Let's take a minute to talk about your medication. 

This is Gilenya. It treats relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. It may decrease relapses, slow down physical decline, and reduce new lesions on an MRI. 

Gilenya can cause a slow heart rate. With the first dose, your doctor or nurse will monitor your heart rate and vital signs for six hours. They will tell you which symptoms to report, like feeling dizzy, tired or like your heart is beating slowly or skipping beats. They will be prepared to treat any concerns.  

Gilenya is often taken once a day, at the same time each day. You can take it with or without food. You must take it exactly as your doctor tells you to. If you miss a dose, tell your doctor right away. You may need to be observed during your next dose.

Common side effects include a headache, diarrhea, a stuffy or runny nose, and pain in the back, arms or legs. These effects are normal if they are mild and should go away. 

Gilenya can increase your chance of getting infections. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of an infection, like a fever. 

As with any medicine, other serious side effects can occur. You should read the Medication Guide to know which symptoms to watch for and when to report them. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will order blood tests, and check your skin, vision and blood pressure.

You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines and before getting vaccines.

Gilenya is not safe for unborn babies. Women must talk to their doctors about which birth control to use and for how long. Also, women must check before breastfeeding.

For best results with Gilenya, work closely with your MS team.