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Gilenya (fingolimod) is a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator used to treat patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) to reduce the frequency of exacerbations and to delay physical disability.
Common side effects of Gilenya are:
Gilenya can affect your immune system's ability to fight an infection while you are taking the medication and for 2 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor right away if you develop signs of an infection such as:
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:
 |
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.
GILENYA is indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in patients 10 years of age and older.
Obtain a cardiac evaluation in patients with certain preexisting conditions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Prior to starting treatment, determine whether patients are taking drugs that could slow heart rate or atrioventricular (AV) conduction [see First-Dose Monitoring, DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Review results of a recent CBC [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Prior to starting treatment with GILENYA (i.e., within 6 months), obtain serum transaminases (ALT and AST) and total bilirubin levels [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
If patients are taking antineoplastic, immunosuppressive, or immune-modulating therapies, or if there is a history of prior use of these drugs, consider possible unintended additive immunosuppressive effects before initiating treatment with GILENYA [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Test patients for antibodies to varicella zoster virus (VZV) before initiating GILENYA; VZV vaccination of antibody- negative patients is recommended prior to commencing treatment with GILENYA [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. It is recommended that pediatric patients if possible, complete all immunizations in accordance with current immunization guidelines prior to initiating GILENYA therapy.
Patients who initiate GILENYA, and those who reinitiate treatment after discontinuation for longer than 14 days, require first-dose monitoring. This monitoring is also recommended when the dose is increased in pediatric patients [see First-Dose Monitoring, Monitoring After Reinitiation Of Therapy Following Discontinuation].
GILENYA can be taken with or without food.
In adults and pediatric patients 10 years of age and older weighing more than 40 kg, the recommended dosage of GILENYA is 0.5 mg orally once-daily.
In pediatric patients 10 years of age and older weighing less than or equal to 40 kg, the recommended dosage of GILENYA is 0.25 mg orally once daily.
Fingolimod doses higher than 0.5 mg are associated with a greater incidence of adverse reactions without additional benefit.
Initiation of GILENYA treatment results in a decrease in heart rate, for which monitoring is recommended [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Prior to dosing and at the end of the observation period, obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG) in all patients.
Administer the first dose of GILENYA in a setting in which resources to appropriately manage symptomatic bradycardia are available. Monitor all patients for 6 hours after the first dose for signs and symptoms of bradycardia with hourly pulse and blood pressure measurement.
Continue monitoring until the abnormality resolves if any of the following is present (even in the absence of symptoms) after 6 hours:
If postdose symptomatic bradycardia occurs, initiate appropriate management, begin continuous ECG monitoring, and continue monitoring until the symptoms have resolved if no pharmacological treatment is required. If pharmacological treatment is required, continue monitoring overnight and repeat 6-hour monitoring after the second dose.
Continuous overnight ECG monitoring in a medical facility should be instituted:
When restarting GILENYA after discontinuation for more than 14 days after the first month of treatment, perform first-dose monitoring, because effects on heart rate and AV conduction may recur on reintroduction of GILENYA treatment [see First-Dose Monitoring]. The same precautions (first-dose monitoring) as for initial dosing are applicable. Within the first 2 weeks of treatment, first-dose procedures are recommended after interruption of 1 day or more; during Weeks 3 and 4 of treatment, first-dose procedures are recommended after treatment interruption of more than 7 days.
GILENYA is available as:
0.25 mg GILENYA capsules are supplied as follows:
hard gelatin capsules with an ivory opaque body and cap, with black radial imprint “FTY 0.25mg” on the cap and a black radial band on the capsule body
Bottle of 30 capsules - NDC 0078-0965-15
Carton of 7 capsules containing 1 blister card of 7 capsules per blister card - NDC 0078-0965-89
0.5 mg GILENYA capsules are supplied as follows:
hard gelatin capsules with a white opaque body and bright yellow cap imprinted with “FTY 0.5 mg” on the cap and 2 radial bands imprinted on the capsule body with yellow ink.
Bottle of 30 capsules - NDC 0078-0607-15
Carton of 7 capsules containing 1 blister card of 7 capsules per blister card - NDC 0078-0607-89
GILENYA capsules should be stored at 20 °C to 25°C (68 °F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C-30°C (59°F-86°F). Protect from moisture.
Manufactured by: Novartis Pharma Stein AG Stein, Switzerland. Revised: Dec 2019
The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in labeling:
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
In clinical trials (Studies 1, 2, and 3), a total of 1212 patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis received GILENYA 0.5 mg. This included 783 patients who received GILENYA 0.5 mg in the 2-year placebo-controlled trials (Studies 1 and 3) and 429 patients who received GILENYA 0.5 mg in the 1-year active-controlled trial (Study 2). The overall exposure in the controlled trials was equivalent to 1716 person-years. Approximately 1000 patients received at least 2 years of treatment with GILENYA 0.5 mg. In all clinical studies, including uncontrolled extension studies, the exposure to GILENYA 0.5 mg was approximately 4119 person-years.
In placebo-controlled trials, the most frequent adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 10% and greater than placebo) for GILENYA 0.5 mg were headache, liver transaminase elevation, diarrhea, cough, influenza, sinusitis, back pain, abdominal pain, and pain in extremity. Adverse events that led to treatment discontinuation and occurred in more than 1% of patients taking GILENYA 0.5 mg were serum transaminase elevations (4.7% compared to 1% on placebo) and basal cell carcinoma (1% compared to 0.5% on placebo).
Table 1 lists adverse reactions in clinical studies in adults that occurred in ≥ 1% of GILENYA-treated patients and ≥ 1% higher rate than for placebo.
Table 1: Adverse Reactions Reported in Adult Studies 1
and 3 (Occurring in ≥ 1% of Patients and Reported for GILENYA 0.5 mg at
≥ 1% Higher Rate than for Placebo)
| Adverse Drug Reactions | GILENYA 0.5 mg N = 783 % |
Placebo N = 773 % |
| Infections | ||
| Influenza | 11 | 8 |
| Sinusitis | 11 | 8 |
| Bronchitis | 8 | 5 |
| Herpes zoster | 2 | 1 |
| Tinea versicolor | 2 | < 1 |
| Cardiac Disorders | ||
| Bradycardia | 3 | 1 |
| Nervous system disorders | ||
| Headache | 25 | 24 |
| Migraine | 6 | 4 |
| Gastrointestinal disorders | ||
| Nausea | 13 | 12 |
| Diarrhea | 13 | 10 |
| Abdominal pain | 11 | 10 |
| General disorders and administration site conditions | ||
| Asthenia | 2 | 1 |
| Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders | ||
| Back pain | 10 | 9 |
| Pain in extremity | 10 | 7 |
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | ||
| Alopecia | 3 | 2 |
| Actinic keratosis | 2 | 1 |
| Investigations | ||
| Liver transaminase elevations (ALT/GGT/AST) | 15 | 4 |
| Blood triglycerides increased | 3 | 1 |
| Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders | ||
| Cough | 12 | 11 |
| Dyspnea | 9 | 7 |
| Eye disorders | ||
| Vision blurred | 4 | 2 |
| Vascular disorders | ||
| Hypertension | 8 | 4 |
| Blood and lymphatic system disorders | ||
| Lymphopenia | 7 | < 1 |
| Leukopenia | 2 | < 1 |
| Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (including cysts and polyps) | ||
| Skin papilloma | 3 | 2 |
| Basal cell carcinoma | 2 | 1 |
Adverse reactions of seizure, dizziness, pneumonia, eczema, and pruritus were also reported in Studies 1 and 3, but did not meet the reporting rate criteria for inclusion in Table 1 (difference was less than 1%).
Adverse reactions with GILENYA 0.5 mg in Study 2, the 1-year active-controlled (versus interferon beta-1a) study were generally similar to those in Studies 1 and 3.
Vascular events, including ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, and peripheral arterial occlusive disease were reported in premarketing clinical trials in patients who received GILENYA doses (1.25-5 mg) higher than recommended for use in MS. Similar events have been reported with GILENYA in the postmarketing setting although a causal relationship has not been established.
