells fight infections. During treatment with this medication (and up to two months after interrupting treatment), you may be more likely to get infections. You may even have a worsening of an infection you already have. Infections can be serious and potentially life-threatening. If you think you have an infection, have a fever, have flu-like symptoms, have herpes (shingles), or have a headache accompanied by stiffness in the neck, sensitivity to light, nausea, rash, and/or confusion or convulsions (seizures) (which can be symptoms of meningitis and/or encephalitis caused by a fungal or herpes virus infection), contact your doctor immediately because it can be serious and life-threatening. If you think your MS is getting worse (e.g., weakness or vision changes) or if you notice any new symptoms, tell your doctor immediately, as they can be symptoms of a rare brain disorder caused by an infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). PML is a serious disease that can cause severe disability or death. Your doctor will assess the need to perform a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to evaluate your condition and decide if you need to stop taking this medication.
It has been reported that patients treated with fingolimod have had infections with the human papillomavirus (HPV), including papilloma, dysplasia, warts, and HPV-associated cancer. Your doctor will assess whether you need to be vaccinated against HPV before starting treatment. If you are a woman, your doctor will also recommend that you have HPV screenings.
Macular edema
Before starting treatment with Fingolimod, your doctor may request an eye examination if you have or have had visual disorders or other signs of inflammation in the central vision area (the macula) of the eye, an eye infection (uveitis), or diabetes.
After starting treatment with Fingolimod, your doctor may request an eye examination after 3 or 4 months of treatment.
The macula is a small area of the retina located at the back of the eye that allows you to see shapes, colors, and details clearly and sharply. Fingolimod can cause inflammation of the macula, and this condition is known as macular edema. The inflammation usually occurs within the first four months of treatment with Fingolimod.
If you have diabetes or have had an eye infection known as uveitis, you are more likely to develop macular edema. In these cases, your doctor will want you to have regular eye checks to detect macular edema.
If you have had macular edema, consult your doctor before continuing treatment with Fingolimod.
Macular edema can cause the same visual symptoms as those produced in an MS attack (optic neuritis). At first, you may not have symptoms. It is necessary that you inform your doctor of any changes you notice in your vision. Your doctor may want to perform an eye examination, especially if:
Liver function tests
If you have severe liver problems, you should not take Fingolimod. Fingolimod can affect liver function. You may not notice any symptoms, but if you notice a yellowish tone to your skin or the white part of your eyes, unusually dark urine (brown color), pain in your right side of the stomach (abdomen), fatigue, loss of appetite, or nausea and vomiting without apparent cause, tell your doctor immediately.
If you have any of these symptoms after starting treatment with Fingolimod, tell your doctor immediately.
Before, during, and after treatment, your doctor will request blood tests to check your liver function. You may need to interrupt treatment if the results of your tests indicate a problem with your liver.
High blood pressure
Since Fingolimod can cause a slight increase in blood pressure, your doctor will want you to have your blood pressure checked regularly.
Lung problems
Fingolimod has a mild effect on lung function. Patients with severe lung problems or "smoker's cough" are more likely to develop adverse effects.
Blood count
The expected effect of treatment with Fingolimod is to reduce the number of white blood cells in your blood. This effect usually normalizes within two months after interrupting treatment. If you need to have blood tests, inform your doctor that you are taking Fingolimod, as they may not understand the results of the tests otherwise. For certain blood tests, your doctor may need more blood than usual.
Before starting treatment with Fingolimod, your doctor will confirm if you have enough white blood cells in your blood and may want to repeat the checks regularly. If you do not have enough white blood cells, you may need to interrupt treatment with this medication.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES)
A rare condition called posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) has been reported in patients with multiple sclerosis treated with fingolimod. The symptoms can include a sudden and severe onset of headache, confusion, convulsions, and changes in vision. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms during treatment with Fingolimod because it can be serious.
Cancer
In patients with MS who have been treated with fingolimod, cases of skin cancer have been reported. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any nodules on the skin (e.g., shiny nodules with a pearl-like appearance), spots, or open sores that do not heal within weeks. The symptoms of skin cancer can include abnormal growth or changes in skin tissue (e.g., unusual moles) that change color, shape, or size over time. Before starting treatment with Fingolimod, a skin examination is required to check if you have any nodules on the skin. Your doctor will also perform regular skin checks during treatment with Fingolimod. If any skin problems appear, your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist, who may decide if it is important to visit you regularly.
In patients with MS who have been treated with Fingolimod, a type of cancer of the lymphatic system (lymphoma) has been reported.
