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Fingolimod Coupon - Fingolimod 30 capsules of 0.5mg bottle

fingolimod

Generic Gilenya
Used for Multiple Sclerosis
Used for Multiple Sclerosis

Fingolimod (Gilenya) is a disease-modifying treatment option for relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). It works well to lower the number of MS relapses. Fingolimod (Gilenya) is taken by mouth, typically once daily, and can be used by adults and children age 10 years and older. But fingolimod (Gilenya) can cause potentially serious side effects, such as a higher risk for infections and heart problems, so it's not the best choice for everyone.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on April 5, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Fingolimod (Gilenya)?

What is Fingolimod (Gilenya) used for?

  • Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)

How Fingolimod (Gilenya) works

Fingolimod (Gilenya) is a disease-modifying treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). More specifically, it's a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator. The exact way it works to treat MS is unknown. But it's thought that fingolimod (Gilenya) lowers the number of white blood cells in your body, thus lessening the damage these cells cause to your nerves.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsGilenya, Tascenso ODT
Drug ClassSphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Fingolimod (Gilenya)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Headache (25%)
  • High liver enyzmes (15%)
  • Nausea (13%)
  • Diarrhea (13%)
  • Cough (12%)
  • Stomach pain (11%)
  • Influenza (11%)
  • Sinus inflammation (11%)
  • Pain in back (10%)
  • Pain in arms or legs (10%)

Other Side Effects

  • Trouble breathing
  • High blood pressure
  • Bronchitis
  • Slow heartbeat
  • Hair loss
  • Blurry vision
  • Scaly skin

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Dangerously slow heart rate: tiredness, weakness, confusion, feeling faint, trouble breathing, chest pain
  • Swelling in your brain: severe headache, sudden confusion, change in vision, seizure
  • Serious brain infection: weakness on one side of the body, clumsiness, confusion, changes in personality, changes in vision, headache, stiff neck, light sensitivity, fever, seizures
  • Other serious infections: fever, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, weakness, cough, stomach pain, sweating, chills
  • Serious liver problems: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, swelling of your stomach, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, clay-colored stool, confusions

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Blurred vision

chills

cough

cough-producing mucus

diarrhea

difficult or labored breathing

dizziness

fever

general feeling of discomfort or illness

headache

joint pain

loss of appetite

muscle aches and pains

nausea

nervousness

pounding in the ears

runny nose

seizures

shivering

slow or fast heartbeat

sore throat

sweating

tightness in the chest

trouble sleeping

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

Less common

Black, tarry stools

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

chest pain or discomfort

headache, severe and throbbing

hoarseness

lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

lower back or side pain

painful or difficult urination

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

swollen glands

unusual bleeding or bruising

Incidence not known

Agitation

back pain

change in size, shape, or color of existing mole

confusion

difficulty in moving

difficulty in speaking

double vision

drowsiness

epileptic seizure that will not stop

hives, itching, skin rash

inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles

inability to speak

irritability

joint stiffness or swelling

loss of consciousness

mole that leaks fluid or bleeds

mood or mental changes

muscle pain, cramps, or stiffness

new mole

redness of the skin

seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

slow speech

stiff neck

swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet

troubled swallowing

weight loss

yellow skin and eyes

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones

stuffy nose

Less common

Decreased weight

depression

eye pain

hair loss or thinning of the hair

itching in the genitals or other skin areas

lack or loss of strength

scaling

stomach pain

skin rash, encrusted, scaly, and oozing

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Fingolimod (Gilenya)

thumbs-up

Pros

Works well in both adults and children to lower the number of MS relapses

Taken by mouth once per day

Can be used in children age 10 and older

thumbs-down

Cons

First dose usually has to be observed for at least 6 hours

Might not be safe for pregnant or breastfeeding females

Not a good option for people with heart or liver problems

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Fingolimod (Gilenya)

pharmacist

  • Fingolimod is available as two brands. Gilenya is a capsule that's taken by mouth and Tascenso ODT is a tablet that's dissolved on the tongue. Ask your pharmacist if you're not sure which brand you have or how to correctly take it.

