Tascenso ODT (Fingolimod) for Multiple Sclerosis

Overview
Tascenso ODT is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), including clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), and active secondary progressive MS (SPMS) in people 10 years and older. Tascenso ODT is also known by its drug name, fingolimod.

Scientists believe Fingolimod works by modulating the sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor, which helps prevent lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) from leaving the lymph nodes. This reduces the number of lymphocytes in the central nervous system, decreasing the inflammation and nerve damage associated with MS.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Tascenso ODT should be taken orally once daily, with or without food. The tablet should be placed directly on the tongue and allowed to dissolve before swallowing, with or without water. It is important to take Tascenso ODT exactly as prescribed by a health care provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Tascenso ODT include headache, elevated liver enzymes, diarrhea, cough, influenza, sinusitis (sinus infection), back pain, abdominal pain, and pain in the extremities.

Rare but serious side effects may include bradyarrhythmia (slow heart rate) and atrioventricular blocks, infections, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML, a rare brain infection), macular edema (swelling of the central part of the retina), liver injury, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES, a rare brain condition), respiratory effects, fetal risk, severe increase in disability after stopping the medication, tumefactive MS (a severe form of MS), increased blood pressure, and malignancies (cancers).

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Label: Tascenso ODT — Fingolimod Lauryl Sulfate Tablet, Orally Disintegrating — DailyMed

Fingolimod — MedlinePlus