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Zeposia

Zeposia

(ozanimod)

Zeposia (Ozanimod) belongs to the class of medications called sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators. It is used to treat the relapsing-remitting form of Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS).

Available form

Dosage

Capsule

0.92MG

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Zeposia information

Dosage

Side Effects

Available Form

Contraindications

Precautions

Warnings

The starting dose of Zeposia (Ozanimod) is 0.23 mg taken by mouth once daily for the first 4 days. For the next 3 days (days 5 to 7) the daily dose is 0.46 mg. This gradual increase in dose helps to keep the heart rate from dropping too much and to prevent other side effects that can occur when starting Zeposia (Ozanimod). After the first 7 days, the daily dose is 0.92 mg daily.

The starter pack of Zeposia (Ozanimod) contains 7 capsules only. This is enough to complete the first 7 days of treatment before continuing with the maintenance dose. Capsules should be swallowed whole, with a glass of water. Do not break, crush, or chew the capsules. Zeposia (Ozanimod) may be taken with or without food.

Depending on other medical conditions, you may be asked to take the first dose of Zeposia (Ozanimod) in your doctor's office or clinic and stay at the office for at least 6 hours after the first dose. This will allow the doctor to monitor for side effects such as slowed heartbeat and treat the effects before they become an emergency.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Zeposia (Ozanimod) exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

If you have been taking Zeposia (Ozanimod) for less than 14 days and you forget to take a dose for one day or more, or if you stop taking Zeposia (Ozanimod) for more than 7 days between weeks 2 to 4 of treatment, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor may choose to monitor you for heart and blood pressure effects before you restart the medication.

If Zeposia (Ozanimod) is stopped for more than 2 weeks, contact your doctor. You will be monitored for heart and blood pressure effects again when you restart the medication. You will need to restart with the lowest available dose and gradually increase your daily dose as before.

After the first 2 weeks of treatment, if you miss a dose take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice .

Store Zeposia (Ozanimod) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Zeposia (Ozanimod). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Zeposia (Ozanimod) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Zeposia (Ozanimod). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

back pain
flu-like symptoms (e.g., tiredness, chills, sore throat, joint or muscle aches, Fever)
headache
infection of the nose, mouth, or throat

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

increased blood pressure (e.g., headache, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure)
Low Blood Pressure (e.g., dizziness or lightheadedness when rising from a sitting or lying position)
signs of Depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
signs of infection (symptoms may include fever or chills, severe Diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness)
symptoms of infection from herpes zoster (Chickenpox) (e.g., rash of fluid-filled blisters on reddened skin)
symptoms of macular edema (swelling in the central vision area of the Retin A at the back of the eye) such as shadows or blind spots in the centre of your vision, blurred vision, or problems seeing colours or details
symptoms of slow heartbeat (e.g., dizziness, fatigue, decreased blood pressure)
symptoms of a urinary tract infection (e.g., pain when urinating, urinating more often than usual, low back or flank pain)
unusual growths on the skin (e.g., shiny, raised growths or purple, red, or brown blotches)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

irregular heartbeat
signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
symptoms of Meningitis (e.g., headache with stiff neck, sensitivity to light, nausea, confusion)
symptoms of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES; e.g., include confusion, drowsiness, personality change, headache, paralysis, nausea, vomiting, vision changes)
symptoms of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) (e.g., weakness on one side, problems thinking, vision changes)
symptoms of serotonin syndrome (e.g., confusion, fast heartbeat, hallucinations, restlessness, shaking, shivering, sudden jerking of muscles, sweating)
symptoms of stroke (e.g., weakness and/or loss of sensation of limbs or face, difficulty speaking, headache, dizziness, clumsiness, or vision problems)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Zeposia (Ozanimod).

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Zeposia (Ozanimod).

Blood pressure: Zeposia (Ozanimod) may increase blood pressure and is not recommended for people who have uncontrolled high blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, discuss with your doctor how Zeposia (Ozanimod) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zeposia (Ozanimod), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Additionally, foods with a high tyramine content are known to interact with Zeposia (Ozanimod), which can cause severe increases in blood pressure. People taking Zeposia (Ozanimod) should avoid aged, fermented, cured, smoked, and pickled foods. Examples included aged cheeses, smoked or pickled fish, processed meats and sausages, and yeast extracts. In particular, avoid meat, fish, or daily products that may have undergone protein breakdown by aging, pickling, fermentation, or smoking to improve flavour.

