Mayzent Starter Pack 12s

Manufacturer NOVARTIS Active Ingredient Siponimod(si PON i mod) Pronunciation si PON i mod
It is used to treat MS (multiple sclerosis).
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Drug Class
Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug (DMARD)
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Pharmacologic Class
Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator
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Pregnancy Category
Not available
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FDA Approved
Mar 2019
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DEA Schedule
Not Controlled

Overview

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What is this medicine?

Siponimod (Mayzent) is a medication used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). It works by reducing the number of certain immune cells (lymphocytes) in your blood, which helps to decrease inflammation and damage to nerves in your brain and spinal cord. This can help slow down the progression of MS and reduce flare-ups.
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How to Use This Medicine

Taking Your Medication

To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. You can take this medication with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole - do not chew, break, or crush it. Continue taking this medication as directed by your doctor or healthcare provider, even if you start feeling well.

Storing and Disposing of Your Medication

Store unopened containers in the refrigerator or at room temperature, but do not freeze. Once opened, keep the container at room temperature in a dry place, away from the bathroom. If stored at room temperature, discard any unused portion after 3 months. Note that once the medication has been stored at room temperature, it should not be returned to the refrigerator.

Missing a Dose

When you first start taking this medication, your dose will be gradually increased. If you miss a dose during this initial period, contact your doctor for guidance. If you miss a dose after you've reached your regular dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then, return to your usual schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses. If you miss four doses, consult your doctor for further instructions.
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Lifestyle & Tips

  • Take exactly as prescribed, usually once daily, with or without food.
  • Do not stop taking siponimod without talking to your doctor, as stopping can lead to a severe worsening of MS.
  • Avoid live vaccines during treatment and for 4 weeks after stopping siponimod.
  • Women of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 10 days after the last dose.
  • Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor immediately.
  • Regularly monitor blood pressure at home if advised by your doctor.

Dosing & Administration

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Adult Dosing

Standard Dose: Initial titration: Day 1-2: 0.25 mg once daily; Day 3-4: 0.5 mg once daily; Day 5-6: 0.75 mg once daily; Day 7: 1.25 mg once daily. Maintenance dose depends on CYP2C9 genotype. For CYP2C9 *1/*1, *1/*2, *2/*2 genotypes: 2 mg once daily. For CYP2C9 *1/*3, *2/*3 genotypes: 1 mg once daily. For CYP2C9 *3/*3 genotype: Contraindicated.
Dose Range: 0.25 - 2 mg

Condition-Specific Dosing:

Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Oral, once daily, with or without food. Requires CYP2C9 genotyping prior to initiation.
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Pediatric Dosing

Neonatal: Not established
Infant: Not established
Child: Not established
Adolescent: Not established
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Dose Adjustments

Renal Impairment:

Mild: No dose adjustment needed
Moderate: No dose adjustment needed
Severe: No dose adjustment needed
Dialysis: No dose adjustment needed; siponimod is highly protein bound and unlikely to be removed by dialysis.

Hepatic Impairment:

Mild: No dose adjustment needed (Child-Pugh A)
Moderate: Not recommended (Child-Pugh B)
Severe: Contraindicated (Child-Pugh C)

Pharmacology

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Mechanism of Action

Siponimod is a sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator. It binds with high affinity to S1P receptors 1 and 5 (S1P1 and S1P5). By binding to S1P1 receptors on lymphocytes, siponimod prevents the egress of lymphocytes from lymph nodes, thereby reducing the number of lymphocytes in peripheral blood. This reduction in circulating lymphocytes is thought to reduce the migration of these cells into the central nervous system (CNS), where they contribute to inflammation and nerve damage in multiple sclerosis.
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Pharmacokinetics

Absorption:

Bioavailability: 49%
Tmax: 4 hours
FoodEffect: No clinically significant effect of food on exposure.

Distribution:

Vd: 160 L
ProteinBinding: >99.9%
CnssPenetration: Yes

Elimination:

HalfLife: 30 hours
Clearance: Not available
ExcretionRoute: Feces (89%), Urine (5%)
Unchanged: Not available
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Pharmacodynamics

OnsetOfAction: Lymphocyte count reduction typically begins within hours of the first dose.
PeakEffect: Maximum reduction in lymphocyte count (approximately 70-80% from baseline) is typically observed within 2-4 weeks.
DurationOfAction: Lymphocyte counts return to baseline within 10 days after discontinuation.

