MSActiveSource

Gilenya

Gilenya (fingolimod)
Gilenya contains the active ingredient fingolimod. Fingolimod binds to the surface of cells in the body’s defence (immune) system.

Gilenya is used to treat adults with highly active relapsing remitting MS. It is used when the disease has failed to respond to treatment with a beta interferon or is severe and getting worse rapidly. Gilenya helps to reduce the number and severity of relapses and slows the course of the condition.

For more information about the course of MS go to 'Types of MS'.

How Gilenya works
In MS, your body’s defence (immune) system attacks its own myelin – the ‘insulation’ that surrounds nerve fibres. When myelin is damaged, the messages between the brain and other parts of the body are disrupted. This is what causes the symptoms of MS. Gilenya helps to protect against attacks on the nerves by the immune system by reducing the ability of some white blood cells (lymphocytes) to move freely within the body and by stopping them from reaching the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). This reduces the amount of nerve damage caused by MS.

How is Gilenya taken?
Gilenya is taken by mouth (orally) at a dose of one 0.5 mg capsule, once a day. Gilenya can be taken with or without food.

More detailed prescribing information on Gilenya can be found by going to www.medicines.org.uk. Typing Gilenya in the search box and pressing Go will bring you to a patient information leaflet on Gilenya.

Licensed for the treatment of MS in 2011, Gilenya is marketed by Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd.