Something does not add up here... Dr. Freedman (a Canadian Neurologist) talks about this new MS pill from Novartis. He says there are no immediate side-effects in the video.
Dr. Freedman:
“Gilenya brings with it many advantages. The obvious one, is that it’s easily tolerated, once a day pill, with no immediate side-effects.”
But what is he really saying, with his carefully chosen words?
From what I see, there are many mild and very serious side-effects.
He may be right, that you will have no problems "immediately" but there sure seems to be many side-effects, that eventually may show up.
What does "immediate" mean to you? Within an hour, day, week or month?
If you went to a Used Car Salesman, and he said that the car you are looking at won't give you any problems "immediately." Would you buy that used car from him, or walk away?
The list of Gilenya side-effects is below.
WaYnE
First oral treatment for people with multiple sclerosis approved in Canada:
(see video with Dr. Freedman)
http://smr.newswire.ca/en/novartis-pharmaceuticals-canada-inc/first-oral-treatment-for-people-with-multiple-sclerosis
Common Side Effects of Gilenya:
Gilenya has been studied extensively in clinical trials.
In these studies, one group of people received the real medication, while another group was given a placebo (a "sugar pill" that does not contain any active ingredients). As a result, it was possible to see what side effects occurred, how often they appeared, and how they compared to the placebo.
In these studies, the most common side effects of Gilenya included:
- A headache - in up to 25 percent of people
- Increased liver enzymes (seen on a blood test) - up to 14 percent
- The flu - up to 13 percent
- Diarrhea - up to 12 percent
- Back pain - up to 12 percent
- Coughing - up to 10 percent.
Other common side effects (occurring in 3 to 9 percent of people) included:
- Herpes infections, such as a cold sore or genital herpes
- Bronchitis
- A sinus infection
- Fungal infections, such as athlete's foot, jock itch, or ringworm
- "Stomach flu" (gastroenteritis)
- A slow heart rate
- Dizziness
- Migraines
- Unusual sensations, such as burning, tingling, or pricking
- General weakness
- Hair loss
- Eczema
- Itching
- Weight loss
- Increased triglycerides
- Shortness of breath
- Depression
- Blurred vision
- Eye pain
High blood pressure (hypertension).
Serious Side Effects:
Some Gilenya side effects are potentially serious and should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider. These include but are not limited to:
- Fainting or dizziness, which may be signs of a very slow or irregular heart rate
- Any type of infection or signs of an infection (such as a fever)
- Signs of liver damage, such as:
Dark urine
Yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
Upper right abdominal (stomach) pain
Very high liver enzymes
- Signs of macular edema, such as:
Blurriness, shadows, or a blind spot in the center of your vision
Sensitivity to light
Unusually colored vision
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
An unexplained rash
Hives
Itching
Swelling of the mouth or throat
Wheezing
Difficulty breathing
Common Side Effects of Gilenya:
http://multiple-sclerosis.emedtv.com/gilenya/gilenya-side-effects.html
http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=23891#section-6.4