Fingolimod Tarbis 0.5 mg hard capsules EFG
Spain
Table of Contents
- Package leaflet: Information for the user
- Introduction
- 1. What Fingolimod Tarbis is and what it is used for
- 2. What you need to know before starting Fingolimod Tarbis
- 3. How to take Fingolimod Tarbis
- 4. Possible adverse effects
- 5. Storage of Fingolimod Tarbis
- 6. Contents of the pack and other information
Package leaflet: Information for the user
Introduction
Package leaflet: information for the user
Fingolimod Tarbis 0.5 mg hard capsules EFG
Read the entire leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine, because it contains important information for you.
- Keep this leaflet, as you may need to read it again.
- If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medicine has been prescribed for you only, and you should not give it to other people, even if they have the same symptoms as you, because it may harm them.
- If you experience any adverse effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist, even if these effects are not listed in this leaflet. See section 4. >
Leaflet contents
- What Fingolimod Tarbis is and what it is used for
- What you need to know before taking Fingolimod Tarbis
- How to take Fingolimod Tarbis
- Possible side effects
- How to store Fingolimod Tarbis
- Contents of the pack and other information
1. What Fingolimod Tarbis is and what it is used for
What Fingolimod Tarbis is
The active substance in this medicine is fingolimod.
What Fingolimod Tarbis is used for
This medicine is used in adults and in children and adolescents (aged 10 years and older) to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) (characterized by relapses), particularly in:
- Patients who do not respond to treatment despite receiving therapy for MS.
or
- Patients who rapidly develop severe MS.
Fingolimod does not cure MS, but it helps reduce the number of relapses and slows the progression of physical disability caused by MS.
What is multiple sclerosis
MS is a chronic disease affecting the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain and spinal cord. In MS, inflammation destroys the protective covering (called myelin) that surrounds nerves in the CNS, impairing normal nerve function. This process is known as demyelination.
Relapsing-remitting MS is characterized by repeated attacks (relapses) of neurological symptoms reflecting inflammation occurring in the CNS. Symptoms vary from patient to patient, but typically include difficulty walking, loss of sensation in parts of the body (numbness), vision problems, or balance disorders. Symptoms of a relapse may completely disappear when the relapse ends, although some problems may persist.
How Fingolimod Tarbis works
Fingolimod helps combat immune system attacks on the CNS by reducing the ability of certain white blood cells (lymphocytes) to move freely throughout the body and by preventing them from entering the brain and spinal cord. This limits nerve damage associated with multiple sclerosis. Fingolimod also reduces some of the immune responses in your body.
2. What you need to know before starting Fingolimod Tarbis
Do not take Fingolimod Tarbis
- if you have a reduced immune response (due to an immunodeficiency syndrome, a disease, or medications that suppress the immune system).
- if you have a severe active infection or a chronic active infection such as hepatitis or tuberculosis.
- if you have active cancer.
- if you have severe liver problems.
- if you have had a heart attack, angina, stroke, or transient ischemic attack, or any type of heart failure within the last 6 months.
- if you have any type of irregular or abnormal heartbeat (arrhythmia), including patients in whom the electrocardiogram (ECG) shows QT interval prolongation before starting treatment with Fingolimod.
- if you are taking or have recently taken medications for irregular heartbeat (of the heart) such as quinidine, disopyramide, amiodarone, or sotalol.
- if you are pregnant or if you are a woman of childbearing potential and do not use an effective contraceptive method.
- if you are allergic to fingolimod or to any of the other components of this medicine (listed in section 6).
If any of the above conditions apply to you, inform your doctor before taking Fingolimod Tarbis.
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor before starting this medicine:
- if you have severe breathing problems while sleeping (severe sleep apnea).
- if you have been told you have an abnormal electrocardiogram.
- if you have symptoms of a slow heartbeat (e.g., dizziness, nausea, or palpitations).
- if you are taking or have recently taken medications that slow your heart rate (such as beta-blockers, verapamil, diltiazem, ivabradine, digoxin, anticholinesterase agents, or pilocarpine).