Safety & Warnings

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Side Effects

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Immediately

Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention right away:

Allergic Reaction: Rash, hives, itching, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Infection: Fever, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased or changed sputum production, painful urination, mouth sores, or a wound that won't heal.
Meningitis: Headache with fever, stiff neck, upset stomach, confusion, or sensitivity to light.
Shingles: Pain, itching, or tingling; fever; muscle aches; or a rash with or without blisters.
Liver Problems: Dark urine, fatigue, decreased appetite, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, vomiting, or yellow skin or eyes.
Skin Cancer: New wart, lump, or skin growth; a sore that bleeds or doesn't heal; a shiny, white, pink, red, or skin-colored bump that bleeds or doesn't heal; or a change in the color or size of a mole.
High Blood Pressure: Severe headache or dizziness, fainting, or changes in vision.
Respiratory Issues: Shortness of breath or worsening breathing difficulties.
Swelling: Swelling in the arms or legs.
Heart Problems: Slow or abnormal heartbeat, especially after the first dose. People with certain heart conditions will require close monitoring after the first dose.
Confusion or Dizziness: If you feel confused or experience dizziness, slow or abnormal heartbeat, fatigue, or chest pain, contact your doctor immediately.

Additional Warnings:

Macular Edema: An eye problem that can cause lasting vision loss, especially in people with diabetes or a history of uveitis. If you experience light sensitivity, abnormal colors, blurriness, shadows, or a blind spot in your vision, contact your doctor right away.
Blood Vessel Problems: Rarely, this medication can cause strokes, blood clots in the lungs, or heart attacks. Seek medical help immediately if you experience chest, arm, back, neck, or jaw pain or pressure; coughing up blood; numbness or weakness on one side of your body; trouble speaking or thinking; changes in balance or vision; shortness of breath; or swelling, warmth, or pain in the leg or arm.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES): A rare and potentially life-threatening brain problem. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience confusion, decreased alertness, changes in vision, loss of vision, seizures, or severe headache.
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML): A severe brain problem that can cause disability or be life-threatening. If you experience confusion, memory problems, depression, changes in behavior, uneven strength, trouble speaking or thinking, changes in balance or vision, contact your doctor right away.

Common Side Effects:

Dizziness or headache
Upset stomach
Diarrhea
* Pain in arms or legs

If these side effects bother you or don't go away, contact your doctor. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns, discuss them with your doctor.

Reporting Side Effects:

You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:

  • Slow heart rate, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting (especially during the first few days of treatment)
  • Signs of infection (fever, chills, body aches, flu-like symptoms, unusual tiredness)
  • Vision changes, blurred vision, shadows in central vision, or blind spots (signs of macular edema)
  • Signs of liver problems (unexplained nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dark urine, yellowing of skin or eyes)
  • New or worsening neurological symptoms (weakness, numbness, changes in thinking, speech, or balance) which could indicate PML
  • Sudden severe headache, confusion, seizures, or visual disturbances (signs of PRES)
  • Shortness of breath, cough, or new or worsening respiratory problems
  • New skin lesions or changes in existing moles (increased risk of skin cancer)
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Before Using This Medicine

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following conditions to ensure safe treatment:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
Your CYP2C9 gene type, specifically if you have the CYP2C93/3 gene variant. If you are unsure about your gene type, discuss this with your doctor, as testing may be required before starting the medication.
A history of certain heart conditions, including:
+ Abnormal heart rhythms (heart block, sick sinus syndrome, slow heartbeat, or long QT interval on an electrocardiogram)
+ Chest pain (angina)
+ Heart attack
+ Heart failure
+ Brain blood vessel disease (such as transient ischemic attack or stroke)
+ High blood pressure
+ Sleep apnea
The presence of an active infection
Recent vaccination with the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine within the past month
Recent administration of a live vaccine
Current light therapy treatment; consult your doctor to discuss potential interactions
Previous treatment with alemtuzumab, beta interferon, or glatiramer
Concurrent use of certain medications, including:
+ Carbamazepine
+ Efavirenz
+ Fluconazole
+ Modafinil
+ Rifampin
Use of medications that can cause a slow heartbeat, prolong the QT interval, or suppress the immune system. There are many medications with these effects; consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.

