Gilenya and Alcohol Interaction
Gilenya and Alcohol
Gilenya generic name fingolimod belongs to the family of immunosuppressant drugs which work by keeping immune cells trapped in the lymph nodes impeding travel to the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). It is used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis in adults but will not cure MS but will only decrease the frequency of relapse symptoms.
It is suggested that you do not drink alcohol while using this drug as side effects may be greatly increased.
At this time the medical community defines moderate consumption of alcohol as no more than two drinks per day and no more than 14 drinks per week. Anything more than that is considered an unhealthy dependency on alcohol that may have adverse social, family and health consequences.
If a person drinks only once or twice a week but drinks on the same days each week and more than two drinks this is considered as an alcohol dependency.
If a person binge drinks at any time during the week this is also considered as alcoholism.
Some consider alcoholism as a disease while others consider it an addiction which is the result of personal choice and character fault. This school of thought blames the alcoholism on life style choices.
Personally I consider alcoholism a genetic tendency as I have seen families of alcoholics even when they live far apart. These unfortunate people are probably dependent on alcohol from the first drink.
When alcohol interacts with prescription over the counter drugs it usually results in negative health effects most especially liver damage as the main organ affected.
When you receive your first dose of the drug it should be in a controlled hospital setting where your heart rhythm can be closely monitored.
Before using Gilenya it is suggested that you advise your physician if you are allergic to any drug or substance, if you have never had a chickenpox or varicella vaccine, have an active or chronic infection, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, history of fainting, high blood pressure, heart disease, congestive heart failure, sick sinus condition, second degree heart block, AV block, Long QT syndrome, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, asthma, a breathing disorder or a history of an eye condition called uveitis.
Side Effects
Less serious side effects are headache, fatigue, back pain, diarrhea, stuffy nose, sinus pain or cough. If these occur call your physician for advice.
Serious side effects are severe allergic reactions such as hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, slow heart rate, dizziness, weakness, chest pain, pounding heartbeats, fluttering in chest, numbness,, severe headache, problems with speech or walking, wheezing, tight chest, trouble breathing, cough with mucus, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, nausea, vomiting, sores in mouth or throat, swelling, warmth, redness, oozing, itchy rash, skin infection, nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay colored stools, jaundice, vision problems, blurred vision, eye pain, sensitive to light, a blind spot or shadows in vision. If these occur get emergency medical help.
This site serves as an information source only and does not dispense medical advice or any other kind of advice. If you are seeking medical advice you are advised to consult your own physician.
Gilenya and alcohol Gilenya and alcohol
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