Gilenya and Tafamidis

• Generic Name: fingolimod
• Dosage Forms: capsule
• Other Brand Names: Gilenya

Gilenya (fingolimod) is an immunosuppressant. It works by keeping immune cells trapped in your lymph nodes so they can't reach the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

Gilenya is used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults, and children and adolescents aged 10 years and older.

Gilenya will not cure MS, it will only decrease the frequency of relapse symptoms.

• Generic Name: tafamidis
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Vyndamax, Vyndaqel

Tafamidis affects a protein called transthyretin (TTR, made primarily in the liver). Transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (ATTR) is a condition in which abnormal deposits of TTR protein build-up in many parts of the body, interfering with normal function. A build-up of TTR in the heart can lead to heart failure.

People with hereditary ATTR amyloidosis have a DNA mutation that can be passed from one generation to the next. People with wild-type ATTR amyloidosis do not have abnormal DNA and cannot pass on the condition.

Tafamidis is used in adults with hereditary or wild type ATTR to treat cardiomyopathy (damage of the heart muscle) caused by a build-up of TTR.

Tafamidis may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.