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Can Gilenya cause weight gain?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on June 2, 2022.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Although weight gain is not reported as a side effect of Gilenya in the product information, blog posts suggest weight gain can be common with Gilenya, with some people reporting weight increases of 15 to 30 pounds.

If you notice excessive weight gain while taking Gilenya, talk with your doctor.

Weight gain can also be a common side effect of multiple sclerosis (MS), rather than due to MS treatments, because MS symptoms can make doing exercise difficult as can symptoms such as fatigue or being prescribed certain other medications, such as steroids.

References
  • Gilenya reviews. Ask a Patient. https://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=22527&name=GILENYA
  • Gilenya. (fingolimod hydrochloride) Updated 05/2022. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation https://www.drugs.com/pro/gilenya.html

Read next

Gilenya and Tecfidera are both disease-modifying oral medications approved for the treatment of MS. Both are equally effective although Tecfidera is more likely than Gilenya to be discontinued within 24 months. Gilenya is approved to treat adults and children aged 10 and older and Tecfidera is only approved for adults over the age of 18. Common side effects of Gilenya include heart rhythm disturbances, diarrhea, infections, and elevations in liver enzymes and common side effects of Tecfidera include flushing, gastrointestinal disturbances, and infections. Tecfidera is slightly more expensive than Gilenya. Continue reading

In clinical studies, Gilenya (fingolimod) caused both high blood pressure (hypertension) and increases in blood pressure that were sustained with continued treatment. Tell your doctor before you start treatment if you have high blood pressure now or a history of high blood pressure. Your doctor should monitor your blood pressure while you are taking Gilenya. Continue reading

According to the National MS Society, COVID-19 vaccines are safe for people with MS taking Gilenya. If you are about to start Gilenya, then the National MS Society recommend that you should consider getting fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 weeks prior to starting Gilenya. If you are already taking Gilenya, continue taking it as your doctor has prescribed and get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. Continue reading

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