Description of Gilenya

Gilenya is an oral medication with the generic name Fingolimod. It belongs to a group of medicines known as immunosuppressants. Gilenya is available in the form of a capsule. It is available in Gilenya 0.5mg strength. The drug is a prescription medication, and you need to consult your doctor before you buy Gilenya online.

Indications & Dosage of Gilenya

Gilenya is indicated in the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The drug does not cure multiple sclerosis but only slows down the development of the physical disability caused by the disease. Gilenya also reduces the number of multiple sclerosis flares.

Fingolimod, the main active ingredient in the drug, reduces the number of circulating lymphocytes (types of WBCs). This causes a reduction in migration of WBCs in the central nervous system. In multiple sclerosis, WBCs are known to cause destruction of nerves and inflammation.

Your doctor will give you specific instructions regarding the dosage. The recommended dose of Gilenya is 0.5mg, once daily. The first dose of Gilenya is given in a clinic or hospital setting as your heart rhythm needs to be monitored. You can take the medication with or without food.

Side Effects & Interactions of Gilenya

Like all other medicines, Gilenya may also cause mild to severe side effects in some patients. However, not all people who use this medication experience side effects. As a matter of fact, many people who use Gilenya do not complain about any side effects.

The less serious side effects associated with the medication include: tired feeling, stuffy nose, back pain, headache, diarrhea, sinus pain or cough. Consult your doctor if any of these side effects become bothersome or stay for long time.

Some people may also experience severe side effects such as chest tightness or pain, dizziness, wheezing, loss of appetite, slow heart rate, trouble breathing, dark urine, fluttering in the chest, nausea and vomiting, clay-colored stools, feeling very tired or weak, or severe headache. This list of side effects is not complete. To know about all side effects associated with Gilenya, refer to the information leaflet provided with the drug.

Gilenya may potentially interact with other medicines you are using and cause side effects. It may interact with drugs such as Ketoconazole, some heart rhythm medications, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, cancer medicines, medicines used to prevent rejection after organ transplant, or steroids.

Before you buy Gilenya, inform the doctor about every medicine you are using which includes prescription drugs, over the counter medications, and herbal supplements.

Warnings & Precautions of Gilenya

You should not use Gilenya if you are hypersensitive to any ingredient in it. It may not be the right drug for people with certain medical problems such as low blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, heart disease, a very slow heart rate, chronic infection, asthma, diabetes, or sick sinus syndrome. Before starting the treatment, tell the doctor about your medical history of fainting, eye condition called uveitis, or Long QT syndrome.

Gilenya is listed as a category C pregnancy drug. Pregnant women, nursing mothers or women planning to get pregnant should buy Gilenya only after learning about the benefits and risks of using the drug from their doctor.