The real-life experience with cardiovascular complications in the first dose of fingolimod for multiple sclerosis

Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2014 Sep;72(9):712-4. doi: 10.1590/0004-282x20140102.

Abstract

Fingolimod is a new and efficient treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). The drug administration requires special attention to the first dose, since cardiovascular adverse events can be observed during the initial six hours of fingolimod ingestion. The present study consisted of a review of cardiovascular data on 180 patients with MS receiving the first dose of fingolimod. The rate of bradycardia in these patients was higher than that observed in clinical trials with very strict inclusion criteria for patients. There were less than 10% of cases requiring special attention, but no fatal cases. All but one patient continued the treatment after this initial dose. This is the first report on real-life administration of fingolimod to Brazilian patients with MS, and one of the few studies with these characteristics in the world.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bradycardia / chemically induced
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Female
  • Fingolimod Hydrochloride
  • Heart Rate / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy*
  • Propylene Glycols / administration & dosage
  • Propylene Glycols / adverse effects*
  • Sphingosine / administration & dosage
  • Sphingosine / adverse effects
  • Sphingosine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Time Factors
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Propylene Glycols
  • Fingolimod Hydrochloride
  • Sphingosine