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Information Update: MS drug Gilenya (fingolimod): Safety on skin cancer and brain infection

September 30, 2015
Health Canada is informing Canadians that the drug label (product monograph) for the multiple sclerosis drug Gilenya (fingolimod) has been updated with new safety information on the risk of skin cancer, as well as a rare brain infection known as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Gilenya labelling already contained information on the possible risk of lymphoma, and warnings about how this drug reduces the body's ability to fight infection. It has been updated to include the risk of skin cancer and PML specifically, and to advise that patients and health professionals be vigilant for symptoms.