Fingolimod for multiple sclerosis: a review for the specialist nurse

Abstract

The availability of treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS) has increased substantially over the past decade. Once-daily fingolimod 0.5 mg capsules (Gilenya, Novartis Pharma) were approved in the European Union in March 2011 as the first oral disease-modifying therapy for patients with relapsing MS. This review summarises the efficacy and safety of fingolimod, and discusses practical considerations for MS specialist nurses. Fingolimod has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS, as assessed by relapse measures, inflammatory disease activity and brain volume loss. Evaluation of its safety profile suggests a need for monitoring procedures for specific adverse events, including transient, mostly asymptomatic, reductions in heart rate, blood pressure increases, macular oedema and liver enzyme elevations. The MS nurse is likely to be involved in monitoring treatment initiation, providing support in the case of adverse events and promoting patient adherence to the prescribed treatment regimen.