Sun exposure and sun protection
Fingolimod weakens your immune system, which increases the risk of developing cancer, especially skin cancer. You should limit your exposure to the sun and UV rays by:
Unusual brain lesions associated with MS relapses
Rare cases of large and unusual brain lesions associated with MS relapses have been reported in patients treated with fingolimod. In the case of severe relapses, your doctor will assess the need to perform a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to evaluate your condition and decide if you need to stop taking Fingolimod.
Switching from other treatments to Fingolimod Tarbis
Your doctor may switch you directly from interferon beta, glatiramer acetate, or dimethyl fumarate to Fingolimod if there are no signs of treatment-related abnormalities. Your doctor may need to perform a blood test to rule out such abnormalities. After stopping natalizumab, you may need to wait for 2-3 months before starting treatment with Fingolimod. To switch from teriflunomide, your doctor may advise you to wait for a period of time or undergo an accelerated elimination procedure. If you have been treated with alemtuzumab, a thorough evaluation is necessary, and you should discuss it with your doctor to decide if Fingolimod is suitable for you.
Women of childbearing age
If Fingolimod is used during pregnancy, it may harm the fetus. Before starting treatment with Fingolimod, your doctor will explain the risks and ask you to have a pregnancy test to ensure you are not pregnant. Your doctor will give you a card that explains why you should not become pregnant while taking Fingolimod and what you should do to avoid becoming pregnant while taking Fingolimod. During treatment and for two months after stopping treatment, you must use an effective contraceptive method (see section "Pregnancy and breastfeeding").
Worsening of MS after stopping treatment with Fingolimod Tarbis
Do not stop taking Fingolimod or change the dose your doctor has prescribed without discussing it with your doctor first.
Tell your doctor immediately if you think your MS is getting worse after stopping treatment with Fingolimod, as it can be serious (see section 3 "If you stop taking Fingolimod Tarbis" and also section 4 "Possible side effects").
Elderly
Experience with fingolimod in elderly patients (over 65 years) is limited. If in doubt, consult your doctor.
Children and adolescents
Fingolimod should not be administered to children under 10 years of age, as it has not been studied in patients with MS in this age group.
The warnings and precautions mentioned above also apply to children and adolescents.
The following information is especially important for children and adolescents and their caregivers:
Other medications and Fingolimod Tarbis
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or may need to take any other medication. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications:
Si está tomando algún medicamento, es importante que se lo comunique a su médico, incluyendo los medicamentos sin receta y los productos herbales. Algunos medicamentos pueden interactuar con Fingolimod Tarbis.
Embarazo y lactancia
Si está embarazada o en período de lactancia, cree que podría estar embarazada o tiene intención de quedarse embarazada, consulte a su médico antes de utilizar este medicamento.
Embarazo
No use Fingolimod durante el embarazo, ni si tiene intención de quedarse embarazada, ni tampoco si es una mujer que pueda quedarse embarazada y no utiliza un método anticonceptivo efectivo. Si Fingolimod se usa durante el embarazo, existe el riesgo de causar daño en el feto. La tasa de malformaciones congénitas observada en bebés expuestos a Fingolimod durante el embarazo es de aproximadamente 2 veces más que la observada en la población general (donde la tasa de malformaciones congénitas es aproximadamente del 2-3%). Las malformaciones comunicadas más frecuentemente incluyeron malformaciones cardiacas, renales y musculoesqueléticas.
Por ello, si es una mujer en edad fértil:
y,
Su médico le entregará una tarjeta que explica por qué no debe quedarse embarazada mientras toma este medicamento.
Si se queda embarazada durante el tratamiento con Fingolimod Tarbis, informe inmediatamente a su médico.Su médico decidirá interrumpir el tratamiento (ver en sección 3 “Si interrumpe el tratamiento con Fingolimod Tarbis” y también sección 4 “Posibles efectos adversos”). Le realizarán un seguimiento prenatal específico.
Lactancia
Durante el tratamiento con Fingolimod Tarbis no deberá dar el pecho. Fingolimod pasa a la leche materna y existe el riesgo de que el bebé pueda tener efectos adversos graves.
Conducción y uso de máquinas
Su médico le informará si su enfermedad le permite conducir vehículos, incluido bicicletas, y utilizar máquinas de forma segura. No se prevé que este medicamento pueda tener influencia en su capacidad para conducir y utilizar máquinas.
Sin embargo, al inicio del tratamiento tendrá que permanecer en la consulta médica u hospital durante 6 horas después de tomar la primera dosis de Fingolimod Tarbis. Durante este período de tiempo y puede que después, su habilidad para conducir y utilizar máquinas podría verse alterada.
