What Is Fynod Used For?

Fynod contains fingolimod hydrochloride and belongs to a group of medicines called sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1-P) receptor modulators. It is specifically designed to treat multiple sclerosis by modifying how your immune system works.

Primary Uses

Fynod is used to treat adults, children and adolescents (10 years of age and above) with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). It helps slow the progression of physical disability and decreases the number of flare-ups (relapses) in patients with relapsing MS.

How It Works

Multiple sclerosis is a long-term condition affecting the central nervous system, where inflammation destroys the protective cover around nerves (myelin). Fynod helps fight against immune system attacks on myelin by affecting the ability of some white blood cells to move freely within the body and by stopping inflammatory cells from reaching the brain. This reduces nerve damage caused by MS. Fynod may also have a direct beneficial effect on certain brain cells involved in repairing or slowing down MS damage.

How to Take Fynod

Fynod requires special monitoring when you first start taking it because it can affect your heart rate. Your first dose will need to be taken under medical supervision with 6 hours of monitoring.

Dosage Instructions

Adults: The usual dose is one 0.5 mg capsule taken once daily. Children and adolescents: The dose depends on body weight – those weighing 40 kg or less take one 0.25 mg capsule per day, while those above 40 kg take one 0.5 mg capsule per day. Take Fynod at about the same time each day, with or without food. Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. For your first dose, you’ll need to stay at the doctor’s office for 6 hours for heart monitoring, with checks every hour and ECGs before and after.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Never take a double dose. If you miss a dose during the first 2 weeks, call your doctor right away as you may need monitoring when you take your next dose. If you stop taking Fynod for certain periods (1 day or more in first 2 weeks, more than 7 days in weeks 3-4, or more than 2 weeks after first month), the initial heart rate effects may occur again when restarting.

Available Tablet Strengths

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• Flu symptoms
• Headache
• Diarrhea

Important Warnings

Fynod has several important warnings and contraindications that you must discuss with your doctor before starting treatment.

Who Should Not Take Fynod

Do not take Fynod if you are allergic to fingolimod or any ingredients, have had heart attack, unstable angina, stroke or certain heart failure in the last 6 months, have certain irregular heartbeats, or are taking medicines for irregular heartbeat such as quinidine, disopyramide, amiodarone or sotalol.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have heart problems, stroke history, irregular heartbeat, severe heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe breathing difficulties when asleep, heart rhythm disturbances, slow heart rate or fainting history. Also discuss if you’ve never had chickenpox or vaccination against it, have lowered immune response, liver problems, current infections, or take other medications. You’ll need blood tests for liver function, skin examinations, and eye examinations before and during treatment.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Avoid becoming pregnant while taking Fynod or for two months after stopping, as it may harm your unborn baby. A pregnancy test is recommended before starting treatment. If you become pregnant while taking Fynod, tell your doctor immediately. Do not breastfeed while taking Fynod as it can pass into breast milk and cause serious side effects for the baby.

Drug Interactions

Several medications can interfere with Fynod and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.

• Medicines for irregular heartbeat (quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, sotalol)
• Medicines that slow heart rate (atenolol, verapamil, diltiazem, ivabradine, digoxin)
• Medicines causing abnormal heart rhythm (citalopram, chlorpromazine, haloperidol, methadone, erythromycin)
• Immune system suppressants (beta-interferon, glatiramer acetate, natalizumab, mitozantrone, dimethyl fumarate, teriflunomide, alemtuzumab, corticosteroids)
• Live attenuated vaccines (should not be given during treatment and up to 2 months after)

Alcohol & Driving

Be careful with activities requiring alertness until you know how Fynod affects you, and discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor.

Alcohol

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. The interaction between Fynod and alcohol should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Fynod affects you. Fynod may cause dizziness in some people. Your doctor will tell you whether your illness allows you to drive vehicles and use machines safely. Fynod is not expected to have an influence on your ability to drive or use machines.

Storage

Store your medicine in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C. Keep your medicine in the pack until it is time to take it.

Overdose Information

If you think you or anyone else has taken too much Fynod, urgent medical attention is needed. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if there are no signs of discomfort. Your doctor may decide to monitor you with hourly heart rate and blood pressure measurements and ECGs, possibly overnight. Overdose symptoms may include swelling in hands or feet, tingling or numbness in hands or feet, muscle pain, and fever.

Frequently Asked Questions