Siponimod (Mayzent) is an FDA-approved once-daily pill specifically studied for active SPMS — so it's worth knowing it has solid clinical evidence behind it for your situation specifically.
In a large clinical trial, it showed:
- A 21% reduction in the risk of disability progression
- A 55% reduction in relapse rates Show Full Answer
Siponimod (Mayzent) is an FDA-approved once-daily pill specifically studied for active SPMS — so it's worth knowing it has solid clinical evidence behind it for your situation specifically.
In a large clinical trial, it showed:
- A 21% reduction in the risk of disability progression
- A 55% reduction in relapse rates compared to placebo
That's meaningful, especially for active SPMS where inflammation is still playing a role. Before starting, there are some important steps to be aware of:
- Getting recommended vaccines beforehand (a MyMSTeam member mentioned getting Shingrix, Prevnar 20, and meningitis vaccines before starting)
- Having an ECG (heart check) done
- Getting an eye exam to check for macular degeneration
- Genetic testing to rule out a specific gene type (CYP2C9*3/*3) that makes Mayzent unsafe Some side effects to watch for include:
- Headaches and dizziness
- High blood pressure
- Increased infection risk (due to lower white blood cell counts)
- Swelling in hands, ankles, or face
One MyMSTeam member had to stop due to significantly elevated blood pressure, so staying in close contact with your neurology team early on is really important. If pregnancy is a consideration, Mayzent may harm an unborn baby, so effective birth control is needed during treatment and for 10 days after stopping.
Overall, it's a well-studied option for active SPMS — but as always, a thorough conversation with your neurologist about your specific MRI activity, relapse history, and personal preferences will help confirm it's the right fit for you.
6 days ago