What Is Zeposia Used For?

Zeposia contains ozanimod, which belongs to a group of medicines called sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators. It works by affecting certain white blood cells and preventing them from causing inflammation in your central nervous system and intestinal lining.

Primary Uses

Zeposia is used to treat adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC). For MS, it helps reduce the number of relapses and slow disability progression. For UC, it’s typically given after other treatments haven’t worked well enough or caused intolerance.

How It Works

Zeposia affects the ability of certain white blood cells to move freely within your body, stopping them from reaching areas where they can cause harmful inflammation and damage. This helps protect your nerves in MS and reduces bowel inflammation in ulcerative colitis.

How to Take Zeposia

Zeposia treatment begins with a special 7-day initiation pack with gradually increasing doses, followed by daily maintenance dosing. Take your capsule at about the same time each day, with or without food.

Dosage Instructions

Start with the initiation pack for 7 days with increasing doses. From Day 8 onwards, take one 920 microgram capsule daily. If you have mild or moderate liver problems, your doctor may reduce your maintenance dose to one 920 microgram capsule every other day. Swallow capsules whole with a full glass of water.

What If You Miss a Dose?

During the first 14 days: Call your doctor before taking the next dose – you’ll need a new initiation pack and must restart at Day 1. After 14 consecutive days: Take the missed dose as soon as possible on the same day, but skip it if it’s nearly time for your next dose. If you stop for more than 7 consecutive days (Days 15-28) or more than 14 consecutive days (after Day 28), you’ll need to restart with the initiation pack.

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:

• Viral infections of nose, mouth, throat, or voice box
• Low blood levels of white blood cells (lymphocytes)
• Sore throat
• Lung infection
• Cold sores
• Headache
• Swelling of arms, hands, feet, ankles or legs

Important Warnings

Zeposia has several important warnings and precautions you need to know about before starting treatment.

Who Should Not Take Zeposia

Don’t use Zeposia if you’re allergic to ozanimod or any ingredients, have had a heart attack, angina, stroke, or certain heart failure in the last 6 months, have certain irregular heartbeats, or have untreated severe sleep apnea. Your doctor will conduct heart, liver, and blood tests before you start.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have: slow heart rate, high blood pressure, liver problems, any infections, low white blood cell levels, vision problems, eye inflammation, diabetes, retina problems, or if you’ve never had chickenpox. Also mention if you’re taking immune system medicines or planning vaccinations.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Avoid becoming pregnant while taking Zeposia or for 3 months after stopping, as there’s risk of harm to your unborn baby. You need a pregnancy test before starting and must use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months after stopping. Don’t breastfeed while taking Zeposia as it’s unknown if the medicine passes into breast milk.

Drug Interactions

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

• Medicines that suppress or modulate the immune system (ciclosporin, eltrombopag, azathioprine)
• Other medicines used to treat MS or UC
• Gemfibrozil for fats or cholesterol
• Clopidogrel to prevent blood clots
• Rifampicin antibiotic
• MAO inhibitors (phenelzine, selegiline)
• Medicines that slow your heart rate
• Certain types of vaccines

Alcohol & Driving

Zeposia is not likely to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, but you should be careful until you know how it affects you.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Zeposia affects you. This medicine is not likely to affect your ability to drive, cycle, or use tools or machines.

Sun Exposure

Limit your exposure to sunlight and UV light by wearing protective clothing and applying regular sunscreen with high sun protection factor. There may be an increased risk of skin cancer with medicines like Zeposia.

Storage

Store Zeposia capsules in the original package in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C. Keep away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Don’t store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children and don’t use after the expiry date.

Overdose Information

If you think you’ve taken too much Zeposia, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you don’t feel unwell.

Frequently Asked Questions