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Tascenso ODT (fingolimod) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating relapsing (returning) forms of multiple sclerosis in people ages 10 years and older.
These insights are based on 194 comments about Tascenso ODT from MyMSTeam members. These are the experiences of a small number of people and are not meant to be medical advice.
Tascenso ODT is a type of medication called a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator. It works by keeping certain immune cells trapped in the lymph nodes. This lowers the number of lymph cells in the blood, reducing how many of these cells reach the brain and spinal cord, which may help reduce inflammation.
This is thought to help individuals with multiple sclerosis, but the exact way it works is not fully known.
Doctors prescribe Tascenso ODT to people ages 10 and older who have a relapsing form of multiple sclerosis, including clinically isolated syndrome, relapsing-remitting disease, or active secondary progressive disease.
Tascenso ODT is given as an orally disintegrating tablet taken by mouth, typically once daily. It can be taken with or without food and water. The tablet needs to be placed directly on the tongue and allowed to dissolve before swallowing.
The recommended dose of Tascenso ODT for multiple sclerosis is 0.5 milligrams by mouth once daily for adults and children ages 10 and older who weigh more than 40 kilograms, or 0.25 milligrams by mouth once daily for children ages 10 and older who weigh 40 kilograms or less.
If treatment is interrupted, a doctor may recommend restarting with the same dose using special first-dose procedures, depending on how long treatment was stopped and when the interruption happened. Do not stop taking Tascenso ODT without talking to your healthcare provider first.
This information is based on the prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
These insights are based on 194 comments about Tascenso ODT from MyMSTeam members.Members who use Tascenso ODT often talk about balancing convenience with monitoring, side effects, and day-to-day expectations. Many say it helps to prepare for first-dose observation, keep track of how you feel after starting, and stay in close contact with your neurology team if anything changes.
Prepare for first-dose heart monitoring.
“I start it on the 25th this month. I have to stay in my neuro’s office for six hours with an ECG before and after, with blood pressure and pulse every hour.”
Keep track of side effects after starting.
“Yet another day of feeling sluggish and fatigued, but anyway, on the 11th day of being on fingolimod, still early days of saying it taking effect.”
Talk to your doctor about new or ongoing side effects.
“My legs just don’t want to work at the moment, and I’ve been getting really bad headaches literally for the past few months. Does anybody else suffer with headaches?”
Set expectations that experiences can vary a lot.
“I was on Fingolimod for years with no problems at all.”
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In clinical trials of Tascenso ODT for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in people ages 10 years and older, the most common side effects occurred in about 10 percent to 25 percent of people. They include:
Tascenso ODT 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.
Cycle Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Tascenso ODT, offers the Cycle Vita Co-Pay Assistance Program. Eligible people with commercial insurance may pay as little as $0.
To learn more, visit the Cycle Vita Co-Pay Assistance Program or call 888-360-8482.
Before starting Tascenso ODT, your doctor will perform:
Before starting Tascenso ODT, your doctor may test you for varicella zoster virus (VZV) antibodies (chickenpox). Avoid live vaccines during treatment and for two months after stopping Tascenso ODT. Keep in mind that vaccines may work less well during treatment and for up to two months after you stop.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to fingolimod or any ingredients in Tascenso ODT. Do not take Tascenso ODT if you have had a hypersensitivity reaction to fingolimod or any ingredient in Tascenso ODT.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements.
Before starting Tascenso ODT, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you have had or now have:
You should not take Tascenso ODT if, in the last six months, you experienced a heart attack, unstable angina, stroke or mini-stroke (transient ischemic attack or TIA), or certain types of heart failure. Do not take Tascenso ODT if you have arrhythmia (an irregular or abnormal heartbeat), including a heart finding called prolonged QT as seen on an ECG, or if you take medicines that change your heart rhythm.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Tascenso ODT, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits. Tascenso ODT may harm your baby if you are pregnant. If you can become pregnant, you should use effective contraception during treatment and for two months after stopping Tascenso ODT.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Tascenso ODT?
In studies, fingolimod (the medicine in Tascenso ODT) was shown to reduce relapses and new brain lesions in adults and children over 10 years of age. In one study in adults, 70 percent of people had no relapses versus 46 percent with placebo (an inactive treatment) over 24 months. In another study, 83 percent of people remained relapse-free versus 70 percent with another treatment (interferon beta-1a) over 12 months.
In one study in children ages 10 and older, 86 percent of participants remained relapse-free versus about 46 percent with interferon beta-1a over 24 months.
How long does Tascenso ODT take to work for multiple sclerosis?
It is not known exactly how quickly Tascenso ODT starts to improve symptoms for each person. In studies, doctors looked at results over 12 months and 24 months. These studies showed fewer relapses and fewer new brain lesions.
What monitoring is needed with Tascenso ODT for multiple sclerosis?
When you take your first dose of Tascenso ODT, your doctor will watch you for at least six hours. They will check your heart with an ECG before the dose and again after the monitoring period. Your pulse and blood pressure will be checked every hour.
Some people may need longer or overnight monitoring. You will also need regular checkups during treatment. These include eye exams three to four months after starting, and anytime your vision changes.
Your doctor will run blood tests to check your blood count and liver function. They will also watch for infections, check your blood pressure, and examine your skin from time to time.
Should I take Tascenso ODT for multiple sclerosis if I have an infection?
You should not start Tascenso ODT if you have a severe active infection. Your doctor will wait until the infection is gone before starting treatment. This medicine can lower certain white blood cells, which can increase your risk of infections, including serious ones.
Your doctor will watch for signs of infection during treatment and for two months 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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