Cases of seizures, including status epilepticus, have been reported with the use of GILENYA in clinical trials and in the postmarketing setting in adults [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. In adult clinical trials, the rate of seizures was 0.9% in GILENYA-treated patients and 0.3% in placebo-treated patients. It is unknown whether these events were related to the effects of multiple sclerosis alone, to GILENYA, or to a combination of both.
In the controlled pediatric trial (Study 4), the safety profile in pediatric patients receiving GILENYA 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg daily was similar to that seen in adult patients.
In the pediatric study, cases of seizures were reported in 5.6% of GILENYA-treated patients and 0.9% of interferon beta-1a-treated patients [see Use In Specific Populations].
The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of GILENYA. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Hepatobiliary Disorders: Liver injury [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
Infections: infections including cryptococcal infections [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS], progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: arthralgia, myalgia
Nervous system disorders: posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS], seizures, including status epilepticus [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]
Neoplasms, benign, malignant, and unspecified (incl cysts and polyps): melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and cutaneous T cell lymphoma (including mycosis fungoides) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: hypersensitivity [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
GILENYA has not been studied in patients treated with drugs that prolong the QT interval. Drugs that prolong the QT interval have been associated with cases of torsades de pointes in patients with bradycardia. Since initiation of GILENYA treatment results in decreased heart rate and may prolong the QT interval, patients on QT prolonging drugs with a known risk of torsades de pointes (e.g., citalopram, chlorpromazine, haloperidol, methadone, erythromycin) should be monitored overnight with continuous ECG in a medical facility [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
The blood levels of fingolimod and fingolimod-phosphate are increased by 1.7-fold when used concomitantly with ketoconazole. Patients who use GILENYA and systemic ketoconazole concomitantly should be closely monitored, as the risk of adverse reactions is greater.
GILENYA reduces the immune response to vaccination. Vaccination may be less effective during and for up to 2 months after discontinuation of treatment with GILENYA [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Avoid the use of live attenuated vaccines during and for 2 months after treatment with GILENYA because of the risk of infection. It is recommended that pediatric patients, if possible, be brought up to date with all immunizations in agreement with current immunization guidelines prior to initiating GILENYA therapy.
Antineoplastic, immune-modulating, or immunosuppressive therapies, (including corticosteroids) are expected to increase the risk of immunosuppression, and the risk of additive immune system effects must be considered if these therapies are coadministered with GILENYA. When switching from drugs with prolonged immune effects, such as natalizumab, teriflunomide or mitoxantrone, the duration and mode of action of these drugs must be considered to avoid unintended additive immunosuppressive effects when initiating GILENYA [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Experience with GILENYA in patients receiving concurrent therapy with drugs that slow the heart rate or AV conduction (e.g., beta blockers, digoxin, or heart rate-slowing calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem or verapamil) is limited. Because initiation of GILENYA treatment may result in an additional decrease in heart rate, concomitant use of these drugs during GILENYA initiation may be associated with severe bradycardia or heart block. Seek advice from the physician prescribing these drugs regarding the possibility to switch to drugs that do not slow the heart rate or atrioventricular conduction before initiating GILENYA. Patients who cannot switch should have overnight continuous ECG monitoring after the first dose [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Because GILENYA reduces blood lymphocyte counts via redistribution in secondary lymphoid organs, peripheral blood lymphocyte counts cannot be utilized to evaluate the lymphocyte subset status of a patient treated with GILENYA. A recent CBC should be available before initiating treatment with GILENYA.
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Because of a risk for bradyarrhythmia and AV blocks, patients should be monitored during GILENYA treatment initiation [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
After the first dose of GILENYA, the heart rate decrease starts within an hour. On Day 1, the maximum decline in heart rate generally occurs within 6 hours and recovers, although not to baseline levels, by 8 to 10 hours postdose. Because of physiological diurnal variation, there is a second period of heart rate decrease within 24 hours after the first dose. In some patients, heart rate decrease during the second period is more pronounced than the decrease observed in the first 6 hours. Heart rates below 40 beats per minute (bpm) in adults, and below 50 bpm in pediatric patients occurred rarely. In controlled clinical trials in adult patients, adverse reactions of symptomatic bradycardia following the first dose were reported in 0.6% of patients receiving GILENYA 0.5 mg and in 0.1% of patients on placebo. Patients who experienced bradycardia were generally asymptomatic, but some patients experienced hypotension, dizziness, fatigue, palpitations, and/or chest pain that usually resolved within the first 24 hours on treatment.
Patients with some preexisting conditions (e.g., ischemic heart disease, history of myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, history of cardiac arrest, cerebrovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, history of symptomatic bradycardia, history of recurrent syncope, severe untreated sleep apnea, AV block, sinoatrial heart block) may poorly tolerate the GILENYA-induced bradycardia, or experience serious rhythm disturbances after the first dose of GILENYA. Prior to treatment with GILENYA, these patients should have a cardiac evaluation by a physician appropriately trained to conduct such evaluation, and if treated with GILENYA, should be monitored overnight with continuous ECG in a medical facility after the first dose.
Since initiation of GILENYA treatment, results in decreased heart rate and may prolong the QT interval, patients with a prolonged QTc interval (> 450 msec adult and pediatric males, > 470 msec adult females, or > 460 msec pediatric females) before dosing or during 6-hour observation, or at additional risk for QT prolongation (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, congenital long-QT syndrome), or on concurrent therapy with QT prolonging drugs with a known risk of torsades de pointes (e.g., citalopram, chlorpromazine, haloperidol, methadone, erythromycin) should be monitored overnight with continuous ECG in a medical facility
Following the second dose, a further decrease in heart rate may occur when compared to the heart rate prior to the second dose, but this change is of a smaller magnitude than that observed following the first dose. With continued dosing, the heart rate returns to baseline within 1 month of chronic treatment. Clinical data indicate effects of GILENYA on heart rate are maximal after the first dose although milder effects on heart rate may persist for, on average, 2 to 4 weeks after initiation of therapy at which time heart rate generally returns to baseline. Physicians should continue to be alert to patient reports of cardiac symptoms.
Initiation of GILENYA treatment has resulted in transient AV conduction delays. In controlled clinical trials in adult patients, first-degree AV block after the first dose occurred in 4.7% of patients receiving GILENYA and 1.6% of patients on placebo. In a study of 697 patients with available 24-hour Holter monitoring data after their first dose (N = 351 receiving GILENYA and N = 346 on placebo), second-degree AV blocks (Mobitz Types I [Wenckebach] or 2:1 AV blocks) occurred in 4% (N = 14) of patients receiving GILENYA and 2% (N = 7) of patients on placebo. Of the 14 patients receiving GILENYA, 7 patients had 2:1 AV block (5 patients within the first 6 hours postdose and 2 patients after 6 hours postdose). All second degree AV blocks on placebo were Mobitz Type I and occurred after the first 12 hours postdose. The conduction abnormalities were usually transient and asymptomatic, and resolved within the first 24 hours on treatment, but they occasionally required treatment with atropine or isoproterenol.
In the postmarketing setting, third-degree AV block and AV block with junctional escape have been observed during the first-dose 6-hour observation period with GILENYA. Isolated delayed onset events, including transient asystole and unexplained death, have occurred within 24 hours of the first dose. These events were confounded by concomitant medications and/or preexisting disease, and the relationship to GILENYA is uncertain. Cases of syncope were also reported after the first dose of GILENYA.
GILENYA causes a dose-dependent reduction in peripheral lymphocyte count to 20%-30% of baseline values because of reversible sequestration of lymphocytes in lymphoid tissues. GILENYA may therefore increase the risk of infections, some serious in nature [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Life-threatening and fatal infections have occurred in association with GILENYA.
Before initiating treatment with GILENYA, a recent CBC (i.e., within 6 months or after discontinuation of prior therapy) should be available. Consider suspending treatment with GILENYA if a patient develops a serious infection, and reassess the benefits and risks prior to reinitiation of therapy. Because the elimination of fingolimod after discontinuation may take up to 2 months, continue monitoring for infections throughout this period. Instruct patients receiving GILENYA to report symptoms of infections to a physician. Patients with active acute or chronic infections should not start treatment until the infection(s) is resolved.