    • If you're taking Tascenso ODT, make sure your hands are dry before handling the medication. Peel off the foil backing, and remove the tablet from the blister card. Don't try to push the tablet through the foil; this can damage the medication. Place the tablet on the tongue to let it dissolve, and swallow with saliva.

      • Take fingolimod (Gilenya) at the same time every day with or without food. If it's hurting your stomach, try taking it with food.

        • When you first start taking fingolimod (Gilenya), you might experience a temporary drop in your heart rate. Because this can be serious for some people, your provider will check your heart rate and blood pressure every hour for the first 6 hours after you take the first dose of fingolimod (Gilenya).

          • Your provider will perform electrocardiogram (ECG) tests before and after your first dose of fingolimod (Gilenya) to check your heart. Let your provider know if you have any heart conditions or are taking any medications that affect your heart rate. If so, your provider might ask you to stay at a medical clinic or hospital to monitor your heart overnight.

            • Fingolimod (Gilenya) can raise your blood pressure. Monitor your blood pressure at home or at your provider's office regularly to make sure it's within a safe range. If you notice your blood pressure going up, let your provider know.

              • Fingolimod (Gilenya) can interact with other medications. For example, taking fingolimod (Gilenya) with beta-blockers can cause serious heart problems. Or, taking fingolimod (Gilenya) with medications that affect your immune system could raise your risk for serious infections. Make sure to tell your provider about all the medications you're taking before starting fingolimod (Gilenya).

                • Don't stop taking fingolimod (Gilenya) without talking to your provider. Stopping the medication can cause your MS symptoms to come back worse than they were before you started the medication. Your provider can talk with you about what to expect if you stop this medication and how to manage your MS if your symptoms come back.

                  • Fingolimod (Gilenya) can stay in your body for up to 2 months after you stop taking it. This means that you're still at risk for side effects from this medication, such as liver problems or higher risk of infection, during this time. Continue to avoid or limit your time around others who are sick. Also, continue to monitor yourself for symptoms of side effects from fingolimod (Gilenya) and let your provider know if you are concerned.

                    faqs

                    Frequently asked questions about Fingolimod (Gilenya)

                    How well does fingolimod (Gilenya) work?
                    A 2-year clinical trial showed that people who took fingolimod (Gilenya) experienced 54% fewer MS relapses than people who took placebo. Other studies showed that fingolimod (Gilenya) was better at lowering the number of MS relapses compared to Avonex (interferon beta-1a) and Copaxone (glatiramer), which are existing MS medications. If you've any questions about how well fingolimod (Gilenya) works and whether it's a possible option for you, talk with your provider.
                    Are there tests that I need to get before I can start fingolimod (Gilenya)?
                    Yes. Because fingolimod (Gilenya) can cause some serious side effects, your provider will order tests to check your health before you start this medication and also regularly throughout treatment. Some things you can expect before starting fingolimod (Gilenya) include a complete review or your medications and vaccination history, tests to check your eyes, liver, and heart health as well as your blood cell count levels. For females who are able to get pregnant, your provider might ask you to complete a pregnancy test. Ask your provider if you have any questions about these tests or what they're used to check for.
                    Can I receive vaccines if I'm taking fingolimod (Gilenya)?
                    You can still receive most types of vaccines, including the flu shot, while taking fingolimod (Gilenya). However, you shouldn't receive live vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, while taking fingolimod (Gilenya) or for at least 2 months stopping treatment because it's not known if they're safe or work well. Let your provider or pharmacist know that you're taking fingolimod (Gilenya) before you receive any vaccines.
                    Is fingolimod (Gilenya) safe to take during pregnancy?
                    No. While there haven't been human studies looking at how fingolimod (Gilenya) affects pregnancy, animal studies showed fingolimod (Gilenya) caused harm to unborn babies. It's recommended to use birth control and avoid pregnancy during treatment and for at least 2 months after the last dose of fingolimod (Gilenya). If you do become pregnant during treatment or within 2 months after stopping fingolimod (Gilenya), let your provider know and they can talk with you about next steps.
                    Can I take fingolimod (Gilenya) if I'm breastfeeding?
                    It's now known how safe it is for babies who are breastfeeding from mothers taking fingolimod (Gilenya) because it hasn't been studied. But, it's known that fingolimod (Gilenya) gets into animal breast milk. This means it's likely to get into human breast milk, too. Because it's not clear how safe it is, your provider might recommend for you to avoid taking fingolimod (Gilenya) while nursing. Talk to your provider before breastfeeding to make sure fingolimod (Gilenya) is as safe for your baby as possible.
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                    What are the risks and warnings for Fingolimod (Gilenya)?