To ensure your safety, it is crucial to provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of:

All prescription and over-the-counter medications
Natural products
Vitamins
Health problems

Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor to verify the safety of combining this medication with your other treatments and health conditions.
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Precautions & Cautions

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Your doctor will require you to undergo regular blood tests and heart function checks. Additionally, you will need to have periodic eye and skin exams as directed by your doctor.

Monitoring your blood pressure is crucial while taking this drug, as it may cause high blood pressure. Your doctor will advise you on how often to have your blood pressure checked.

In some cases, your doctor may order an MRI scan before starting this medication. If you have not had chickenpox or received the chickenpox vaccine, discuss this with your doctor.

While taking this drug and for 3 to 4 weeks after your last dose, you may be more susceptible to infections, some of which can be severe or life-threatening. To minimize this risk, practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently and avoid close contact with people who have infections, colds, or flu.

Before receiving any vaccines while taking this medication and for at least 4 weeks after stopping it, consult with your doctor. The use of this drug may increase the risk of infection or reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine.

If you stop taking this medication, your multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms may return and could be more severe than before or during treatment. If you experience worsening MS symptoms after stopping the drug, contact your doctor immediately. Do not discontinue taking this medication without first consulting the doctor who prescribed it for you.

There is an increased risk of skin cancer associated with this type of medication. To reduce this risk, limit your exposure to sunlight, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF and wear protective clothing when outdoors.

A rare type of testicular cancer has been reported in patients taking this drug. If you have concerns, discuss them with your doctor.

This medication may harm an unborn baby if taken during pregnancy. If you may become pregnant, use effective birth control while taking this drug and for 10 days after your last dose. If you become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately.

If you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor, as you will need to discuss the potential risks to your baby.
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Overdose Information

Overdose Symptoms:

  • Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
  • AV block
  • Hypotension
  • Respiratory depression

What to Do:

Contact a poison control center or emergency medical services immediately. In the US, call 1-800-222-1222. Management is supportive, including cardiac monitoring and atropine if needed for bradycardia.

Drug Interactions

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Contraindicated Interactions

  • Strong CYP2C9 and moderate/strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital)
  • CYP2C9 *3/*3 genotype
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Major Interactions

  • Strong CYP2C9 inhibitors (e.g., fluconazole, amiodarone, miconazole)
  • Moderate/strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir)
  • Antiarrhythmics (Class IA and III, e.g., quinidine, procainamide, amiodarone, sotalol)
  • Beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol)
  • Calcium channel blockers that slow heart rate (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil)
  • Other immunosuppressants (e.g., natalizumab, alemtuzumab, ocrelizumab, interferon beta, glatiramer acetate, mitoxantrone, teriflunomide, dimethyl fumarate, corticosteroids)
  • Live attenuated vaccines
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Moderate Interactions

  • CYP2C9 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital) - dose adjustment may be needed for CYP2C9 *1/*1, *1/*2, *2/*2 genotypes
  • CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., efavirenz, etravirine, modafinil)
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Minor Interactions

  • Not specifically listed as minor, but caution with any drug affecting heart rate or immune system.

Monitoring

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Baseline Monitoring

CYP2C9 Genotype

Rationale: To determine appropriate starting and maintenance dose, and to identify patients for whom siponimod is contraindicated (*3/*3 genotype).

Timing: Prior to initiation

Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential

Rationale: To establish baseline lymphocyte count and monitor for lymphopenia.

Timing: Within 6 months prior to initiation

Liver Function Tests (LFTs) - AST, ALT, bilirubin

Rationale: To establish baseline liver function and monitor for drug-induced liver injury.

Timing: Within 6 months prior to initiation

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Rationale: To assess for pre-existing cardiac abnormalities (e.g., bradycardia, AV block, prolonged QT interval) and guide first-dose monitoring.

Timing: Prior to initiation

Ophthalmologic evaluation (macular edema)

Rationale: To establish baseline and monitor for macular edema.

Timing: Prior to initiation

Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) antibody titer

Rationale: To determine immune status; vaccination recommended for seronegative patients prior to initiation.

Timing: Prior to initiation

Blood Pressure

Rationale: To establish baseline and monitor for hypertension.