- if you have a history of sudden loss of consciousness or fainting (syncope).
- if you are planning to get vaccinated.
- if you have never had chickenpox.
- if you have or have had disorders or other signs of inflammation in the central vision area (the macula) of the back of the eye (a condition known as macular edema, see below), inflammation or infection of the eye (uveitis), or if you have diabetes (which may cause eye problems).
- if you have liver problems.
- if you have high blood pressure that cannot be controlled with medication.
- if you have severe lung problems or "smoker's cough."
If any of the above conditions apply to you or you are unsure, inform your doctor before taking Fingolimod Tarbis.
Slow heart rate (bradycardia) and irregular heartbeats
At the start of treatment or after taking the first dose of 0.5 mg, in cases where your previous dose of 0.25 mg once daily has been changed using another fingolimod-containing medicine available at lower strength, fingolimod causes a reduction in heart rate. As a result, you may feel dizzy or tired, become aware of your heartbeat, or your blood pressure may drop. If these effects are severe, inform your doctor immediately as you may require immediate treatment. Fingolimod may also cause irregular heartbeats, especially after the first dose. Irregular heartbeats usually return to normal within less than a day. The slow heart rate typically normalizes within one month. During this period, clinically significant effects on heart rhythm are generally not expected.
Your doctor will ask you to remain at the clinic or hospital for at least 6 hours, with hourly pulse and blood pressure checks, after taking the first dose of this medicine or after taking the first dose of 0.5 mg, in cases where your previous dose of 0.25 mg once daily has been changed using another fingolimod-containing medicine available at lower strength, so that appropriate measures can be taken if adverse effects occur at the beginning of treatment. An electrocardiogram (ECG) will be performed before the first dose and again after the 6-hour monitoring period. Your doctor may continuously monitor your ECG during this time. If, after the 6-hour period, you have a very slow or decreasing heart rate, or if your ECG shows abnormalities, you will need to be monitored for a longer period (at least 2 additional hours and possibly overnight) until the issue resolves. The same may apply if you are restarting this medicine after a treatment break, depending on the duration of the break and how long you had been taking the medicine before the break.
If you have or are at risk of having irregular or abnormal heartbeats, if your ECG is abnormal, or if you have heart disease or heart failure, this medicine may not be suitable for you.
If you have previously experienced sudden fainting or a slow heart rate, Fingolimod Tarbis may not be appropriate for you. You will be evaluated by a cardiologist (heart specialist) who will advise on how to start treatment with fingolimod, including overnight monitoring.
If you are taking other medications that may slow your heart rate, this medicine may not be suitable for you. A cardiologist must evaluate you and determine whether you can switch to alternative medications that do not reduce heart rate to allow treatment with this medicine. If such a switch is not possible, the cardiologist will advise on how to start treatment with this medicine, including overnight monitoring.
If you have never had chickenpox
If you have not had chickenpox, your doctor will check your immunity to the virus that causes it (varicella-zoster virus). If you are not protected against the virus, you will likely need to be vaccinated before starting treatment with this medicine. If so, your doctor will delay the start of treatment by one month after completing the vaccination series.
Infections
Fingolimod reduces the number of white blood cells in the blood (especially lymphocytes). White blood cells fight infections. During treatment with this medicine (and up to two months after stopping treatment), you may be more prone to infections. An existing infection may even worsen. Infections can be serious and potentially fatal. If you suspect you have an infection, have a fever, flu-like symptoms, herpes (shingles), or headache accompanied by neck stiffness, light sensitivity, nausea, rash, and/or confusion or seizures (which may be symptoms of meningitis and/or encephalitis caused by a fungal or herpes virus infection), contact your doctor immediately as it could be serious and life-threatening. If you think your MS is worsening (e.g., weakness or visual changes) or notice any new symptoms, inform your doctor immediately, as they may be symptoms of a rare brain disorder caused by infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). PML is a serious condition that can lead to severe disability or death. Your doctor will assess whether a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is needed to evaluate your condition and decide whether you need to stop taking this medicine.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, including papilloma, dysplasia, warts, and HPV-related cancer, has been reported in patients treated with fingolimod. Your doctor will assess whether you need HPV vaccination before starting treatment. If you are a woman, your doctor will also recommend regular HPV screening.
