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DISEASE-MODIFYING THERAPY
Ponvory (ponesimod) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.
These insights are based on 98 comments about Ponvory from MyMSTeam members. These are the experiences of a small number of people and are not meant to be medical advice.
Ponvory is a type of medication called a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1 modulator. It works by blocking a signal that helps certain white blood cells leave the lymph nodes. In multiple sclerosis, this lowers the number of these white blood cells in the blood, which may help reduce inflammation in the brain and spinal cord.
Doctors prescribe Ponvory for adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, or active secondary progressive disease.
Ponvory is a tablet that you take by mouth. It is usually taken once each day. Treatment starts with a 14-day starter schedule, where the dose starts low and is then slowly increased.
After initial dosing, you take one tablet each day as ongoing treatment.
The recommended starting dose of Ponvory for multiple sclerosis is:
For people who respond to treatment, the recommended maintenance dose is 20 milligrams by mouth once daily starting on day 15.
This information is based on prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
These insights are based on 98 comments about Ponvory from MyMSTeam members.Members who use Ponvory often say it helps to prepare for the startup process, keep an eye on side effects, and stay in touch with a neurologist or MS nurse/specialist. Several members also mentioned that the convenience of a daily pill was a big reason for choosing Ponvory. The most common issue was early stomach issues, which got better with time.
Expect a starter pack and early monitoring.
“I’ve got an eight-hour hospital appointment tomorrow when I take my first dose of Ponvory. One tablet and eight hours of monitoring me in case of any reaction.”
Keep track of side effects early on.
“The first two weeks I experienced bloating and acid. Using generic OTC antacids and Gas-X allowed me to handle the issues. After the two weeks my stomach issues disappeared.”
Get the tests your care team recommends before starting.
“I have to get all the lab work and other testing done before I can start.”
Build a daily routine around taking one pill.
“I’m quite happy with Ponvory because it’s just a tablet every day and seems to be working as far as I know.”
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In clinical studies of Ponvory for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adults, the most common side effects occurred in about 10 percent to 37 percent of people. They include:
Ponvory can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
Vanda Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Ponvory, offers the PONVORYSolutions CarePath Savings Program for Ponvory. Eligible people pay $0 per fill with an $18,000 maximum program benefit per calendar year, though the program is not valid for people using Medicare, Medicaid, or other government-funded programs to pay for Ponvory.
To learn more, visit the Ponvory cost and savings website or call 833-933-9331.
Before starting Ponvory, your doctor may perform the following tests:
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to ponesimod or any ingredients in Ponvory.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements. Using Ponvory and other medicines together may affect each other, causing serious side effects.
Before you take Ponvory, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:
Do not take Ponvory if you:
You should not receive live vaccines during treatment with Ponvory, for at least one month before taking Ponvory, and for one to two weeks after you stop taking Ponvory.
If you miss four or more doses in a row at any time, you need to restart with a new 14-day starter schedule. If you miss fewer than four doses in a row, what you do depends on where you are in treatment. During the starter phase, you should restart at the first missed dose and follow the schedule from that day.
During the maintenance phase, you can just take your usual dose again.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Ponvory, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits. Ponvory may harm your baby if you are pregnant. If you can become pregnant, use effective birth control during treatment and for one week after stopping Ponvory.
It is not known if Ponvory passes into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you take Ponvory.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Ponvory?
In a study that lasted 108 weeks, adults with relapsing multiple sclerosis took either Ponvory or another medicine called teriflunomide. People taking Ponvory had fewer relapses each year; relapses were reduced by about 30.5 percent.
About 71 percent of people taking Ponvory did not have any relapses during the study, compared with about 61 percent of those taking teriflunomide. Ponvory also reduced the number of new or growing brain lesions seen on MRI scans.
What monitoring is needed with Ponvory for multiple sclerosis?
During treatment with Ponvory, your blood pressure should be checked. Your doctor may also repeat eye exams, especially if you have vision problems or are at higher risk for eye issues. If you notice any changes in your vision, tell your doctor right away.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Ponvory for multiple sclerosis?
If you miss fewer than four doses in a row during the 14-day starter period, you usually resume with the first missed titration dose. If you miss fewer than four doses in a row during maintenance treatment, you usually resume the maintenance dose. If you miss four or more doses in a row at any point, treatment should be restarted with day 1 of the 14-day starter pack.
Should I take Ponvory for multiple sclerosis if I have an infection?
Ponvory can lower lymphocyte counts and increase the risk of serious infections. Starting treatment should be delayed if you have an active infection until it has resolved. Watch for symptoms of infection during treatment and for one to two weeks after the last dose, because it can continue to affect your immune system even after you stop taking it.
On MyMSTeam, people share their experiences with multiple sclerosis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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