GILENYA (FINGOLIMOD) MAY BE ASSOCIATED WITH MACULAR EDEMA

By Dr. Kevin -
According to this article in Optometry Times:

Fingolimod is an agent was FDA approved to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). About .5% of patients taking fingolimod developed macular edema. It is dose dependent with all macular edema patients taking 1.25mg/day.   This occurs because fingolimod increases vascular permeability.

Patients should undergo a baseline ophthalmic exam prior to initiation of fingolimod therapy, which includes a dilated fundus exam and amsler grid testing. patients should be warned to look for symptoms of macular edema. Follow-up is every 6 to 12 months.  Treatment is successful with discontinuation of the drug and typical macular edema treatments.


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