Fingolimod Tarbis contiene sodio
Este medicamento contiene menos de 23 mg de sodio (1 mmol) por cápsula; esto es, esencialmente “exento de sodio”.
El tratamiento con Fingolimod será supervisado por un médico con experiencia en el tratamiento de la esclerosis múltiple.
Siga exactamente las instrucciones de administración de este medicamento indicadas por su médico. En caso de duda, consulte de nuevo a su médico.
La dosis recomendada es:
Adultos:
La dosis es de una cápsula de 0,5 mg al día.
Niños y adolescentes (de 10 años de edad y en adelante):
La dosis depende del peso corporal:
Fingolimod Tarbis 0,5 mg cápsulas duras no es adecuado para pacientes pediátricos con un peso ≤ 40 kg. Otros medicamentos que contienen fingolimod están disponibles en dosis más bajas (como cápsulas de 0.25 mg).
A los niños y adolescentes que empiezan con una cápsula de 0,25 mg al día utilizando otro medicamento que contiene fingolimod, que están disponibles en menor resistencia y más adelante alcanzan un peso estable superior a 40 kg, el médico les indicará que cambien a una cápsula de 0,5 mg al día. En este caso, se recomienda repetir el período de observación de la primera dosis.
No exceda la dosis recomendada.
Este medicamento se usa por vía oral.
Tome este medicamento una vez al día con un vaso de agua. Las cápsulas de este medicamento siempre se deben tragar intactas, sin abrirlas. Puede tomar Fingolimod con o sin alimentos.
La toma de Fingolimod cada día a la misma hora le ayudará a recordar el momento en que debe tomar el medicamento.
Si tiene dudas sobre la duración del tratamiento con este medicamento, consulte con su médico o su farmacéutico.
Si toma más Fingolimod Tarbis del que debe
Si ha tomado más Fingolimod de lo que debiera, informe a su médico inmediatamente.
En caso de sobredosis o ingestión accidental, consulte a su médico o farmacéutico o llame al Servicio de Información Toxicológica, teléfono: 91 562 04 20, indicando el medicamento y la cantidad ingerida.
Si olvidó tomar Fingolimod Tarbis
Si ha estado tomando Fingolimod durante menos de 1 mes y olvida tomar 1 dosis durante un día entero, hable con su médico antes de tomar la siguiente dosis. Su médico puede decidir mantenerle bajo observación en el momento en que tome la siguiente dosis.
Si ha estado tomando Fingolimod durante al menos 1 mes y se ha olvidado de tomar su tratamiento durante más de 2 semanas, hable con su médico antes de tomar la siguiente dosis. Su médico puede decidir mantenerle bajo observación en el momento en que tome la siguiente dosis. Sin embargo, si se ha olvidado de tomar su tratamiento durante un período de hasta 2 semanas, puede tomar la siguiente dosis tal y como lo tenía previsto.
Nunca tome una dosis doble para compensar las dosis olvidadas.
Si interrumpe el tratamiento con Fingolimod Tarbis
No deje de tomar Fingolimod ni cambie la dosis que se debe tomar sin comentarlo antes con su médico.
Fingolimod permanecerá en su organismo hasta dos meses después de la interrupción del tratamiento. El número de glóbulos blancos de la sangre (recuento de linfocitos) puede permanecer bajo durante este período y es posible que todavía se manifiesten los efectos adversos descritos en este prospecto. Después de interrumpir el tratamiento con Fingolimod podría tener que esperar durante 6-8 semanas antes de iniciar un nuevo tratamiento con EM.
Si debe reanudar el tratamiento con Fingolimod tras una pausa de más de dos semanas, el efecto sobre el ritmo cardiaco que puede darse al inicio del tratamiento puede repetirse y será necesario que se le monitorice en la consulta médica para reiniciar el tratamiento. No reinicie el tratamiento con Fingolimod después de que lo haya interrumpido durante más de dos semanas sin pedir consejo a su médico.
Su médico decidirá si es necesario hacerle un seguimiento tras la interrupción del tratamiento con Fingolimod y de qué modo. Informe a su médico inmediatamente si cree que su EM está empeorando después de haber interrumpido el tratamiento con Fingolimod, ya que podría ser grave.
Si tiene cualquier otra duda sobre el uso de este medicamento, pregunte a su médico o farmacéutico.
Al igual que todos los medicamentos, este medicamento puede producir efectos adversos, aunque no todas las personas los sufran.
Algunos efectos adversos pueden ser graves o potencialmente graves.