In MS placebo-controlled trials in adult patients, the overall rate of infections (72%) with GILENYA was similar to placebo. However, bronchitis, herpes zoster, influenza, sinusitis, and pneumonia were more common in GILENYA-treated patients. Serious infections occurred at a rate of 2.3% in the GILENYA group versus 1.6% in the placebo group.
In the postmarketing setting, serious infections with opportunistic pathogens including viruses (e.g., John Cunningham virus (JCV), herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2, varicella zoster virus), fungi (e.g., cryptococci), and bacteria (e.g., atypical mycobacteria) have been reported with GILENYA. Patients with symptoms and signs consistent with any of these infections should undergo prompt diagnostic evaluation and appropriate treatment.
In placebo-controlled trials in adult patients, the rate of herpetic infections was 9% in patients receiving GILENYA 0.5 mg and 7% on placebo.
Two patients died of herpetic infections during controlled trials. One death was due to disseminated primary herpes zoster and the other was to herpes simplex encephalitis. In both cases, the patients were taking a 1.25 mg dose of fingolimod (higher than the recommended 0.5 mg dose) and had received high-dose corticosteroid therapy to treat suspected MS relapses.
Serious, life-threatening events of disseminated varicella zoster and herpes simplex infections, including cases of encephalitis and multiorgan failure, have occurred with GILENYA in the postmarketing setting. Include disseminated herpetic infections in the differential diagnosis of patients who are receiving GILENYA and present with an atypical MS relapse or multiorgan failure.
Cases of Kaposi’s sarcoma have been reported in the postmarketing setting. Kaposi’s sarcoma is an angioproliferative disorder that is associated with infection with human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8). Patients with symptoms or signs consistent with Kaposi’s sarcoma should be referred for prompt diagnostic evaluation and management.
Cryptococcal infections, including cases of fatal cryptococcal meningitis and disseminated cryptococcal infections, have been reported with GILENYA in the postmarketing setting. Cryptococcal infections have generally occurred after approximately 2 years of GILENYA treatment, but may occur earlier. The relationship between the risk of cryptococcal infection and the duration of treatment is unknown. Patients with symptoms and signs consistent with a cryptococcal infection should undergo prompt diagnostic evaluation and treatment.
In clinical studies, patients who received GILENYA did not receive concomitant treatment with antineoplastic, non-corticosteroid immunosuppressive, or immune-modulating therapies used for treatment of MS. Concomitant use of GILENYA with any of these therapies, and also with corticosteroids, would be expected to increase the risk of immunosuppression [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
When switching to GILENYA from immune-modulating or immunosuppressive medications, consider the duration of their effects and their mode of action to avoid unintended additive immunosuppressive effects.
Patients without a healthcare professional confirmed history of chickenpox or without documentation of a full course of vaccination against VZV should be tested for antibodies to VZV before initiating GILENYA. VZV vaccination of antibody-negative patients is recommended prior to commencing treatment with GILENYA, following which initiation of treatment with GILENYA should be postponed for 1 month to allow the full effect of vaccination to occur [see DRUG INTERACTIONS, Use In Specific Populations].
Cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) have occurred in patients with MS who received GILENYA in the postmarketing setting. PML is an opportunistic viral infection of the brain caused by the JC virus (JCV) that typically only occurs in patients who are immunocompromised, and that usually leads to death or severe disability. PML has occurred in patients who had not been treated previously with natalizumab, which has a known association with PML, were not taking any other immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory medications concomitantly, and did not have any ongoing systemic medical conditions resulting in compromised immune system function. The majority of cases have occurred in patients treated with GILENYA for at least 2 years. The relationship between the risk of PML and the duration of treatment is unknown.
At the first sign or symptom suggestive of PML, withhold GILENYA and perform an appropriate diagnostic evaluation. Typical symptoms associated with PML are diverse, progress over days to weeks, and include progressive weakness on one side of the body or clumsiness of limbs, disturbance of vision, and changes in thinking, memory, and orientation leading to confusion and personality changes.
MRI findings may be apparent before clinical signs or symptoms. Cases of PML, diagnosed based on MRI findings and the detection of JCV DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid in the absence of clinical signs or symptoms specific to PML, have been reported in patients treated with MS medications associated with PML, including GILENYA. Many of these patients subsequently became symptomatic with PML. Therefore, monitoring with MRI for signs that may be consistent with PML may be useful, and any suspicious findings should lead to further investigation to allow for an early diagnosis of PML, if present. Lower PML-related mortality and morbidity have been reported following discontinuation of another MS medication associated with PML in patients with PML who were initially asymptomatic compared to patients with PML who had characteristic clinical signs and symptoms at diagnosis. It is not known whether these differences are due to early detection and discontinuation of MS treatment or due to differences in disease in these patients.
Fingolimod increases the risk of macular edema. Perform an examination of the fundus including the macula in all patients before starting treatment, again 3 to 4 months after starting treatment, and again at any time after a patient reports visual disturbances while on GILENYA therapy.
A dose-dependent increase in the risk of macular edema occurred in the GILENYA clinical development program.
In 2-year double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in adult patients with multiple sclerosis, macular edema with or without visual symptoms occurred in 1.5% of patients (11/799) treated with fingolimod 1.25 mg, 0.5% of patients (4/783) treated with GILENYA 0.5 mg, and 0.4% of patients (3/773) treated with placebo. Macular edema occurred predominantly during the first 3 to 4 months of therapy. These clinical trials excluded patients with diabetes mellitus, a known risk factor for macular edema (see below Macular Edema in Patients with History of Uveitis or Diabetes Mellitus). Symptoms of macular edema included blurred vision and decreased visual acuity. Routine ophthalmological examination detected macular edema in some patients with no visual symptoms. Macular edema generally partially or completely resolved with or without treatment after drug discontinuation. Some patients had residual visual acuity loss even after resolution of macular edema. Macular edema has also been reported in patients taking GILENYA in the postmarketing setting, usually within the first 6 months of treatment.
Continuation of GILENYA in patients who develop macular edema has not been evaluated. A decision on whether or not to discontinue GILENYA therapy should include an assessment of the potential benefits and risks for the individual patient. The risk of recurrence after rechallenge has not been evaluated.
Patients with a history of uveitis and patients with diabetes mellitus are at increased risk of macular edema during GILENYA therapy. The incidence of macular edema is also increased in MS patients with a history of uveitis. In the combined clinical trial experience in adult patients with all doses of fingolimod, the rate of macular edema was approximately 20% in MS patients with a history of uveitis versus 0.6% in those without a history of uveitis. GILENYA has not been tested in MS patients with diabetes mellitus. In addition to the examination of the fundus including the macula prior to treatment and at 3 to 4 months after starting treatment, MS patients with diabetes mellitus or a history of uveitis should have regular follow-up examinations.
Clinically significant liver injury has occurred in patients treated with Gilenya in the postmarketing setting. Signs of liver injury, including markedly elevated serum hepatic enzymes and elevated total bilirubin, have occurred as early as ten days after the first dose and have also been reported after prolonged use. Cases of acute liver failure requiring liver transplant have been reported.
In 2-year placebo-controlled clinical trials in adult patients, elevation of liver enzymes (ALT, AST and GGT) to 3fold the upper limit of normal (ULN) or greater occurred in 14% of patients treated with GILENYA 0.5 mg and 3% of patients on placebo. Elevations 5-fold the ULN or greater occurred in 4.5% of patients on GILENYA and 1% of patients on placebo. The majority of elevations occurred within 6 to 9 months. In clinical trials, GILENYA was discontinued if the elevation exceeded 5 times the ULN. Serum transaminase levels returned to normal within approximately 2 months after discontinuation of GILENYA. Recurrence of liver transaminase elevations occurred with rechallenge in some patients.
Prior to starting treatment with GILENYA (within 6 months), obtain serum transaminases (ALT and AST) and total bilirubin levels. Obtain transaminase levels and total bilirubin levels periodically until two months after GILENYA discontinuation.
Patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of any hepatic injury. Measure liver transaminase and bilirubin levels promptly in patients who report symptoms that may indicate liver injury, including new or worsening fatigue, anorexia, right upper abdominal discomfort, dark urine, or jaundice. In this clinical context, if the patient is found to have an alanine aminotransferase (ALT) greater than three times the reference range with serum total bilirubin greater than two times the reference range, treatment with GILENYA treatment should be interrupted. Treatment should not be resumed if a plausible alternative etiology for the signs and symptoms cannot be established, because these patients are at risk for severe drug-induced liver injury.
Because GILENYA exposure is doubled in patients with severe hepatic impairment, these patients should be closely monitored, as the risk of adverse reactions is greater [see Use In Specific Populations, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
There have been rare cases of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) reported in adult patients receiving GILENYA. Symptoms reported included sudden onset of severe headache, altered mental status, visual disturbances, and seizure. Symptoms of PRES are usually reversible but may evolve into ischemic stroke or cerebral hemorrhage. Delay in diagnosis and treatment may lead to permanent neurological sequelae. If PRES is suspected, GILENYA should be discontinued.
Dose-dependent reductions in forced expiratory volume over 1 second (FEV1) and diffusion lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) were observed in patients treated with GILENYA as early as 1 month after treatment initiation. In 2-year placebo-controlled trials in adult patients, the reduction from baseline in the percent of predicted values for FEV1 at the time of last assessment on drug was 2.8% for GILENYA 0.5 mg and 1.0% for placebo. For DLCO, the reduction from baseline in percent of predicted values at the time of last assessment on drug was 3.3% for GILENYA 0.5 mg and 0.5% for placebo. The changes in FEV1 appear to be reversible after treatment discontinuation. There is insufficient information to determine the reversibility of the decrease of DLCO after drug discontinuation. In MS placebo-controlled trials in adult patients, dyspnea was reported in 9% of patients receiving GILENYA 0.5 mg and 7% of patients receiving placebo. Several patients discontinued GILENYA because of unexplained dyspnea during the extension (uncontrolled) studies. GILENYA has not been tested in MS patients with compromised respiratory function.
Spirometric evaluation of respiratory function and evaluation of DLCO should be performed during therapy with GILENYA if clinically indicated.
Based on animal studies, GILENYA may cause fetal harm. Because it takes approximately 2 months to eliminate GILENYA from the body, women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception to avoid pregnancy during and for 2 months after stopping GILENYA treatment.
Severe increase in disability accompanied by multiple new lesions on MRI has been reported after discontinuation of GILENYA in the postmarketing setting. Patients in most of these reported cases did not return to the functional status they had before stopping GILENYA. The increase in disability generally occurred within 12 weeks after stopping GILENYA, but was reported up to 24 weeks after GILENYA discontinuation.
Monitor patients for development of severe increase in disability following discontinuation of GILENYA and begin appropriate treatment as needed.
In adult MS controlled clinical trials, patients treated with GILENYA 0.5 mg had an average increase over placebo of approximately 3 mmHg in systolic pressure, and approximately 2 mmHg in diastolic pressure, first detected after approximately 1 month of treatment initiation, and persisting with continued treatment. Hypertension was reported as an adverse reaction in 8% of patients on GILENYA 0.5 mg and in 4% of patients on placebo. Blood pressure should be monitored during treatment with GILENYA.
The risk of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and melanoma is increased in patients treated with GILENYA. In two-year placebo-controlled trials in adult patients, the incidence of BCC was 2% in patients on GILENYA 0.5 mg and 1% in patients on placebo [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma have been reported with GILENYA in the postmarketing setting. Periodic skin examination is recommended for all patients, particularly those with risk factors for skin cancer. Providers and patients are advised to monitor for suspicious skin lesions. If a suspicious skin lesion is observed, it should be promptly evaluated. As usual for patients with increased risk for skin cancer, exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light should be limited by wearing protective clothing and using a sunscreen with a high protection factor.
Cases of lymphoma, including both T-cell and B-cell types and CNS lymphoma, have occurred in patients receiving GILENYA. The reporting rate of non-Hodgkin lymphoma with GILENYA is greater than that expected in the general population adjusted by age, gender, and region. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (including mycosis fungoides) has also been reported with GILENYA in the postmarketing setting.
Fingolimod remains in the blood and has pharmacodynamic effects, including decreased lymphocyte counts, for up to 2 months following the last dose of GILENYA. Lymphocyte counts generally return to the normal range within 1-2 months of stopping therapy [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. Because of the continuing pharmacodynamic effects of fingolimod, initiating other drugs during this period warrants the same considerations needed for concomitant administration (e.g., risk of additive immunosuppressant effects) [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Hypersensitivity reactions, including rash, urticaria, and angioedema have been reported with GILENYA in the postmarketing setting. GILENYA is contraindicated in patients with history of hypersensitivity to fingolimod or any of its excipients [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
Tell patients not to discontinue GILENYA without first discussing this with the prescribing physician. Advise patients to contact their physician if they accidently take more GILENYA than prescribed.
Advise patients that initiation of GILENYA treatment results in a transient decrease in heart rate. Inform patients that they will need to be observed in the doctor's office or other facility for at least 6 hours after the first dose, after reinitiation if treatment is interrupted or discontinued for certain periods, and after the dosage is increased [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patients that they may have an increased risk of infections, some of which could be life-threatening, when taking GILENYA, and that they should contact their physician if they develop symptoms of infection. Advise patients that the use of some vaccines should be avoided during treatment with GILENYA and for 2 months after discontinuation. Recommend to patients that they delay treatment with GILENYA until after VZV vaccination if they have not had chickenpox or a previous VZV vaccination. Inform patients that prior or concomitant use of drugs that suppress the immune system may increase the risk of infection [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patients that cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) have occurred in patients who received GILENYA. Inform the patient that PML is characterized by a progression of deficits and usually leads to death or severe disability over weeks or months. Instruct the patient of the importance of contacting their doctor if they develop any symptoms suggestive of PML. Inform the patient that typical symptoms associated with PML are diverse, progress over days to weeks, and include progressive weakness on one side of the body or clumsiness of limbs, disturbance of vision, and changes in thinking, memory, and orientation leading to confusion and personality changes [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients that GILENYA may cause macular edema, and that they should contact their physician if they experience any changes in their vision. Inform patients with diabetes mellitus or a history of uveitis that their risk of macular edema is increased [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patients that GILENYA may cause liver injury. Advise patients that they should contact their physician if they have any unexplained nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, anorexia, or jaundice and/or dark urine [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients to immediately report to their healthcare provider any symptoms involving sudden onset of severe headache, altered mental status, visual disturbances, or seizure. Inform patients that delayed treatment could lead to permanent neurological sequelae [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients that they should contact their physician if they experience new onset or worsening of dyspnea [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patients that, based on animal studies, GILENYA may cause fetal harm. Discuss with women of childbearing age whether they are pregnant, might be pregnant or are trying to become pregnant. Advise women of childbearing age of the need for effective contraception during GILENYA treatment and for 2 months after stopping GILENYA. Advise the patient that if she should nevertheless become pregnant, she should immediately inform her physician [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Inform patients that severe increase in disability has been reported after discontinuation of GILENYA. Advise patients to contact their physician if they develop worsening symptoms of MS following discontinuation of GILENYA [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients that basal cell carcinoma and melanoma are associated with use of GILENYA. Advise patients that any suspicious skin lesions should be promptly evaluated. Advise patients to limit exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light by wearing protective clothing and using a sunscreen with a high protection factor. Inform patients that lymphoma has also occurred in patients receiving GILENYA [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients that GILENYA remains in the blood and continues to have effects, including decreased blood lymphocyte counts, for up to 2 months following the last dose [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Advise patients that GILENYA may cause hypersensitivity reactions including rash, urticaria, and angioedema. Advise patients to contact their physician if they have any symptoms associated with hypersensitivity [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Instruct patients that if they are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking GILENYA they should inform their physician. Encourage patients to enroll in the GILENYA Pregnancy Registry if they become pregnant while taking GILENYA [see Use In Specific Populations].