Cancer: Medications such as Zeposia (Ozanimod) may increase your risk for certain cancers, particularly skin cancer. Your doctor will monitor you for skin cancer while you are taking Zeposia (Ozanimod). Report any changes to your skin, such as change in size, colour, or shape of moles, to your doctor as soon as possible.

Depression: People with MS often experience depression more often than the general public. Zeposia (Ozanimod) may contribute to the symptoms of depression. If you have depression or a history of depression, discuss with your doctor how Zeposia (Ozanimod) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zeposia (Ozanimod), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you experience symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, or notice them in a family member who is taking Zeposia (Ozanimod) contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Eye problems: People who have Diabetes or a history of inflammation of the middle of the eye are at an increased risk of developing swelling in the macula of the eye. It is recommended that you have an eye examination after taking Zeposia (Ozanimod) for 3 or 4 months to check for changes in your eyes that have not caused symptoms. Report any changes in vision to your doctor as soon as possible.

Heart problems: Zeposia (Ozanimod) causes a decrease in heart rate a few hours after taking the first dose. Your doctor will want to check your heart before you start Zeposia (Ozanimod). You may be asked to stay at your doctor's office or clinic for 6 hours after your first dose to allow the doctor to monitor your heart rate and treat any problems before they become an emergency. It may be necessary to be monitored for a longer period of time if you develop very low heart rate or an irregular heartbeat.

If you have a heart problem, discuss with your doctor how Zeposia (Ozanimod) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zeposia (Ozanimod), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Infections: Zeposia (Ozanimod) works by decreasing the number of white blood cells in the blood stream. White blood cells are responsible for fighting infection in the body. As a result, people taking Zeposia (Ozanimod) may have an increased risk of infections. If you notice signs of an infection, such as fever, redness, or swelling, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Zeposia (Ozanimod) stays in your body for about 3 months after you stop taking it, so you will continue to be at risk of infection during this time.

Liver function: People taking Zeposia (Ozanimod) may have changes in liver function that produce abnormal liver test results. Your doctor will recommend regular liver tests while you are taking Zeposia (Ozanimod). If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): There have been reports of PML after using Zeposia (Ozanimod). PML is a rare viral infection that causes nerve damage in the brain. If you experience memory loss, vision changes, trouble thinking, personality changes, or difficulty walking, contact your doctor immediately.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES): This is a rare disease of the brain that may occur when using Zeposia (Ozanimod). If you have had a previous episode of PRES, this may not be an appropriate medication for you. Make sure your doctor knows you have experienced this before. If you experience signs and symptoms of PRES, such as headache, nausea, vomiting, seizures, change in awareness or consciousness, or vision changes, contact your doctor immediately.

Serotonin syndrome: Severe reactions are possible when Zeposia (Ozanimod) is combined with other medications that act on serotonin, such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors, medications used to treat depression, and certain migraine medications. These combinations should be avoided. Symptoms of a reaction may include muscle rigidity and spasms, difficulty moving, or changes in mental state including delirium and agitation. Coma and death are possible.

Stopping Zeposia (Ozanimod): Zeposia (Ozanimod) works while it is being taken properly. Because it stays in the body for a long period of time, you may experience the benefit of having taken Zeposia (Ozanimod) for several weeks after stopping. After that, symptoms of MS may return and be more severe than before starting to take Zeposia (Ozanimod). Speak to your doctor before stopping Zeposia (Ozanimod).

Vaccines: Talk to your doctor to determine whether you need any vaccines before starting treatment. During and for up to 3 months after stopping treatment you should avoid any vaccines containing live viruses.

Pregnancy: Zeposia (Ozanimod) may cause harm to an unborn fetus and should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Zeposia (Ozanimod), contact your doctor immediately. Women who could become pregnant who are taking Zeposia (Ozanimod) should use an effective method of birth control (e.g., birth control pill, condoms) during treatment, and for 3 months after stopping treatment with Zeposia (Ozanimod).

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Zeposia (Ozanimod) passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and are taking Zeposia (Ozanimod), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Zeposia (Ozanimod) have not been established for children.

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All material © 1996-2024 MediResource Inc. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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