Frecuentes(pueden afectar hasta 1 de cada 10 personas):
Poco frecuentes(pueden afectar hasta 1 de cada 100 personas):
Raros(pueden afectar hasta 1 de cada 1.000 personas):
Muy raros(pueden afectar hasta 1 de cada 10.000 personas):
Frecuencia no conocida(no puede estimarse a partir de los datos disponibles):
Si tiene cualquiera de estos síntomas, informe a su médico inmediatamente.
Otros efectos adversos.
Muy frecuentes(pueden afectar a más de 1 de cada 10 personas):
Frecuentes(pueden afectar hasta 1 de cada 10 personas):
Poco frecuentes(pueden afectar hasta 1 de cada 100 personas):
Raros(pueden afectar hasta 1 de cada 1.000 personas):
Frecuencia no conocida(no puede estimarse a partir de los datos disponibles):
Si considera que alguno de los efectos adversos que sufre es grave, informe a su médico.
Comunicación de efectos adversos
Comunicación de efectos adversos. Si experimenta cualquier tipo de efecto adverso, consulte a su médico, farmacéutico o enfermero, incluso si se trata de posibles efectos adversos que no aparecen en este prospecto. También puede comunicarlos directamente a través del Sistema Español de Farmacovigilancia de Medicamentos de Uso Humano: www.notificaRAM.es. Mediante la comunicación de efectos adversos usted puede contribuir a proporcionar más información sobre la seguridad de este medicamento.
Mantener este medicamento fuera de la vista y del alcance de los niños.
No utilice este medicamento después de la fecha de caducidad que aparece en el envase y en el blíster de aluminio después de CAD/EXP. La fecha de caducidad es el último día del mes que se indica.
Conservar por debajo de 30ºC.
No utilice ningún envase que esté dañado o tiene signos de haber sido manipulado.
Los medicamentos no se deben tirar por los desagües ni a la basura. Deposite los envases y los medicamentos que no necesita en el Punto SIGRE de la farmacia. En caso de duda pregunte a su farmacéutico cómo deshacerse de los envases y de los medicamentos que no necesita. De esta forma, ayudará a proteger el medio ambiente.
Composición de Fingolimod Tarbis
El principio activo es fingolimod. Cada cápsula dura contiene 0,5 mg de fingolimod (como hidrocloruro).
Los demás componentes son:
Contenido de la cápsula: celulosa en polvo (E460), dióxido de titanio (E171), estearato de magnesio (E470b).
Cubierta de la cápsula: gelatina (E441), óxido de hierro amarillo (E172), dióxido de titanio (E171), laurilsulfato de sodio (E487).
Tinta de impresión negro: goma laca (E904), propilenglicol (E1520), óxido de hierro negro (E172), hidróxido de potasio (E527).
Tinta de impresión azul:goma laca (E904), propilenglicol (E1520), carmín de índigo (E 132).
Aspecto del producto y contenido del envase
Fingolimod Tarbis 0,5 mg cápsulas duras tiene una tapa de color amarillo brillante y un cuerpo opaco de color blanco. En la tapa tiene una marca de impresión negra “H” y “F7” en el cuerpo marcadas con tinta azul.
Fingolimod Tarbis 0,5 mg cápsulas está disponible en envases conteniendo 7, 28 ó 98 cápsulas o en blister de dosis unitaria perforada que contiene 7x1 cápsulas duras en envases múltiples conteniendo 84 cápsulas (3 envases de 28 cápsulas).
Puede que en su país solamente estén comercializados algunos tamaños de envases.
Titular de la autorización de comercialización
Tarbis Farma S.L.
Gran Vía Carlos III, 94.
08028 Barcelona.
España.
Responsable de la fabricación
Pharmadox Healthcare Ltd.
KW20A Kordin Industrial Park.
Paola, PLA 3000.
Malta.
Amarox Pharma B.V.
Rouboslaan 32.
Voorschoten, 2252TR.
Países Bajos.
Este medicamento está autorizado en los estados miembros del Espacio Económico Europeo con los siguientes nombres:
Alemania: Fingolimod Amarox 0,5 mg Hartkapseln.
Países Bajos: Fingolimod Amarox 0,5 mg harde capsules.
España: Fingolimod Tarbis 0,5 mg cápsulas duras EFG.
Suecia: Fingolimod Amarox 0,5 hårda kapslar.
Fecha de la última revisión de este prospecto: Julio 2021.
La información detallada y actualizada de este medicamento está disponible en la página Web de la Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios (AEMPS) http://www.aemps.gob.es/.
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Discuss dosage, side effects, interactions, contraindications, and prescription renewal for FINGOLIMOD TARBIS 0.5 mg HARD CAPSULES – subject to medical assessment and local rules.