Oral carcinogenicity studies of fingolimod were conducted in mice and rats. In mice, fingolimod was administered at oral doses of 0, 0.025, 0.25, and 2.5 mg/kg/day for up to 2 years. The incidence of malignant lymphoma was increased in males and females at the mid and high dose. The lowest dose tested (0.025 mg/kg/day) is less than the RHD of 0.5 mg/day on a body surface area (mg/m²) basis. In rats, fingolimod was administered at oral doses of 0, 0.05, 0.15, 0.5, and 2.5 mg/kg/day. No increase in tumors was observed. The highest dose tested (2.5 mg/kg/day) is approximately 50 times the RHD on a mg/m² basis.
Fingolimod was negative in a battery of in vitro (Ames, mouse lymphoma thymidine kinase, chromosomal aberration in mammalian cells) and in vivo (micronucleus in mouse and rat) assays.
When fingolimod was administered orally (0, 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg/day) to male and female rats prior to and during mating, and continuing to Day 7 of gestation in females, no effect on fertility was observed up to the highest dose tested (10 mg/kg), which is approximately 200 times the RHD on a mg/m² basis.
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to GILENYA during pregnancy. Physicians are encouraged to enroll pregnant patients, or pregnant women may register themselves in the GILENYA pregnancy registry by calling 1-877-598-7237, sending an email to [email protected], or visiting www.gilenyapregnancyregistry.com.
There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with the use of GILENYA in pregnant women. In oral studies conducted in rats and rabbits, fingolimod demonstrated developmental toxicity, including an increase in malformations (rats) and embryolethality, when given to pregnant animals. In rats, the highest no-effect dose was less than the recommended human dose of 0.5 mg/day on a body surface area (mg/m²) basis. The most common fetal visceral malformations in rats were persistent truncus arteriosus and ventricular septal defect. The receptor affected by fingolimod (sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor) is known to be involved in vascular formation during embryogenesis.
In the US general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2%-4% and 15%-20%, respectively. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.
The possibility of severe increase in disability should be considered in women who discontinue or are considering discontinuation of GILENYA because of pregnancy or planned pregnancy. In many of the cases in which increase in disability was reported after stopping GILENYA, patients had stopped GILENYA because of pregnancy or planned pregnancy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. For females planning to become pregnant, GILENYA should be stopped 2 months before conception [See Pregnancy]
Animal Data
When fingolimod was orally administered to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis (0, 0.03, 0.1, and 0.3 mg/kg/day or 0, 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg/day), increased incidences of fetal malformations and embryo-fetal deaths were observed at all but the lowest dose tested (0.03 mg/kg/day), which is less than the recommended human dose (RHD) on a mg/m² basis. Oral administration to pregnant rabbits during organogenesis (0, 0.5, 1.5, and 5 mg/kg/day) resulted in increased incidences of embryo-fetal mortality and fetal growth retardation at the mid and high doses. The no-effect dose for these effects in rabbits (0.5 mg/kg/day) is approximately 20 times the RHD on a mg/m² basis.
When fingolimod was orally administered to female rats during pregnancy and lactation (0, 0.05, 0.15, and 0.5 mg/kg/day), pup survival was decreased at all doses and a neurobehavioral (learning) deficit was seen in offspring at the high dose. The low-effect dose of 0.05 mg/kg/day is similar to the RHD on a mg/m² basis
There are no data on the presence of fingolimod in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects of the drug on milk production. Fingolimod is excreted in the milk of treated rats. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for GILENYA and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from GILENYA or from the underlying maternal condition.
Before initiation of GILENYA treatment, women of childbearing potential should be counseled on the potential for a serious risk to the fetus and the need for effective contraception during treatment with GILENYA [see Use In Specific Populations]. Since it takes approximately 2 months to eliminate the compound from the body after stopping treatment, the potential risk to the fetus may persist and women should use effective contraception during this period [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Safety and effectiveness of GILENYA for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in pediatric patients 10 to less than 18 years of age were established in one randomized, double-blind clinical study in 215 patients (GILENYA n = 107; intramuscular interferon (IFN) beta-1a n = 108) [see Clinical Studies].
In the controlled pediatric study, the safety profile in pediatric patients (10 to less than 18 years of age) receiving GILENYA 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg daily was similar to that seen in adult patients. In the pediatric study, cases of seizures were reported in 5.6% of GILENYA treated patients and 0.9% of interferon beta-1a treated patients.
It is recommended that pediatric patients if possible, complete all immunizations in accordance with current immunization guidelines prior to initiating GILENYA therapy.
Safety and effectiveness of GILENYA in pediatric patients below the age of 10 years have not been established.
In a study in which fingolimod (0.3, 1.5, or 7.5 mg/kg/day) was orally administered to young rats from weaning through sexual maturity, changes in bone mineral density and persistent neurobehavioral impairment (altered auditory startle) were observed at all doses. Delayed sexual maturation was noted in females at the highest dose tested and in males at all doses. The bone changes observed in fingolimod-treated juvenile rats are consistent with a reported role of S1P in the regulation of bone mineral homeostasis.
When fingolimod (0.5 or 5 mg/kg/day) was orally administered to rats from the neonatal period through sexual maturity, a marked decrease in T-cell dependent antibody response was observed at both doses. This effect had not fully recovered by 6-8 weeks after the end of treatment.
Overall, a no-effect dose for adverse developmental effects in juvenile animals was not identified.
Clinical MS studies of GILENYA did not include sufficient numbers of patients aged 65 years and over to determine whether they respond differently than younger patients. GILENYA should be used with caution in patients aged 65 years and over, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, or renal, function and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
Because fingolimod, but not fingolimod-phosphate, exposure is doubled in patients with severe hepatic impairment, patients with severe hepatic impairment should be closely monitored, as the risk of adverse reactions may be greater [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
No dose adjustment is needed in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment.
Renal Impairment
The blood level of some GILENYA metabolites is increased (up to 13-fold) in patients with severe renal impairment [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. The toxicity of these metabolites has not been fully explored. The blood level of these metabolites has not been assessed in patients with mild or moderate renal impairment.
GILENYA can induce bradycardia as well as AV conduction blocks (including complete AV block). The decline in heart rate usually starts within 1 hour of the first dose and is maximal within 6 hours in most patients [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. In case of GILENYA overdosage, observe patients overnight with continuous ECG monitoring in a medical facility, and obtain regular measurements of blood pressure [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Neither dialysis nor plasma exchange results in removal of fingolimod from the body.
GILENYA is contraindicated in patients who have:
Fingolimod is metabolized by sphingosine kinase to the active metabolite, fingolimod-phosphate. Fingolimodphosphate is a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator, and binds with high affinity to sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors 1, 3, 4, and 5. Fingolimod-phosphate blocks the capacity of lymphocytes to egress from lymph nodes, reducing the number of lymphocytes in peripheral blood. The mechanism by which fingolimod exerts therapeutic effects in multiple sclerosis is unknown, but may involve reduction of lymphocyte migration into the central nervous system.
Fingolimod causes a transient reduction in heart rate and AV conduction at treatment initiation [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Heart rate progressively increases after the first day, returning to baseline values within 1 month of the start of chronic treatment.
Autonomic responses of the heart, including diurnal variation of heart rate and response to exercise, are not affected by fingolimod treatment.
Fingolimod treatment is not associated with a decrease in cardiac output.
In a thorough QT interval study of doses of 1.25 or 2.5 mg fingolimod at steady-state, when a negative chronotropic effect of fingolimod was still present, fingolimod treatment resulted in a prolongation of QTc, with the upper boundary of the 90% confidence interval (CI) of 14.0 msec. There is no consistent signal of increased incidence of QTc outliers, either absolute or change from baseline, associated with fingolimod treatment. In MS studies, there was no clinically relevant prolongation of the QT interval, but patients at risk for QT prolongation were not included in clinical studies.
Effects On Immune Cell Numbers in the Blood
In a study in which 12 adult subjects received GILENYA 0.5 mg daily, the lymphocyte count decreased to approximately 60% of baseline within 4 to 6 hours after the first dose. With continued daily dosing, the lymphocyte count continued to decrease over a 2-week period, reaching a nadir count of approximately 500 cells/mcL or approximately 30% of baseline. In a placebo-controlled study in 1272 MS patients (of whom 425 received fingolimod 0.5 mg daily and 418 received placebo), 18% (N = 78) of patients on fingolimod 0.5 mg reached a nadir of < 200 cells/mcL on at least 1 occasion. No patient on placebo reached a nadir of < 200 cells/mcL. Low lymphocyte counts are maintained with chronic daily dosing of GILENYA 0.5 mg daily.
