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Gilenya Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, and More

How to use Gilenya

As explained, the main use of Gilenya is to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). The next big question is how to use it. First and foremost, you are to read the medication guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking the drug, and also feel free to ask questions if you have any, usually when you come back for a refill either to your doctor or pharmacist.

Gilenya is not lightly prescribed. Even if you have multiple sclerosis (MS) [1], your doctor will still have to do a medical/laboratory test (such as complete blood count, eye exam, pulse, blood pressure, and EKG), this is to monitor for possible side effects that you could be liable to. You will be made to take your first dose in the hospital for close monitoring. As directed by your doctor you will be told to take the drug by mouth with or without food, usually once a day. You will be monitored for at least 6 hours after the first dose to make sure your heartbeat does not go slow.

This is usually the main side effect of the medication. A very slow side heartbeat increases the risk for a serious heart rhythm. Other factors can also aid the dysfunction of the drug, for example, you should tell your doctor if you have low levels of magnesium or potassium in the blood, personal or family history of QT prolongation in the EKG, family history of cardiac arrest, or heart failure. Also, you should remember to inform your doctor if you are already on another drug that can slow your heartbeat or affect heart rhythm. There are some drug interactions that would only worsen your condition.

There are cases where people using this drug have their MS symptoms become much worse or become permanently disabled when they stop taking it. To not stop using fingolimod before talking to your doctor, it is key that you complete your dose or at better still let your doctor give you the instruction to stop using the drug before your stop. If your doctor temporarily stops your fingolimod, you may be admitted to the hospital to be heartbeat-monitored for at least 6 hours again after you restart this medication. Children who have their dosage increased may also need to be monitored again for 6 hours. Follow your doctor’s detailed instructions.

After diagnosis, the required dosage to be prescribed is based on majorly two things, your age, and your weight. It is important that you strictly follow your prescribed dose and not increase or take this medication more often than prescribed. It would in no way improve your condition and instead could increase your risk of serious side effects.

To experience the effectiveness of this drug, ensure to take it regularly as prescribed. To help remember you can take it at the same time each day. Talk to your doctor if you do not notice any improvement or if your condition worsens.