Product introduction
Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule belongs to immunomodulator group of medicines. It is used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule can be taken with or without food. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. This medicine should be taken at the same time each day to get the maximum benefit. You should keep taking this medicine for as long as your doctor recommends. If you stop treatment too early your symptoms may come back and your condition may worsen.
The common side effects of this medicine include flu, diarrhea, back pain and cough. These are usually mild, but let your doctor know if they bother you or last more than a few days. Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure and ECG before treatment or after 6 hours of first dose intake. You are also suggested to go for regular blood tests as medicine can cause the lowering of white blood cells.
Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have had a heart attack or if you have a severe liver problem. You should also let your healthcare team know all other medicines you are taking as they may affect, or be affected by, this medicine. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor before using it. Your doctor will monitor your liver function regularly with the help of blood tests during treatment.
Uses of Gilenya Capsule
Benefits of Gilenya Capsule
In Treatment of Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a long-term condition where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord, leading to problems with movement, vision, balance, and coordination. Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule helps reduce the frequency of relapses and slows the worsening of disability, allowing people with MS to maintain daily functioning and quality of life for longer.
Side effects of Gilenya Capsule
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Gilenya
- Diarrhea
- Back pain
- Flu
- Increased transaminase level in blood
- Cough
- Headache
- Increased liver enzymes
- Sinus inflammation
- Stomach pain
- Pain in extremity
How to use Gilenya Capsule
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule may be taken with or without food.
How Gilenya Capsule works
Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule is a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator. In multiple sclerosis, the immune cells (lymphocytes) attack the nervous system and deteriorate their functioning. This medicine works by reducing the number of lymphocytes in the body, thereby stopping them from entering the brain and affecting the central nervous system (the brain and nerves). Thus, Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule treats the condition and also prevents any recurrence of the disease.
Safety advice
Alcohol
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
The safety of Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule during pregnancy has not been established. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women, and animal data on reproductive toxicity are insufficient. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing.
Breast feeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule may be safe to use during breastfeeding. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
Driving
SAFE
Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule does not usually affect your ability to drive.
Kidney
CAUTION
Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Dose adjustment may be needed.
For patients with mild and moderate kidney disease, Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule must be taken with proper consultation with the doctor.
For patients with mild and moderate kidney disease, Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule must be taken with proper consultation with the doctor.
Liver
CAUTION
Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule should be used with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Dose adjustment may be needed.
Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule is probably safe for patients with mild and moderate liver disease. However, proper consultation is advised before the initiation of the treatment.
Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule is probably safe for patients with mild and moderate liver disease. However, proper consultation is advised before the initiation of the treatment.
What if you forget to take Gilenya Capsule?
If you miss a dose of Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
All substitutes
For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule
₹5.23/Capsule
Fingomod Capsule
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
₹76.86/capsule
1370% costlier
Quick tips
- Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule can be taken with or without food or as directed by your doctor.
- You may be monitored with ECG and blood pressure before treatment and after 6 hours of dose intake.
- It makes your skin sensitive towards sunlight. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing while going out.
- Inform your doctor if you experience a change in vision, sensitivity to light and blurriness.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Do not stop taking medicine without talking to your doctor first.
- Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule can be taken with or without food or as directed by your doctor.
- You may be monitored with ECG and blood pressure before treatment and after 6 hours of dose intake.
- It makes your skin sensitive towards sunlight. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing while going out.
- Inform your doctor if you experience a change in vision, sensitivity to light and blurriness.
- Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Do not stop taking medicine without talking to your doctor first.
Fact Box
Chemical Class
Aralkylamines
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
ANTI NEOPLASTICS
Action Class
Oral Immunomodulators (Multiple Sclerosis)
Interaction with drugs
Taking Gilenya with any of the following medicines can modify the effect of either of them and cause some undesirable side effects
Careful consideration is advised when taking Fingolimod with Erythromycin. Watch out for symptoms such as back pain, diarrhea, headache, increased thirst, confusion or dizziness an
Careful consideration is advised when taking Fingolimod with Erythromycin. Watch out for symptoms such as back pain, diarrhea, headache, increased thirst, confusion or dizziness an
Careful consideration is advised when taking Fingolimod with Crizotinib. Watch out for symptoms such as back pain, diarrhea, headache, increased thirst, confusion or dizziness and
Careful consideration is advised when taking Fingolimod with Erythromycin. Watch out for symptoms such as back pain, diarrhea, headache, increased thirst, confusion or dizziness an
Careful consideration is advised when taking Fingolimod with Erythromycin. Watch out for symptoms such as back pain, diarrhea, headache, increased thirst, confusion or dizziness an
Patient concerns
FAQs
What is Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule used for?
Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule treats relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults and children 10 years and older, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing‑remitting MS, and active secondary progressive MS.
Why is the first dose of Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule monitored in a clinic/hospital setting?
The first dose of Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule can slow the heart and cause abnormal heart rhythms. Therefore, pulse, blood pressure, and an ECG are checked for at least 6 hours, with longer or overnight monitoring if heart rate stays low, an AV block appears, symptoms occur, etc.
Who must not take Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule?
People should not take Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule if there has been a recent heart attack, stroke/TIA, unstable angina, or decompensated/advanced heart failure. It should also not be used if there are certain heart rhythm problems without a pacemaker (if baseline QTc is 500 ms), if taking antiarrhythmic medicines (Class Ia or III), or if there is a known allergy to fingolimod.
What infections are a concern with Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule?
Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule lowers certain white blood cells and can raise infection risk, including serious infections like shingles, herpes encephalitis, opportunistic infections (e.g., cryptococcal meningitis, atypical mycobacteria), and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Report any infection symptoms during treatment and for 2 months after stopping Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule treatment.
Do vaccines work normally while on Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule?
Vaccine response can be weaker, and live vaccines should be avoided during Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule treatment and for 2 months after stopping. Patients without chickenpox immunity should receive varicella vaccination before starting this medicine and wait about 1 month before the first dose.
Can Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule affect vision?
Yes, Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule may cause macular edema (swelling in the central part of the retina), usually within the first 3 to 4 months of treatment. Regular eye check-ups are recommended—before starting the medicine, at 3 to 4 months, and then periodically. You should also get your eyes checked right away if you notice any changes in vision, especially if you have diabetes or a history of uveitis (eye inflammation).
What liver warnings should be known during Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule use?
Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule can cause serious liver injury, sometimes early or after long use. Liver enzymes and bilirubin are checked before starting, during treatment, and for 2 months after stopping this medicine. Any symptoms like jaundice or dark urine require urgent testing.
Are there cancer risks with Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule?
Increased risk of skin cancers (basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, Merkel cell carcinoma) and lymphomas has been reported with Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule use. Periodic skin exams are recommended, limit UV/sun exposure, use high‑SPF sunscreen, and promptly evaluate and report any suspicious skin lesions to your doctor.
What monitoring should be expected before and during Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule treatment?
Before starting Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule treatment, your doctor may monitor ECG, recent CBC, liver tests, eye exam, VZV antibody status, skin exam, and review of other immunosuppressants. Similarly, during Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule treatment, your doctor may monitor blood pressure checks, infection vigilance, periodic liver tests, eye exams, and continued caution for 2 months after stopping due to lingering effects of this medicine.
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Disclaimer:
Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.References
- Fingolimod [FDA Label]. Stein, Switzerland: Novartis Pharma Stein AG; 2001 [revised Jan. 2019]. [Accessed 21 Jan. 2020] (online) Available from:
- Fingolimod. Prescribing Information. East Hanover, New Jersey: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; 2025. [Accessed 14 Oct. 2025] (online) Available from:
Marketer details
Name: Novartis India Ltd
Address: Sandoz House, Shiv Sagar Estate, Worli Mumbai -400 018, India
Country of origin: India
Expires on or after: April, 2026
A licensed vendor partner from your nearest location will deliver Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule. Once the pharmacy accepts your order, the details of the pharmacy will be shared with you. Acceptance of your order is based on the validity of your doctor's ℞ and the availability of this medicine.
Phone Number: 0124-4166666
Address: 5th Floor Tower - B of the Presidency Building, 46/4 Mehrauli Gurgaon Road, Sector 14, Gurugram, Haryana-122001, India
Expires on or after: April, 2026
A licensed vendor partner from your nearest location will deliver Gilenya 0.5mg Capsule. Once the pharmacy accepts your order, the details of the pharmacy will be shared with you. Acceptance of your order is based on the validity of your doctor's ℞ and the availability of this medicine.
In case of any issues, contact us
Email ID: [email protected]Phone Number: 0124-4166666
Address: 5th Floor Tower - B of the Presidency Building, 46/4 Mehrauli Gurgaon Road, Sector 14, Gurugram, Haryana-122001, India
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MRP₹56.77 8% OFF
₹52.3
Inclusive of all taxes
10.0 capsules in 1 strip
The price displayed is the MRP (inclusive of applicable taxes). Any additional fee (such as shipping fee, handling and/or platform fee etc.) will be clearly disclosed before you complete your purchase.
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