                    Fingolimod (Gilenya) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                    risk-warning

                    Dangerously slow heart rate

                    • Risk factors: Taking other medications that affect heart rate | History of heart problems | Starting fingolimod (Gilenya) | Restarting fingolimod (Gilenya) after being off of it for awhile

                      Fingolimod (Gilenya) can cause a temporary drop in heart rate within the first 24 hours of starting this medication, which can be dangerous. Let your provider know if you've any heart-related conditions or if you're taking medications that also affect heart rate. Your care team will monitor your heart for at least 6 hours after your first dose of fingolimod (Gilenya), depending on what other health conditions you have. Seek medical help if you have symptoms of low heart rate while taking fingolimod (Gilenya), such as fatigue, weakness, confusion, feeling faint, trouble breathing, and chest pain.

                      risk-warning

                      Serious infections

                      • Risk factors: Active, chronic (long term), or recurrent infection | Age 65 years and older | Having other conditions that raise your risk of infection | Taking medications that weaken your immune system

                        Fingolimod (Gilenya) can affect your body's ability to fight off infections, which can raise your risk of serious bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Make sure you're up-to-date on all of your vaccinations before starting fingolimod (Gilenya). If you develop an infection while on treatment, your provider will likely ask you to stop taking fingolimod (Gilenya) so your body can fight the infection first. Let your provider know if you develop symptoms of an infection, such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, diarrhea, or chills.

                        risk-warning

                        Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)

                        • Risk factors: Taking fingolimod (Gilenya) for a long time (longer than 2 years) | Taking medications that weaken your immune system

                          Fingolimod (Gilenya) can put you at risk of getting progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). This is a brain infection caused by the John Cummingham virus (JCV). Though it's a common virus, people who get infected with JCV usually don't experience any symptoms. But in people who have a weakened immune system, JCV can cause PML, which can lead to death or severe disability. Seek medical attention right away and get tested for PML if you experience weakness on one side of the body, feel clumsy, or notice changes in personality, vision, or memory.

                          risk-warning

                          Eye problems

                          • Risk factors: Diabetes | History of eye inflammation (uveitis)

                            Fingolimod (Gilenya) raises your risk of an eye condition called macular edema. Your provider will examine your eyes before and during treatment. Make sure you let them know if you start to have blurry or worsening vision.

                            risk-warning

                            Liver damage

                            Though rare, fingolimod (Gilenya) can cause serious liver problems. This can happen as early as 10 days after you start treatment. Your provider will ask you to do blood work to check your liver health before you start and during fingolimod (Gilenya) treatment. If your liver labs are outside of the safe range, your provider might ask you to stop taking this medication. Typically, your liver labs should return to the normal range after you stop fingolimod (Gilenya). Get medical attention right away if you notice symptoms of liver damage, such as swelling of your stomach, yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, dark urine, or pale stool.

                            risk-warning

                            Breathing problems

                            • Risk factors: History of lung problems

                              Fingolimod (Gilenya) can cause breathing problems. This can happen as early as 1 month after you start the medication. If you have a history of lung problems and are prescribed a rescue inhaler, make sure to always keep it with you. Let your provider know if you have trouble breathing because you might need to stop fingolimod (Gilenya) and get more medical attention.

                              risk-warning

                              Harm to unborn babies

                              Based on animal studies, it's possible that fingolimod (Gilenya) can harm unborn babies when taken during pregnancy. Females of childbearing age should use birth control and avoid pregnancy during treatment and for at least 2 months after the last dose of fingolimod (Gilenya). Let your provider know right away if you become pregnant or think you might be pregnant while taking fingolimod (Gilenya).