Chronic fingolimod dosing leads to a mild decrease in the neutrophil count to approximately 80% of baseline. Monocytes are unaffected by fingolimod.
Peripheral lymphocyte count increases are evident within days of stopping fingolimod treatment and typically normal counts are reached within 1 to 2 months.
Effect On Antibody Response
GILENYA reduces the immune response to vaccination, as evaluated in 2 studies.
In the first study, the immunogenicity of keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV-23) immunization were assessed by IgM and IgG titers in a steady-state, randomized, placebo-controlled study in healthy adult volunteers. Compared to placebo, antigen-specific IgM titers were decreased by 91% and 25% in response to KLH and PPV-23, respectively, in subjects on GILENYA 0.5 mg. Similarly, IgG titers were decreased by 45% and 50%, in response to KLH and PPV-23, respectively, in subjects on GILENYA 0.5 mg daily compared to placebo. The responder rate for GILENYA 0.5 mg as measured by the number of subjects with a > 4-fold increase in KLH IgG was comparable to placebo and 25% lower for PPV-23 IgG, while the number of subjects with a > 4-fold increase in KLH and PPV-23 IgM was 75% and 40% lower, respectively, compared to placebo. The capacity to mount a skin delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction to Candida and tetanus toxoid was decreased by approximately 30% in subjects on GILENYA 0.5 mg daily, compared to placebo. Immunologic responses were further decreased with fingolimod 1.25 mg (a dose higher than recommended in MS) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
In the second study, the immunogenicity of Northern hemisphere seasonal influenza and tetanus toxoid vaccination was assessed in a 12-week steady-state, randomized, placebo-controlled study of GILENYA 0.5 mg in adult multiple sclerosis patients (n = 136). The responder rate 3 weeks after vaccination, defined as seroconversion or a ≥ 4-fold increase in antibody directed against at least 1 of the 3 influenza strains, was 54% for GILENYA 0.5 mg and 85% in the placebo group. The responder rate 3 weeks after vaccination, defined as seroconversion or a ≥ 4-fold increase in antibody directed against tetanus toxoid was 40% for GILENYA 0.5 mg and 61% in the placebo group.
Single fingolimod doses ≥ 5 mg (10-fold the recommended dose) are associated with a dose-dependent increase in airway resistance. In a 14-day study of 0.5, 1.25, or 5 mg/day, fingolimod was not associated with impaired oxygenation or oxygen desaturation with exercise or an increase in airway responsiveness to methacholine. Subjects on fingolimod treatment had a normal bronchodilator response to inhaled beta-agonists.
In a 14-day placebo-controlled study of adult patients with moderate asthma, no effect was seen for GILENYA 0.5 mg (recommended dose in MS). A 10% reduction in mean FEV1 at 6 hours after dosing was observed in adult patients receiving fingolimod 1.25 mg (a dose higher than recommended for use in MS) on Day 10 of treatment. Fingolimod 1.25 mg was associated with a 5-fold increase in the use of rescue short-acting beta-agonists.
The Tmax of fingolimod is 12–16 hours. The apparent absolute oral bioavailability is 93%.
Food intake does not alter Cmax or (AUC) of fingolimod or fingolimod-phosphate. Therefore, GILENYA may be taken without regard to meals.
Steady-state blood concentrations are reached within 1 to 2 months following once-daily administration and steady-state levels are approximately 10-fold greater than with the initial dose.
Fingolimod highly (86%) distributes in red blood cells. Fingolimod-phosphate has a smaller uptake in blood cells of < 17%. Fingolimod and fingolimod-phosphate are > 99.7% protein bound. Fingolimod and fingolimod-phosphate protein binding is not altered by renal or hepatic impairment.
Fingolimod is extensively distributed to body tissues with a volume of distribution of about 1200±260 L.
The biotransformation of fingolimod in humans occurs by 3 main pathways: by reversible stereoselective phosphorylation to the pharmacologically active (S)-enantiomer of fingolimod-phosphate, by oxidative biotransformation catalyzed mainly by the cytochrome P450 4F2 (CYP4F2) and possibly other CYP4F isoenzymes with subsequent fatty acid-like degradation to inactive metabolites, and by formation of pharmacologically inactive non-polar ceramide analogs of fingolimod.
Inhibitors or inducers of CYP4F2 and possibly other CYP4F isozymes might alter the exposure of fingolimod or fingolimod-phosphate. In vitro studies in hepatocytes indicated that CYP3A4 may contribute to fingolimod metabolism in the case of strong induction of CYP3A4.
Following single oral administration of [14C] fingolimod, the major fingolimod-related components in blood, as judged from their contribution to the AUC up to 816 hours post-dose of total radiolabeled components, are fingolimod itself (23.3%), fingolimod-phosphate (10.3%), and inactive metabolites [M3 carboxylic acid metabolite (8.3%), M29 ceramide metabolite (8.9%), and M30 ceramide metabolite (7.3%)].
Fingolimod blood clearance is 6.3±2.3 L/h, and the average apparent terminal half-life (t½) is 6 to 9 days. Blood levels of fingolimod-phosphate decline in parallel with those of fingolimod in the terminal phase, yielding similar half-lives for both.
After oral administration, about 81% of the dose is slowly excreted in the urine as inactive metabolites. Fingolimod and fingolimod-phosphate are not excreted intact in urine but are the major components in the feces with amounts of each representing less than 2.5% of the dose.
The median fingolimod-phosphate (fingolimod-P) concentration in pediatric MS patients aged 10 to less than 18 years was 1.10 ng/mL, as compared to 1.35 ng/mL in adult MS patients.
The mechanism for elimination and results from population pharmacokinetics suggest that dose adjustment would not be necessary in elderly patients. However, clinical experience in patients aged above 65 years is limited.
Gender has no clinically significant influence on fingolimod and fingolimod-phosphate pharmacokinetics.
The effects of race on fingolimod and fingolimod-phosphate pharmacokinetics cannot be adequately assessed due to a low number of non-white patients in the clinical program.
In adult patients with severe renal impairment, fingolimod Cmax and AUC are increased by 32% and 43%, respectively, and fingolimod-phosphate Cmax and AUC are increased by 25% and 14%, respectively, with no change in apparent elimination half-life. Based on these findings, the GILENYA 0.5 mg dose is appropriate for use in adult patients with renal impairment. GILENYA 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg are appropriate for use in pediatric patients with renal impairment. The systemic exposure of 2 metabolites (M2 and M3) is increased by 3-and 13-fold, respectively. The toxicity of these metabolites has not been fully characterized.
A study in patients with mild or moderate renal impairment has not been conducted.
In subjects with mild, moderate, or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A, B, and C), no change in fingolimod Cmax was observed, but fingolimod AUC0-∞ was increased respectively by 12%, 44%, and 103%. In patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C), fingolimod-phosphate Cmax was decreased by 22% and AUC0-96 hours was decreased by 29%. The pharmacokinetics of fingolimod-phosphate was not evaluated in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment. The apparent elimination half-life of fingolimod is unchanged in subjects with mild hepatic impairment, but is prolonged by about 50% in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment.
Patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C) should be closely monitored, as the risk of adverse reactions is greater [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
No dose adjustment is needed in patients with mild or moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A and B).
The coadministration of ketoconazole (a potent inhibitor of CYP3A and CYP4F) 200 mg twice-daily at steady-state and a single dose of fingolimod 5 mg led to a 70% increase in AUC of fingolimod and fingolimod-phosphate. Patients who use GILENYA and systemic ketoconazole concomitantly should be closely monitored, as the risk of adverse reactions is greater [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
The coadministration of carbamazepine (a potent CYP450 enzyme inducer) 600 mg twice-daily at steady-state and a single dose of fingolimod 2 mg decreased blood concentrations (AUC) of fingolimod and fingolimod-phosphate by approximately 40%. The clinical impact of this decrease is unknown.
