This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.
Brand Names: US
Ponvory; Ponvory Starter Pack
Brand Names: Canada
Ponvory; Ponvory Initiation Pack
What is this drug used for?
- It is used to treat MS (multiple sclerosis).
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?
- If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have ever had any of these health problems: Certain types of abnormal heartbeats (heart block, sick sinus syndrome, slow heartbeat, long QT on ECG), chest pain (angina), heart attack, heart failure, brain blood vessel disease (like transient ischemic attack [TIA] or stroke), high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.
- If you have liver disease.
- If you have an infection.
- If you have had the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine in the past month.
- If you have recently had a live vaccine.
- If you have taken alemtuzumab.
- If you are taking any of these drugs: Carbamazepine, phenytoin, or rifampin.
- If you are taking or have recently taken any drugs that can cause a slow heartbeat, a certain type of abnormal heartbeat (prolonged QT interval), or suppress your immune system. There are many drugs that can do this. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Have your blood work checked, eye exams, and an ECG (to see how your heart beats) as you have been told by your doctor.
- Your doctor may order an MRI scan before you start this drug.
- If you have not had chickenpox or a chickenpox vaccine, talk with your doctor.
- Slow or abnormal heartbeat may happen with this drug, especially after your first dose. People with certain heart problems will need to be watched closely for some time after the first dose of this drug. Before starting this drug, tell your doctor about all your other drugs and health problems. Call your doctor right away if you feel confused or have dizziness, slow or abnormal heartbeat, tiredness, or chest pain.
- This drug stays in the body and may affect your immune system for 1 to 2 weeks after your last dose. If you will be taking another drug that will suppress your immune system within 2 weeks after you stop this drug, talk with your doctor.
- You may have more chance of getting an infection while you take this drug and for 2 weeks after you stop it. Some infections with drugs like this one have been life-threatening or, rarely, deadly. Wash hands often. Stay away from people with infections, colds, or flu.
- Talk with your doctor before getting any vaccines while using this drug and for at least 2 weeks after stopping it. Use with this drug may either raise the chance of an infection or make the vaccine not work as well.
- High blood pressure has happened with this drug. Have your blood pressure checked as you have been told by your doctor.
- When this drug is stopped, MS signs can come back and may be worse than before or during treatment. If you stop this drug and your MS signs get worse, call your doctor right away.
- Do not stop taking this drug without calling the doctor who ordered it for you.
- Certain types of skin cancer have happened with this drug. Avoid lots of sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing that protects you from the sun. Have your skin checked as you have been told by your doctor. Call your doctor right away if you have a change in color or size of a mole, new darkened area on your skin, sore that does not heal, or any new or changing skin lump or growth.
- This drug may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant.
- If you may become pregnant, you must use birth control while taking this drug and for some time after the last dose. Ask your doctor how long to use birth control. If you get pregnant, call your doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of infection like fever, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or wound that will not heal.
- Signs of meningitis like headache with fever, stiff neck, upset stomach, confusion, or if lights bother the eyes.
- Signs of herpes infections like cold sores, shingles, genital sores, severe headache, confusion, change in eyesight, eye redness, or eye pain.
- Signs of liver problems like dark urine, tiredness, decreased appetite, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
- Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
- Shortness of breath.
- Trouble breathing that is new or worse.
- Change in eyesight.
- If bright lights bother your eyes.
- A severe brain problem called posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) may happen with this drug. This can be deadly. Call your doctor right away if you have signs like confusion, lowered alertness, change in eyesight, loss of eyesight, seizures, or severe headache.
- A severe brain problem called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) may happen with this drug. Signs can get worse even months after you stop this drug. PML may cause disability or can be deadly. Tell your doctor right away if you have signs like confusion, memory problems, depression, change in the way you act, change in strength on 1 side is greater than the other, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, or change in eyesight.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Signs of a common cold.
- Nose or throat irritation.
- Dizziness.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
How is this drug best taken?
Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Take with or without food.
- Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
- Keep taking this drug as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you think about it. Then go back to taking 1 tablet each day as you were told.
- Do not take more than 1 dose of this drug in the same day.
- If you miss 4 doses, call your doctor.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
- Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Store in the original container. Do not take out the antimoisture cube or packet.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
General drug facts
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else’s drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- This drug comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time this drug is refilled. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with the doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.
Last Reviewed Date
2023-09-26
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