Macular edema
Before starting treatment with Fingolimod, your doctor may request an eye examination if you have or have had visual disorders or other signs of inflammation in the central vision area (the macula) of the back of the eye, eye inflammation or infection (uveitis), or diabetes.
After starting Fingolimod treatment, your doctor may request an eye examination 3 to 4 months after starting treatment.
The macula is a small area of the retina located at the back of the eye that allows you to see shapes, colors, and details clearly and sharply. Fingolimod can cause inflammation of the macula, a condition known as macular edema. Inflammation usually occurs within the first four months of treatment with Fingolimod.
If you have diabetes or have previously had eye inflammation known as uveitis, you are more likely to develop macular edema. In these cases, your doctor may want you to have regular eye examinations to detect macular edema.
If you have previously had macular edema, discuss this with your doctor before continuing Fingolimod treatment.
Macular edema can cause visual symptoms similar to those of an MS attack (optic neuritis). You may not have symptoms initially. You must report any changes in your vision to your doctor. Your doctor may want to perform an eye examination, especially if:
- The center of your visual field becomes blurry or contains shadows;
- A blind spot appears in the center of your visual field;
- You have difficulty seeing colors or small details.
Liver function tests
If you have severe liver problems, you must not take Fingolimod. Fingolimod can affect liver function. You may not experience any symptoms, but if you notice yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, abnormally dark urine (brown-colored), pain in the right side of your abdomen, fatigue, loss of appetite, or unexplained nausea and vomiting, inform your doctor immediately.
If you experience any of these symptoms after starting Fingolimod treatment, inform your doctor immediately.
Before, during, and after treatment, your doctor will order blood tests to monitor your liver function. You may need to stop treatment if test results indicate a liver problem.
High blood pressure
Since Fingolimod causes a slight increase in blood pressure, your doctor will want you to have your blood pressure monitored regularly.
Lung problems
Fingolimod has a mild effect on lung function. Patients with severe lung problems or "smoker's cough" are more likely to develop adverse effects.
Blood count
The expected effect of Fingolimod treatment is to reduce the number of white blood cells in your blood. This effect usually normalizes within 2 months after stopping treatment. If you have blood tests, inform your doctor that you are taking Fingolimod, as otherwise your doctor may not understand the test results. For certain blood tests, your doctor may need more blood than usual.
Before starting Fingolimod treatment, your doctor will confirm that you have sufficient white blood cells in your blood and may want to repeat monitoring regularly. If you do not have enough white blood cells, you may need to stop treatment with this medicine.
Reversible posterior encephalopathy syndrome (RPES)
Rarely, a condition called reversible posterior encephalopathy syndrome (RPES) has been reported in multiple sclerosis patients treated with fingolimod. Symptoms may include sudden and severe headache, confusion, seizures, and vision changes. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms during Fingolimod treatment, as it could be serious.
Cancer
Cases of skin cancer have been reported in MS patients treated with fingolimod. Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any skin nodules (e.g., shiny, pearl-like nodules), spots, or open wounds that do not heal for weeks. Symptoms of skin cancer may include abnormal growth or changes in skin tissue (e.g., unusual moles) that change in color, shape, or size over time. Before starting Fingolimod treatment, a skin examination is required to check for skin nodules. Your doctor will also perform periodic skin checks during Fingolimod treatment. If any skin problems arise, your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist, who may decide whether regular visits are necessary.
A type of cancer of the lymphatic system (lymphoma) has been reported in MS patients treated with fingolimod.
Sun exposure and sun protection
Fingolimod weakens your immune system, increasing the risk of developing cancer, especially skin cancer. You should limit your sun and UV exposure by:
- wearing appropriate protective clothing.
- regularly applying sunscreen with a high UV protection factor.