Other strong CYP450 enzyme inducers, e.g., rifampicin, phenytoin, phenobarbital, and St. John’s wort, may also reduce AUC of fingolimod and fingolimod-phosphate. The clinical impact of this potential decrease is unknown.
In vitro inhibition studies using pooled human liver microsomes and specific metabolic probe substrates demonstrate that fingolimod has little or no capacity to inhibit the activity of the following CYP enzymes: CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, CYP3A4/5, or CYP4A9/11 (fingolimod only), and similarly fingolimod-phosphate has little or no capacity to inhibit the activity of CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, or CYP3A4 at concentrations up to 3 orders of magnitude of therapeutic concentrations. Therefore, fingolimod and fingolimod-phosphate are unlikely to reduce the clearance of drugs that are mainly cleared through metabolism by the major CYP isoenzymes described above.
Fingolimod was examined for its potential to induce human CYP3A4, CYP1A2, CYP4F2, and MDR1 (Pglycoprotein) mRNA and CYP3A, CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP4F2 activity in primary human hepatocytes. Fingolimod did not induce mRNA or activity of the different CYP enzymes and MDR1 with respect to the vehicle control; therefore, no clinically relevant induction of the tested CYP enzymes or MDR1 by fingolimod are expected at therapeutic concentrations. Fingolimod-phosphate was also examined for its potential to induce mRNA and/or activity of human CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP3A, CYP4F2, CYP4F3B, and CYP4F12. Fingolimod-phosphate is not expected to have clinically significant induction effects on these enzymes at therapeutic doses of fingolimod. In vitro experiments did not provide an indication of CYP induction by fingolimod-phosphate.
Based on in vitro data, fingolimod as well as fingolimod-phosphate are not expected to inhibit the uptake of comedications and/or biologics transported by the organic anion transporting polypeptides OATP1B1, OATP1B3, or the sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP). Similarly, they are not expected to inhibit the efflux of comedications and/or biologics transported by the breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), the bile salt export pump (BSEP), the multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2), or P-glycoprotein (P-gp) at therapeutic concentrations.
The coadministration of fingolimod 0.5 mg daily with oral contraceptives (ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel) did not elicit any clinically significant change in oral contraceptives exposure. Fingolimod and fingolimod-phosphate exposure were consistent with those from previous studies. No interaction studies have been performed with oral contraceptives containing other progestagens; however, an effect of fingolimod on their exposure is not expected.
The pharmacokinetics of single-dose fingolimod was not altered during coadministration with cyclosporine at steady-state, nor was cyclosporine steady-state pharmacokinetics altered by fingolimod. These data indicate that GILENYA is unlikely to reduce or increase the clearance of drugs cleared mainly by CYP3A4. Potent inhibition of transporters MDR1 (P-gp), MRP2, and OATP-1B1 does not influence fingolimod disposition.
Single-dose fingolimod and fingolimod-phosphate exposure was not altered by coadministered isoproterenol or atropine. Likewise, the single-dose pharmacokinetics of fingolimod and fingolimod-phosphate and the steady-state pharmacokinetics of both atenolol and diltiazem were unchanged during the coadministration of the latter 2 drugs individually with fingolimod.
A population pharmacokinetics evaluation performed in MS patients did not provide evidence for a significant effect of fluoxetine and paroxetine (strong CYP2D6 inhibitors) on fingolimod or fingolimod-phosphate predose concentrations. In addition, the following commonly coprescribed substances had no clinically relevant effect (< 20%) on fingolimod or fingolimod-phosphate predose concentrations: baclofen, gabapentin, oxybutynin, amantadine, modafinil, amitriptyline, pregabalin, and corticosteroids.
Lung toxicity was observed in 2 different strains of rats and in dogs and monkeys. The primary findings included increase in lung weight, associated with smooth muscle hypertrophy, hyperdistention of the alveoli, and/or increased collagen. Insufficient or lack of pulmonary collapse at necropsy, generally correlated with microscopic changes, was observed in all species. In rats and monkeys, lung toxicity was observed at all oral doses tested in chronic studies. The lowest doses tested in rats (0.05 mg/kg/day in the 2-year carcinogenicity study) and monkeys (0.5 mg/kg/day in the 39-week toxicity study) are similar to and approximately 20 times the RHD on a mg/m² basis, respectively.
In the 52-week oral study in monkeys, respiratory distress associated with ketamine administration was observed at doses of 3 and 10 mg/kg/day; the most affected animal became hypoxic and required oxygenation. As ketamine is not generally associated with respiratory depression, this effect was attributed to fingolimod. In a subsequent study in rats, ketamine was shown to potentiate the bronchoconstrictive effects of fingolimod. The relevance of these findings to humans is unknown.
The efficacy of GILENYA was demonstrated in 2 studies that evaluated once-daily doses of GILENYA 0.5 mg and 1.25 mg in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). Both studies included patients who had experienced at least 2 clinical relapses during the 2 years prior to randomization or at least 1 clinical relapse during the 1 year prior to randomization, and had an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score from 0 to 5.5. Study 1 was a 2-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in patients with RRMS who had not received any interferon-beta or glatiramer acetate for at least the previous 3 months and had not received any natalizumab for at least the previous 6 months. Neurological evaluations were performed at screening, every 3 months and at time of suspected relapse. MRI evaluations were performed at screening, Month 6, Month 12, and Month 24. The primary endpoint was the annualized relapse rate.
Median age was 37 years, median disease duration was 6.7 years and median EDSS score at baseline was 2.0. Patients were randomized to receive GILENYA 0.5 mg (N = 425), 1.25 mg (N = 429), or placebo (N = 418) for up to 24 months. Median time on study drug was 717 days on 0.5 mg, 715 days on 1.25 mg and 719 days on placebo.
The annualized relapse rate was significantly lower in patients treated with GILENYA than in patients who received placebo. The secondary endpoint was the time to 3-month confirmed disability progression as measured by at least a 1-point increase from baseline in EDSS (0.5 point increase for patients with baseline EDSS of 5.5) sustained for 3 months. Time to onset of 3-month confirmed disability progression was significantly delayed with GILENYA treatment compared to placebo. The 1.25 mg dose resulted in no additional benefit over the GILENYA 0.5 mg dose. The results for this study are shown in Table 2 and Figure 1.
Table 2: Clinical and MRI Results of Study 1
| GILENYA 0.5 mg N = 425 |
Placebo N = 418 |
p-value | |
| Clinical Endpoints | |||
| Annualized relapse rate (primary endpoint) | 0.18 | 0.40 | < 0.001 |
| Percentage of patients without relapse | 70% | 46% | < 0.001 |
| Hazard ratio‡ of disability progression (95% CI) | 0.70 (0.52, 0.96) | 0.02 | |
| MRI Endpoint | |||
| Mean (median) number of new or newly enlarging T2 lesions over 24 months | 2.5 (0) | 9.8 (5.0) | < 0.001 |
| Mean (median) number of T1 Gd-enhancing lesions at Month 24 | 0.2 (0) | 1.1 (0) | < 0.001 |
| All analyses of clinical endpoints were intent-to-treat.
MRI analysis used evaluable dataset. ‡Hazard ratio is an estimate of the relative risk of having the event of disability progression on GILENYA as compared to placebo. |
|||
Figure 1: Time to 3-Month
Confirmed Disability Progression – Study 1 (ITT population)
 |
Study 2 was a 1-year randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, active-controlled study in patients with RRMS who had not received any natalizumab in the previous 6 months. Prior therapy with interferon-beta or glatiramer acetate up to the time of randomization was permitted.
Neurological evaluations were performed at screening, every 3 months, and at the time of suspected relapses. MRI evaluations were performed at screening and at Month 12. The primary endpoint was the annualized relapse rate.
Median age was 36 years, median disease duration was 5.9 years, and median EDSS score at baseline was 2.0. Patients were randomized to receive GILENYA 0.5 mg (N = 431), 1.25 mg (N = 426), or interferon beta-1a, 30 mcg via the intramuscular route (IM) once-weekly (N = 435) for up to 12 months. Median time on study drug was 365 days on GILENYA 0.5 mg, 354 days on 1.25 mg, and 361 days on interferon beta-1a IM.