                              risk-warning

                              Risk of cancer

                              Though not common, fingolimod (Gilenya) might raise your risk of getting certain types of cancers, including blood or skin cancer. You'll likely need certain labs and regular physical exams while you take fingolimod (Gilenya) to monitor your risk of cancer. Contact your provider if you experience symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, tiredness, weight loss, loss of appetite, nosebleeds, or skin changes.

                              risk-warning

                              Brain problems

                              Although rare, there have been reports of a brain problem called posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) in people taking fingolimod (Gilenya). Contact your provider right away if you notice a sudden headache, seizures, loss of consciousness, or changes in vision.

                              dosage

                              Fingolimod (Gilenya) dosage forms

                              Typical dosing for Fingolimod (Gilenya)

                              • Adults and children ages 10 years and older weighing more than 88 lbs: The typical dose is 0.5 mg by mouth once daily.

                              • Children ages 10 years and older weighing 88 lbs or less: The typical dose is 0.25 mg by mouth once daily.

                              If you're taking Tascenso (fingolimod) orally disintegrating tablet (ODT), you must dissolve it under the tongue.

                              interactions

                              Interactions between Fingolimod (Gilenya) and other drugs

                              Fingolimod (Gilenya) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Fingolimod (Gilenya). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                              contraindications-icon

                              Fingolimod (Gilenya) contraindications

                              Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Fingolimod (Gilenya) will not be safe for you to take.

                              • Recent heart attack, chest pain, stroke, or heart failure within the last 6 months

                              • History or presence of certain heart rate or rhythm problems (e.g., AV block, sick sinus syndrome)

                              • Taking certain heart rhythm medications

                              alternatives

                              What are alternatives to Fingolimod (Gilenya)?

                              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Fingolimod (Gilenya). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                              Fingolimod (Gilenya)
                              Used for:

                              • Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)

                              $164.08 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                              Teriflunomide (Aubagio)
                              Used for:
                              $32.24 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                              Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera)
                              Used for:
                              $63.63 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                              images

                              Fingolimod (Gilenya) images

                              White And Yellow Fgm 0.5Mg - Fingolimod 0.5mg Capsule
                              This medicine is White And Yellow Bottle Imprinted With "Fgm 0.5Mg".White And Yellow Fgm 0.5Mg - Fingolimod 0.5mg Capsule
                              Yellow And Gray Fgl 05 - Fingolimod 0.5mg Capsule
                              This medicine is Yellow And Gray Bottle Imprinted With "Fgl 05".Yellow And Gray Fgl 05 - Fingolimod 0.5mg Capsule
                              White And Yellow Logo F 0.5 - Fingolimod 0.5mg Capsule
                              This medicine is White And Yellow Bottle Imprinted With "Logo F 0.5".White And Yellow Logo F 0.5 - Fingolimod 0.5mg Capsule

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                              References

                              Best studies we found

                              Apotex Corp. (2023). FINGOLIMOD capsule [package insert]. DailyMed.

                              Barry, B., et al. (2019). Fingolimod rebound: A review of the clinical experience and management considerations. Neurology and Therapy.

                              Cycle Pharmaceuticals Limited. (2023). TASCENSO ODT.

                              View All References (11)

                              Cycle Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (2023). TASCENSO ODT- fingolimod lauryl sulfate tablet, orally disintegrating [package insert]. DailyMed.

                              Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). (2021). Fingolimod. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

                              Hobson, E. V., et al. (2012). Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: A truly treatable neurologic illness. Peritoneal Dialysis International: Journal of the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis.

                              MedlinePlus. (2022). Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.

                              Meyer, M., et al. (2018). Pharmacological heart rate lowering in patients with a preserved ejection fraction – review of a failing concept. Heart Failure Reviews.

                              National Eye Institute. (2022). Macular edema.

                              Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. (2022). Clinical study results for GILENYA.

                              Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. (2022). GILENYA.

                              Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. (2022). Starting GILENYA.

                              Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. (2023). GILENYA- fingolimod hcl capsule [package insert]. DailyMed.

                              Tisdale, J. E., et al. (2020). Drug-induced arrhythmias: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation.

                              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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