Unusual brain lesions associated with MS relapses
Rare cases of large and unusual brain lesions associated with MS relapses have been reported in patients treated with fingolimod. In the case of severe relapses, your doctor will assess whether an MRI scan is needed to evaluate your condition and decide whether you need to stop taking Fingolimod.
Switching from other treatments to Fingolimod Tarbis
Your doctor may switch you directly from interferon beta, glatiramer acetate, or dimethyl fumarate to Fingolimod if there are no signs of abnormalities caused by the previous treatment. Your doctor may need to perform a blood test to rule out such abnormalities. After stopping natalizumab, you may need to wait 2–3 months before starting Fingolimod treatment. When switching from teriflunomide, your doctor may advise waiting or undergoing an accelerated elimination procedure. If you have been treated with alemtuzumab, a thorough evaluation and discussion with your doctor are necessary to determine whether Fingolimod is suitable for you.
Women of childbearing age
If Fingolimod is used during pregnancy, it may harm the fetus. Before starting Fingolimod treatment, your doctor will explain the risks and request a pregnancy test to confirm you are not pregnant. Your doctor will provide you with a card explaining why you must not become pregnant while taking Fingolimod and what steps to take to avoid pregnancy. During treatment and for 2 months after stopping treatment, you must use an effective contraceptive method (see section “Pregnancy and breastfeeding”).
Worsening of MS after stopping Fingolimod Tarbis treatment
Do not stop taking Fingolimod or change your prescribed dose without first discussing it with your doctor.
Inform your doctor immediately if you think your MS is worsening after stopping Fingolimod treatment, as it could be serious (see section 3 “If you stop taking Fingolimod Tarbis” and section 4 “Possible side effects”).
Elderly
Experience with fingolimod in elderly patients (over 65 years) is limited. If in doubt, consult your doctor.
Children and adolescents
Fingolimod must not be given to children under 10 years of age, as it has not been studied in MS patients in this age group.
The warnings and precautions mentioned above also apply to children and adolescents.
The following information is especially important for children, adolescents, and their caregivers:
- Before starting Fingolimod treatment, your doctor will check your vaccination status. If you have not received certain vaccines, you may need to be vaccinated before starting Fingolimod treatment.
- The first time you take Fingolimod, or when switching from a daily dose of 0.25 mg to a daily dose of 0.5 mg using another fingolimod-containing medicine available at lower strength, your doctor will monitor your heart rate and heartbeats (see previous section “Slow heart rate (bradycardia) and irregular heartbeats”).
- If you have seizures or convulsions before or while taking Fingolimod, inform your doctor.
- If you have depression or anxiety, or if you feel depressed or anxious during Fingolimod treatment, inform your doctor. You may need closer monitoring.
Other medicines and Fingolimod Tarbis
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might need to take any other medicine. Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- Medicines that suppress or modulate the immune system, including other medicines used to treat MS, such as interferon beta, glatiramer acetate, natalizumab, mitoxantrone, teriflunomide, dimethyl fumarate, or alemtuzumab. You must not use Fingolimod with these medicines because this could intensify the effect on the immune system (see also “Do not take Fingolimod Tarbis”).
- Corticosteroids due to an additive effect on the immune system.
- Vaccines. If you need a vaccine, inform your doctor first. During treatment with Fingolimod and up to two months after stopping, you must not receive certain vaccines (vaccines made with live attenuated viruses) as they may cause the infections they are meant to prevent. Other vaccines may not work as well if given during this period.
- Medicines that slow heart rate (e.g., beta-blockers such as atenolol). Using Fingolimod with these medicines may intensify the effect on heart rate during the first few days after starting Fingolimod treatment.
- Medicines to treat irregular heartbeats, such as quinidine, disopyramide, amiodarone, or sotalol. If you take any of these medicines, you must not use Fingolimod, as this could intensify the effect on irregular heartbeats (see also “Do not take Fingolimod Tarbis”).
- Other medicines:
- protease inhibitors, anti-infectives such as ketoconazole, azole antifungals, clarithromycin, or telithromycin.
- carbamazepine, rifampicin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, efavirenz, or St. John’s wort (potential risk of reduced Fingolimod efficacy).