The annualized relapse rate was significantly lower in patients treated with GILENYA 0.5 mg than in patients who received interferon beta-1a IM. The key secondary endpoints were number of new and newly enlarging T2 lesions and time to onset of 3-month confirmed disability progression as measured by at least a 1-point increase from baseline in EDSS (0.5 point increase for those with baseline EDSS of 5.5) sustained for 3 months. The number of new and newly enlarging T2 lesions was significantly lower in patients treated with GILENYA than in patients who received interferon beta-1a IM. There was no significant difference in the time to 3-month confirmed disability progression between GILENYA and interferon beta-1a-treated patients at 1 year. The 1.25 mg dose resulted in no additional benefit over the GILENYA 0.5 mg dose. The results for this study are shown in Table 3.
Table 3: Clinical and MRI Results of Study 2
| GILENYA 0.5 mg N = 429 |
Interferon beta-1a IM 30 mcg N = 431 |
p-value | |
| Clinical Endpoints | |||
| Annualized relapse rate (primary endpoint) | 0.16 | 0.33 | < 0.001 |
| Percentage of patients without relapse | 83% | 70% | < 0.001 |
| Hazard ratio‡ of disability progression | 0.71 | 0.21 | |
| (95% CI) | (0.42, 1.21) | ||
| MRI Endpoint | |||
| Mean (median) number of new or newly enlarging T2 lesions over 12 months | 1.6 (0) | 2.6 (1.0) | 0.002 |
| Mean (median) number of T1 Gd-enhancing lesions at Month 12 | 0.2 (0) | 0.5 (0) | < 0.001 |
| All analyses of clinical endpoints were intent-to-treat.
MRI analysis used evaluable dataset. ‡ Hazard ratio is an estimate of the relative risk of having the event of disability progression on GILENYA as compared to control. |
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Pooled results of study 1 and study 2 showed a consistent and statistically significant reduction of annualized relapse rate compared to comparator in subgroups defined by gender, age, prior MS therapy, and disease activity.
Study 4 (NCT 01892722) evaluated the efficacy of once-daily oral doses of GILENYA 0.25 mg or GILENYA 0.5 mg in pediatric patients 10 to less than 18 years of age with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Study 4 was a 215patient, double-blind, randomized, clinical trial that compared GILENYA to intramuscular interferon beta-1a. Prior therapy with interferon-beta, dimethyl fumarate, or glatiramer acetate up to the time of randomization was permitted. The study included patients who had experienced at least 1 clinical relapse during the year prior or 2 relapses during the 2 years prior to screening, or evidence of 1 or more Gd-enhancing lesions on MRI within 6 months prior to randomization, and had an EDSS score from 0 to 5.5. Neurological evaluations were scheduled at screening, every 3 months, and at the time of suspected relapses. MRI evaluations were performed at screening and every 6 months throughout the study. The primary endpoint was the annualized relapse rate.
At baseline, the median age was 16 years, median disease duration since first symptom was 1.5 years, and median EDSS score was 1.5. One patient received no study drug and is excluded from the analysis of efficacy. Median duration of exposure to study drug was 634 days in the GILENYA group (n = 107) and 547 days in the interferon beta-1a group (n = 107). In the GILENYA group, 6.5% of patients did not complete the study, compared to 18.5% in the interferon beta-1a group.
The primary endpoint, the annualized relapse rate (ARR), was significantly lower in patients treated with GILENYA (0.122) than in patients who received interferon beta-1a (0.675). Relative reduction in ARR was 81.9%. The annualized rate of the number of new or newly enlarged T2 lesions up to month 24 (key secondary endpoint) was significantly lower in patients treated with GILENYA, as was the number of Gd-enhancing T1 lesions per scan up to month 24.
Table 4 summarizes the results of Study 4.
Table 4: Clinical and MRI results of Study 4
| GILENYA 0.25 or 0.5 mg PO N = 107 |
Interferon beta-1a 30 mcg IM N = 107 |
p-value | Relative Reduction | |
| Clinical endpoints | ||||
| Annualized relapse rate (primary endpoint) | 0.122 | 0.675 | < 0.001* | 81.9% |
| Percent of patients remaining relapse-free at 24 months | 86.0% | 45.8% | ||
| MRI endpoints | ||||
| Annualized rate of the number of new or newly enlarging T2 lesions | 4.393 | 9.269 | < 0.001* | 52.6% |
| Mean number of Gd-enhancing T1 lesions per scan up to Month 24 | 0.436 | 1.282 | < 0.001* | 66.0% |
| All analyses of clinical
endpoints were on full analysis set. MRI analyses used the evaluable dataset. *Indicates statistical significance vs. Interferon beta-1a IM at two-sided 0.05 level. |
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GILENYA®
(je-LEN-yah)
(fingolimod) capsules
Read this Medication Guide before you start taking GILENYA and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. If you are the parent of a child who is being treated with GILENYA, the following information applies to your child. This information does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment.
What is the most important information I should know about GILENYA?
GILENYA may cause serious side effects, including:
Your slow heart rate will usually return to normal within 1 month after you start taking GILENYA. Call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you have any symptoms of a slow heart rate.
If you miss 1 or more doses of GILENYA, you may need to be observed by a healthcare professional when you take your next dose. Call your doctor if you miss a dose of GILENYA. See “How should I take GILENYA?”
All adults and children will be observed by a healthcare professional for at least 6 hours after takingtheir first dose of GILENYA. Children should also be observed by a healthcare professional for at least 6 hours after taking their first dose of 0.5 mg of GILENYA when switching from the 0.25 mg dose.
After you take your first dose of GILENYA, and after a child takes their first dose of 0.5 mg of GILENYA when switching from the 0.25 mg dose:
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Due to risk of HPV infection please consult your doctor for routine pap smear.
GILENYA lowers the number of white blood cells (lymphocytes) in your blood. This will usually go back to normal within 2 months of stopping treatment. Your doctor may do a blood test to check your white blood cells before you start taking GILENYA. Call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms of an infection during treatment with GILENYA, and for 2 months after your last dose of GILENYA:
Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following:
What is GILENYA?
GILENYA is a prescription medicine used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, and active secondary progressive disease, in adults and children 10 years of age and older.
It is not known if GILENYA is safe and effective in children under 10 years of age.
Who should not take GILENYA?
Do not take GILENYA if you:
Talk to your doctor before taking GILENYA if you have any of these conditions, or do not know if you have any of these conditions.
What should I tell my doctor before taking GILENYA?
Before you take GILENYA, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including if you had or nowhave:
Pregnancy Registry: There is a registry for women who become pregnant during treatment with GILENYA. If you become pregnant while taking GILENYA, talk to your doctor about registering with the GILENYA Pregnancy Registry. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about your health and your baby’s health.
For more information, contact the GILENYA Pregnancy Registry by calling Quintiles at 1-877-598-7237, by sending an email to [email protected], or go to www.gilenyapregnancyregistry.com.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take or have recently taken, including prescription and over-thecounter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Especially tell your doctor if you take medicines that affect your immune system, including corticosteroids, or have taken them in the past.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines with you to show your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
Using GILENYA and other medicines together may affect each other causing serious side effects.
How should I take GILENYA?
See “What is the most important information I should know about GILENYA?”
What are possible side effects of GILENYA?
GILENYA can cause serious side effects, including:
The most common side effects of GILENYA include:
Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
These are not all of the possible side effects of GILENYA. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store GILENYA?
General information about the safe and effective use of GILENYA.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use GILENYA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give GILENYA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about GILENYA. If you would like more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about GILENYA that is written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients in GILENYA?
0.25 mg capsules
Active ingredient: fingolimod
Inactive ingredients: mannitol, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylbetadex, magnesium stearate, gelatin, titanium dioxide, yellow iron oxide.
0.5 mg capsules
Active ingredient: fingolimod hydrochloride
Inactive ingredients: mannitol, magnesium stearate, gelatin, titanium dioxide, yellow iron oxide.
This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
