What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking siponimod?
You should not use siponimod if you are allergic to it, or if you have certain serious heart conditions, especially:
- "AV block" (2nd or 3rd degree);
- sick sinus syndrome (unless you have a pacemaker);
- recent (within the past 6 months) heart failure, heart attack, stroke, "mini-stroke" or TIA, chest pain (unstable angina), or other serious heart problem.
Siponimod is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
Some heart rhythm medications can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with siponimod. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use: amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide, dronedarone, flecainide, ibutilide, procainamide, propafenone, quinidine, or sotalol.
Before you take siponimod, tell your doctor if you have never had chickenpox or if you have never received a varicella vaccine (Varivax). You may need to receive the vaccine and then wait 1 month before taking siponimod.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine);
- an active or chronic infection;
- a very slow heart rate;
- high blood pressure;
- heart problems, a heart attack, a stroke, or chest pain;
- asthma, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorder;
- diabetes;
- liver disease; or
- an eye condition called uveitis.
Tell your doctor if you have recently received a vaccine, or if you are scheduled to receive a vaccine.
Siponimod may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine, and for at least 10 days after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during this time.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of siponimod on the baby.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.