Fingolimod

Pronounced fin-GO-li-mod

Brand names: Gilenya

Type: S1P modulator (multiple sclerosis medicine) · All Neurology Medicines

What Fingolimod is used for

• Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis
• Reducing MS relapses and MRI lesion activity

Common side effects

• Headache
• Liver test increases
• Diarrhea
• Cough
• Back pain

Important cautions

• The first amount slows the heart, so it is given with hours of heart monitoring in clinic
• Raises infection risk and can allow shingles and, rarely, a serious brain infection (PML); varicella immunity is checked first
• Stopping it can cause a severe rebound of MS activity — never stop without a neurologist's plan

How it comes

Capsules. This guide lists forms only — it never lists strengths or doses.

Toxicity lists: Fingolimod also appears on Medicines That Can Harm the Liver.