Mayzent Starter Pack 12s
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
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.
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.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
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.
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)
Before Using This Medicine
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.
Precautions & Cautions
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.
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
Contraindicated Interactions
- Strong CYP2C9 and moderate/strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital)
- CYP2C9 *3/*3 genotype
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
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)
Minor Interactions
- Not specifically listed as minor, but caution with any drug affecting heart rate or immune system.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To determine appropriate starting and maintenance dose, and to identify patients for whom siponimod is contraindicated (*3/*3 genotype).
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: To establish baseline lymphocyte count and monitor for lymphopenia.
Timing: Within 6 months prior to initiation
Rationale: To establish baseline liver function and monitor for drug-induced liver injury.
Timing: Within 6 months prior to initiation
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
Rationale: To establish baseline and monitor for macular edema.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: To determine immune status; vaccination recommended for seronegative patients prior to initiation.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: To establish baseline and monitor for hypertension.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Routine Monitoring
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.
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.
Frequency: Periodically as clinically indicated
Target: Within normal limits
Action Threshold: If sustained hypertension develops, manage appropriately.
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.
Frequency: Regularly
Target: No new or suspicious skin lesions
Action Threshold: Monitor for skin lesions, including melanoma and other skin cancers.
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
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:
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.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients. Use is not recommended.
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
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.
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)