This medication is used to treat a certain type of
multiple sclerosis (relapsing multiple sclerosis-MS). Siponimod is not a
cure for MS but it is thought to help by preventing immune system cells
(lymphocytes) from attacking the nerves in your brain and spinal cord. It
helps decrease the number of episodes of disease worsening (relapses) and
may prevent or delay disability.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist
before you start taking siponimod and each time you get a refill. If you
have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually once a day. Swallow the tablets whole. Do
not split, crush, or chew the tablets.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may
direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase
your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Do not stop taking this medication without consulting
your doctor. Your condition may become worse when this drug is stopped.
Tell your doctor right away if your MS symptoms are much worse after
stopping siponimod.
Do not increase your dose or take this medication more
often than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your
risk of side effects will increase.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each
day.
Tell your doctor if your condition gets
worse.
Headache or swelling of arms/legs may occur. If either
of these effects lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Slow heartbeat may also occur, especially when you first
start this medication. Some people may need to be monitored for at least 6
hours after the first dose to make sure their heartbeat does not go too
slow. Ask your doctor for more details.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check
your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are
high.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- signs of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't
stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark
urine)
- shortness of breath
- unusual tiredness
Siponimod may rarely increase your risk of skin cancer.
Tell your doctor right away if you notice any unusual skin changes (such as
change in appearance/size of moles).
This medication can weaken your immune system/increase
the risk of infection while you are taking it and for 3 to 4 weeks after
your last dose. You may be more likely to get a serious (possibly fatal)
infection (such as bronchitis, herpes). Tell your doctor right away if you
develop any signs of an infection such as sore throat/cough that doesn't go
away, difficulty breathing, fever/chills, cold/flu symptoms, sores, or
blisters. Do not start siponimod if you already have an
infection.
This medication may increase your risk of getting a rare
but very serious (possibly fatal) brain infection (progressive multifocal
leukoencephalopathy-PML). Symptoms of PML can seem like a worsening MS
attack. Get medical help right away if you have any of these side
effects:
- clumsiness
- loss of coordination/balance
- weakness
- sudden change in your thinking (such as confusion, difficulty
concentrating, memory loss)
- difficulty talking/walking
- seizure
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- very slow heartbeat
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- severe dizziness
- fainting
- eye pain/sensitivity to light
- vision changes (such as blurred vision, blind spot/shadows in
the center of your vision, color changes)
- sudden/severe headache
- stiff/painful neck
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking siponimod, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients (such as soy) which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- breathing problems (such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema,
sleep apnea)
- current/recent/returning infection (including hepatitis and
tuberculosis)
- diabetes
- certain eye problems (macular edema, uveitis)
- heart problems (such as slow/irregular heartbeat, heart
failure, previous heart attack, chest pain, QT prolongation in the
EKG)
- high blood pressure
- liver disease
- stroke or "mini-stroke"/transient ischemic attack (TIA)
Have all necessary immunizations done before starting
this medication. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent
of your doctor while you are taking siponimod and for 4 weeks after your
last dose. Also, stay away from anyone who has an infection that may easily
spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if
you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.
This medication may increase your risk of developing
skin cancer. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps.
Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Your doctor may
direct you to avoid phototherapy while you use this product. Ask your
doctor for details.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using siponimod. Siponimod
may harm an unborn baby. Ask about reliable forms of birth control while
using this medication and for 10 days after the last dose. If you become
pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of
this medication.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some of the products that may interact with this drug
are:
- other drugs that weaken the immune system/increase the risk
of infection (such as natalizumab, rituximab)
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count,
blood pressure, pulse, EKG, MRI, eye/skin exams, liver/lung function)
should be done before you start taking this medication and while you are
taking it. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for
more details.
It is very important to follow your treatment regimen
exactly. Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if you miss a
dose of siponimod. If you miss a dose, you may need to start at a lower
dose again and slowly increase it. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store the unopened medication in the refrigerator away
from light and moisture. Store the opened medication at room temperature.
Do not refrigerate after opening. Do not store in the bathroom. If this
medication comes in a blister pack, keep the medication in the blister pack
until ready to use. Once the container is opened or if the unopened
container is stored at room temperature, then this medication expires after
3 months. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.