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, consult your doctor before using this medicine.
Pregnancy
Do not use Fingolimod during pregnancy, if you plan to become pregnant, or if you are a woman who could become pregnant and do not use an effective contraceptive method. If Fingolimod is used during pregnancy, there is a risk of harm to the fetus. The rate of congenital malformations observed in babies exposed to Fingolimod during pregnancy is approximately twice that observed in the general population (where the rate of congenital malformations is about 2–3%). The most frequently reported malformations included cardiac, renal, and musculoskeletal malformations.
Therefore, if you are a woman of childbearing age:
- before starting Fingolimod treatment, your doctor will inform you about the risk to the fetus and request a pregnancy test to confirm you are not pregnant,
and,
- during Fingolimod treatment and for two months after stopping, you must use an effective contraceptive method to avoid pregnancy. Discuss reliable contraceptive methods with your doctor.
Your doctor will provide you with a card explaining why you must not become pregnant while taking this medicine.
If you become pregnant while taking Fingolimod Tarbis, inform your doctor immediately. Your doctor will decide to stop treatment (see section 3 “If you stop taking Fingolimod Tarbis” and section 4 “Possible side effects”). You will receive specific prenatal follow-up.
Breastfeeding
You must not breastfeed during treatment with Fingolimod Tarbis. Fingolimod passes into breast milk and there is a risk that the baby may experience serious adverse effects.
Driving and using machines
Your doctor will advise you whether your condition allows you to drive vehicles, including bicycles, and use machines safely. This medicine is not expected to affect your ability to drive or use machines.
However, at the start of treatment, you will need to remain at the doctor’s office or hospital for 6 hours after taking the first dose of Fingolimod Tarbis. During this time and possibly afterward, your ability to drive and use machines may be impaired.
Fingolimod Tarbis contains sodium
This medicine contains less than 23 mg of sodium (1 mmol) per capsule; hence, it is essentially “sodium-free.”
3. How to take Fingolimod Tarbis
Treatment with Fingolimod will be supervised by a physician experienced in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
Follow exactly the dosing instructions for this medicine as provided by your doctor. If you have any doubts, consult your doctor again.
Recommended dose:
Adults:
The dose is one 0.5 mg capsule per day.
Children and adolescents (aged 10 years and older):
The dose depends on body weight:
- Children and adolescents with body weight ≤ 40 kg: one 0.25 mg capsule per day.
Fingolimod Tarbis 0.5 mg hard capsules are not suitable for pediatric patients weighing ≤ 40 kg. Other medications containing fingolimod are available at lower doses (such as 0.25 mg capsules).
- Children and adolescents with body weight > 40 kg: one 0.5 mg capsule per day.
For children and adolescents who started treatment with a 0.25 mg capsule per day using another fingolimod-containing medicine available at lower strength, and who later reach a stable body weight above 40 kg, the physician will instruct them to switch to one 0.5 mg capsule per day. In this case, repeating the first-dose observation period is recommended.
Do not exceed the recommended dose.
This medicine is for oral use.
Take this medicine once daily with a glass of water. The capsules must always be swallowed whole and must not be opened. You may take Fingolimod with or without food.
Taking Fingolimod at the same time each day will help you remember when to take the medicine.
If you have any doubts about the duration of treatment with this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
If you take more Fingolimod Tarbis than you should
If you have taken more Fingolimod than you should, inform your doctor immediately.
In case of overdose or accidental ingestion, contact your doctor or pharmacist, or call the Toxicology Information Service at telephone number: 91 562 04 20, indicating the medicine and the amount ingested.
If you forget to take Fingolimod Tarbis
If you have been taking Fingolimod for less than 1 month and miss a dose for an entire day, speak with your doctor before taking the next dose. Your doctor may decide to keep you under observation when you take the next dose.
If you have been taking Fingolimod for at least 1 month and have missed your treatment for more than 2 weeks, speak with your doctor before taking the next dose. Your doctor may decide to keep you under observation when you take the next dose. However, if you have missed your treatment for up to 2 weeks, you may take the next dose as originally scheduled.
Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
If you stop taking Fingolimod Tarbis
Do not stop taking Fingolimod or change the dose without first discussing it with your doctor.
Fingolimod will remain in your body for up to two months after stopping treatment. The number of white blood cells in the blood (lymphocyte count) may remain low during this period, and adverse effects described in this leaflet may still occur. After stopping Fingolimod treatment, you may need to wait 6–8 weeks before starting a new treatment for MS.
If you need to restart Fingolimod treatment after a break of more than two weeks, the effect on heart rate that may occur at the beginning of treatment could reappear, and you will need to be monitored by a healthcare professional when restarting treatment. Do not restart Fingolimod treatment after having stopped it for more than two weeks without first consulting your doctor.
Your doctor will decide whether follow-up is needed after stopping Fingolimod treatment and how it should be conducted. Inform your doctor immediately if you think your MS is worsening after stopping Fingolimod treatment, as this could be serious.
If you have any further questions about the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4. Possible adverse effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause adverse effects, although not everyone will experience them.
Some adverse effects may be serious or potentially serious
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
- Cough with phlegm (sputum), chest discomfort, fever (signs of pulmonary disorders)
- Herpes virus infection (shingles or herpes zoster) with symptoms such as blisters, stinging, itching, or skin pain, especially on the upper body or face. Other symptoms may include fever and weakness in the early phase of infection, followed by numbness, itching, or red patches with severe pain
- Slow heartbeat (bradycardia), irregular heart rhythm
- A type of skin cancer known as basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which often appears as a pearly nodule, although it may also have other forms
- It is known that people with multiple sclerosis have higher rates of depression and anxiety; these have also been reported in pediatric patients treated with fingolimod
- Weight loss
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
- Pneumonia, with symptoms such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing
- Macular edema (swelling in the central vision area of the retina at the back of the eye), with symptoms such as shadows or a blind spot or loss of vision in the center of the visual field, blurred vision, problems seeing colors or details
- Decrease in the number of blood platelets, increasing the risk of bleeding or bruising
- Malignant melanoma (a type of skin cancer that usually develops from an unusual mole). Possible signs of melanoma include moles that change over time in size, shape, thickness, or color, or the development of new moles. Moles may itch, bleed, or ulcerate
- Seizures, fits (more frequent in children and adolescents than in adults)
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):
- A condition called reversible posterior encephalopathy syndrome (RPES). Symptoms may include sudden and severe headache, confusion, seizures, and/or visual disturbances
- Lymphoma (a type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system)
- Squamous cell carcinoma: a type of skin cancer that may appear as a firm, red nodule, a scabby sore, or a new sore developing on an existing scar
Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people):
- Abnormality in the electrocardiogram (T-wave inversion)
- Tumor associated with human herpesvirus 8 infection (Kaposi’s sarcoma)
Frequency not known (cannot be estimated from available data):
- Allergic reactions, including rash or hives with itching, swelling of lips, tongue, or face, which are more likely to occur on the day treatment with Fingolimod is started
- Signs of liver disease (including liver failure), such as yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), nausea or vomiting, pain on the right side of the stomach (abdomen), dark (brown-colored) urine, loss of appetite, fatigue, and abnormal liver function test results. In a small number of cases, liver failure could require a liver transplant
- Risk of a rare brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Symptoms of PML may be similar to those of an MS relapse. Other symptoms may go unnoticed by the patient, such as changes in mood or behavior, memory loss, or difficulties with speech and communication, which your doctor may need to investigate further to rule out PML. Therefore, if you think your MS is worsening, or if you or people close to you notice any new or unusual symptoms, it is very important to inform your doctor as soon as possible
- Cryptococcal infections (a type of fungal infection), including cryptococcal meningitis with symptoms such as headache accompanied by neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, nausea, and/or confusion