Timing: Prior to initiation

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Routine Monitoring

Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential

Frequency: 4 weeks after initiation, then periodically as clinically indicated

Target: Lymphocyte count > 0.2 x 10^9/L

Action Threshold: If lymphocyte count < 0.2 x 10^9/L, interrupt treatment until count is > 0.2 x 10^9/L.

Liver Function Tests (LFTs) - AST, ALT, bilirubin

Frequency: Periodically as clinically indicated

Target: Within normal limits

Action Threshold: If LFTs are significantly elevated (e.g., >3-5x ULN), interrupt or discontinue treatment.

Blood Pressure

Frequency: Periodically as clinically indicated

Target: Within normal limits

Action Threshold: If sustained hypertension develops, manage appropriately.

Ophthalmologic evaluation (macular edema)

Frequency: Within 3-4 months of initiation, and then annually, or if visual symptoms occur.

Target: No macular edema

Action Threshold: If macular edema occurs, discontinue siponimod.

Skin examination

Frequency: Regularly

Target: No new or suspicious skin lesions

Action Threshold: Monitor for skin lesions, including melanoma and other skin cancers.

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Symptom Monitoring

  • Signs/symptoms of infection (fever, chills, body aches, fatigue)
  • Bradycardia or symptoms of bradycardia (dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope)
  • Symptoms of macular edema (blurred vision, shadows, central vision loss)
  • Symptoms of liver injury (unexplained nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, anorexia, dark urine, jaundice)
  • Symptoms of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) (sudden severe headache, confusion, seizures, visual disturbances)
  • Symptoms of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) (new or worsening neurological symptoms, cognitive or behavioral changes)
  • Symptoms of respiratory issues (dyspnea, cough)

Special Patient Groups

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Pregnancy

Contraindicated in pregnancy. Based on animal studies, siponimod can cause fetal harm. A negative pregnancy test is required before initiation, and effective contraception must be used during treatment and for at least 10 days after the last dose.

Trimester-Specific Risks:

First Trimester: High risk of teratogenicity based on animal data (e.g., skeletal and visceral malformations).
Second Trimester: Potential for adverse fetal effects, including growth restriction and organ system development.
Third Trimester: Potential for adverse fetal effects, including growth restriction and organ system development.
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Lactation

Contraindicated during breastfeeding. Siponimod is excreted in animal milk, and due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants, breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for 10 days after the last dose.

Infant Risk: High risk of serious adverse effects due to immunosuppression and other pharmacological effects.
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Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients. Use is not recommended.

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Geriatric Use

Use with caution in patients 65 years of age and older due to increased risk of adverse reactions, particularly infections. Dose adjustment is not generally needed based on age alone, but individual patient factors should be considered.

Clinical Information

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Clinical Pearls

  • CYP2C9 genotyping is mandatory before initiating siponimod to determine the appropriate dose and identify patients for whom it is contraindicated (CYP2C9 *3/*3 genotype).
  • The starter pack is crucial for gradual dose escalation to mitigate the risk of first-dose bradycardia and AV block. First-dose cardiac monitoring is required for certain patients.
  • Patients must be vaccinated against VZV if seronegative prior to initiation, and live attenuated vaccines should be avoided during and for 4 weeks after treatment.
  • Siponimod has a long half-life; its effects on lymphocyte counts and potential for adverse events can persist for up to 10 days after discontinuation.
  • Educate patients thoroughly on the importance of contraception and the risks of pregnancy.
  • Monitor for signs of infection, macular edema, and liver injury throughout treatment.
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Alternative Therapies

  • Fingolimod (Gilenya)
  • Ozanimod (Zeposia)
  • Ponesimod (Ponvory)
  • Natalizumab (Tysabri)
  • Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus)
  • Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada)
  • Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera)
  • Teriflunomide (Aubagio)
  • Glatiramer acetate (Copaxone)
  • Interferon beta preparations (e.g., Avonex, Betaseron, Rebif)
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Cost & Coverage

Average Cost: Highly variable, typically >$8,000 per 30 tablets
Insurance Coverage: Specialty Tier (requires prior authorization)
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General Drug Facts

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. This medication is accompanied by a Medication Guide, which provides crucial information for patients. Please read this guide carefully and review it again whenever you receive a refill of this medication. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, we encourage you to discuss them with your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the quantity, and the time it occurred.