Gilenya (Fingolimod Capsules) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

Pill Identifier Search

May 27, 2012

Gilenya

Multiple Sclerosis »

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease in which the nerves of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) degenerate. Myelin, which provides a covering or insulation for nerves, improves the conduction of impulses along the nerves and also is important for maintaining the health of the nerves. In multiple sclerosis, inflammation causes the myelin to disappear. Consequently, the electrical impulses that travel along the nerves decelerate, that is, become slower. In addition, the nerves themselves are damaged. As more and more nerves are affected, a person experiences a progressive interference with functions that are controlled by the nervous system such as vision, speech, walking, writing, and memory.

About 350,000 people in the U.S. have multiple sclerosis. Usually, a person is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis between 20 and 50 years of age, but multiple sclerosis has been diagnosed in children and in the elderly. Multiple...

Read the Multiple Sclerosis article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Next »

Gilenya User Reviews >>

Gilenya

Multiple Sclerosis Slideshow Pictures

Medical Illustrations of the MS Image Collection

Take the MS Quiz

font size

GILENYA
(fingolimod)

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Fingolimod is a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator. Chemically, fingolimod is 2-amino-2-[2-(4-octylphenyl)ethyl]propan-1,3-diol hydrochloride. Its structure is shown below:

GILENYA (fingolimod) Structural Formula Illustration

Fingolimod hydrochloride is a white to practically white powder that is freely soluble in water and alcohol and soluble in propylene glycol. It has a molecular weight of 343.93.

GILENYA is provided as 0.5 mg hard gelatin capsules for oral use. Each capsule contains 0.56 mg of fingolimod hydrochloride, equivalent to 0.5 mg of fingolimod.

Each GILENYA 0.5 mg capsule contains the following inactive ingredients: gelatin, magnesium stearate, mannitol, titanium dioxide, yellow iron oxide.

What are the precautions when taking fingolimod capsules (Gilenya)?

Before taking fingolimod, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema), current/recent/returning infection (including hepatitis and tuberculosis), diabetes, fainting, certain eye problems (macular edema, uveitis), heart problems (such as slow/irregular heartbeat, heart failure, chest pain), liver disease.

Do not have immunizations/vaccinations while you are taking fingolimod and for 2 months after your last dose without the consent...

Read All Potential Precautions of Gilenya »

Last reviewed on RxList: 5/18/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.