- Merkel cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer). Possible signs of Merkel cell carcinoma include the formation of a painless flesh-colored or bluish-red nodule, usually on the face, head, or neck. Merkel cell carcinoma may also appear as a firm, painless nodule or mass. Long-term sun exposure and a weakened immune system may influence the risk of developing Merkel cell carcinoma
- After stopping treatment with Fingolimod, MS symptoms may return and may be worse than before or during treatment
- Autoimmune form of anemia (decrease in red blood cells) in which red blood cells are destroyed (autoimmune hemolytic anemia)
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
Other adverse effects
Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people):
- Influenza virus infection with symptoms such as fatigue, chills, sore throat, joint or muscle pain, fever
- Feeling of pressure or pain in the cheeks and forehead (sinusitis)
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Back pain
- Blood tests showing abnormal liver enzyme levels
- Cough
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
- Pityriasis versicolor (fungal skin infection)
- Dizziness
- Severe headache, usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light (migraine)
- Low levels of white blood cells (lymphocytes, leukocytes)
- Weakness
- Itchy rash, redness and burning of the skin (eczema)
- Itching
- Increased blood levels of certain lipids (triglycerides)
- Hair loss
- Difficulty breathing
- Depression
- Blurred vision (see also the section on macular edema under the heading "Some adverse effects may be serious or potentially serious")
- Hypertension (Fingolimod may cause a slight increase in blood pressure)
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
- Low levels of certain white blood cells (neutrophils)
- Depressed mood
- Nausea
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):
- Cancer of the lymphatic system (lymphoma)
Frequency not known (cannot be estimated from available data):
- Peripheral inflammation
If you consider any of the adverse effects you experience to be severe, inform your doctor.
Reporting of adverse effects
If you experience any adverse effect, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse, even if it is a possible adverse effect not listed in this leaflet. You can also report them directly via the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System for Human Medicines: www.notificaRAM.es. By reporting adverse effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5. Storage of Fingolimod Tarbis
Keep this medicine out of sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the packaging and on the aluminium blister after CAD/EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month indicated.
Store below 30°C.
Do not use any pack that is damaged or shows signs of tampering.
Medicines must not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Return unused medicines and their packaging to the SIGRE Point at your pharmacy. If you are unsure, ask your pharmacist how to properly dispose of unused medicines and their packaging. This will help protect the environment.
6. Contents of the pack and other information
Composition of Fingolimod Tarbis
The active substance is fingolimod. Each hard capsule contains 0.5 mg of fingolimod (as hydrochloride).
The other components are:
Capsule contents: powdered cellulose (E460), titanium dioxide (E171), magnesium stearate (E470b).
Capsule shell: gelatin (E441), yellow iron oxide (E172), titanium dioxide (E171), sodium lauryl sulfate (E487).
Black printing ink: shellac (E904), propylene glycol (E1520), black iron oxide (E172), potassium hydroxide (E527).
Blue printing ink: shellac (E904), propylene glycol (E1520), indigo carmine (E132).
Nature of the product and pack sizes
Fingolimod Tarbis 0.5 mg hard capsules have a bright yellow cap and an opaque white body. The cap bears a black imprint "H" and the body bears "F7" in blue ink.
Fingolimod Tarbis 0.5 mg hard capsules are available in packs containing 7, 28 or 98 capsules, or in perforated unit dose blisters containing 7x1 hard capsules, in multiple packs containing 84 capsules (3 packs of 28 capsules).
In your country, only some pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorization Holder
Tarbis Farma S.L.
Gran Vía Carlos III, 94
08028 Barcelona
Spain
Manufacturer
Pharmadox Healthcare Ltd.
KW20A Kordin Industrial Park
Paola, PLA 3000
Malta
Amarox Pharma B.V.
Rouboslaan 32
Voorschoten, 2252TR
The Netherlands
This medicinal product is authorized in the Member States of the European Economic Area under the following names:
Germany: Fingolimod Amarox 0,5 mg Hartkapseln
Netherlands: Fingolimod Amarox 0,5 mg harde capsules
Spain: Fingolimod Tarbis 0,5 mg cápsulas duras EFG
Sweden: Fingolimod Amarox 0,5 hårda kapslar
Date of the most recent revision of this leaflet: July 2021.
Detailed and up-to-date information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) http://www.aemps.gob.es/