ozanimod hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulator and immunosuppressant.
Licensed uses
Active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and selected cases of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in adults.
Before treatment
Assessment includes an ECG, blood count, liver tests, infection and vaccination review, and pregnancy precautions where relevant.
What is ozanimod hydrochloride used for?
Licensed uses in adults include:
Active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, defined by clinical or imaging features.
Moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis after inadequate response, loss of response or intolerance to conventional therapy or a biologic agent.
How does ozanimod hydrochloride work?
Ozanimod and its active metabolites bind mainly to sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors 1 and 5. This retains more lymphocytes in lymphoid tissue, reducing their movement into the brain, spinal cord and intestine, where they can contribute to inflammation.
ozanimod hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 0.23 mg, 0.92 mg
How to take ozanimod hydrochloride
Follow the labelled pack sequence and prescriber's instructions exactly.
Swallow capsules whole.
Capsules may be taken with or without food.
Do not stop or restart after an interruption without contacting the specialist team; the authorised initiation process may need to be repeated.
ozanimod hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Sore throat, cold-like illness or other respiratory infection
- Reduced lymphocyte count
- Urinary tract infection
- Shingles or herpes simplex infection
- Headache
- Slow heartbeat when treatment begins
- Raised blood pressure or dizziness on standing
- Abnormal liver tests
- Swelling of the ankles or feet
Get urgent medical advice
- Serious or opportunistic infection
- Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, with progressive weakness, clumsiness, visual disturbance, confusion, memory or personality change
- Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, with severe headache, confusion, seizure or visual loss
- Clinically significant liver injury, including jaundice or dark urine
- Macular oedema or new visual disturbance
- Symptomatic slow heartbeat, such as fainting, marked dizziness or palpitations
- Serious hypersensitivity reaction
ozanimod hydrochloride in pregnancy
Ozanimod is contraindicated during pregnancy. A negative pregnancy test and effective contraception are required for people who could become pregnant, including for three months after stopping. If pregnancy occurs during treatment, seek immediate specialist advice.
ozanimod hydrochloride while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment because of the potential for serious effects in the infant. Ozanimod and its metabolites were found in animal milk, and adequate human evidence is unavailable.
ozanimod hydrochloride interactions
Check all prescribed, over-the-counter and complementary products before treatment.
Anticancer, immunomodulatory or non-corticosteroid immunosuppressive treatments
Concurrent use should be avoided because immune suppression and infection risk may be additive.
Live attenuated vaccines
Avoid during treatment and for three months afterwards; other vaccines may be less effective.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, including phenelzine or selegiline
Combination is not recommended because it may alter exposure to active metabolites and reduce clinical response.
Common questions about ozanimod hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can ozanimod hydrochloride be taken with food?
Yes. Swallow the capsule whole; it may be taken with or without food.
Why is an ECG needed before treatment?
Ozanimod can temporarily slow the heart rate when treatment begins. An ECG can identify conduction or rhythm problems needing specialist advice or observation.
Can it affect eyesight?
It can uncommonly cause macular oedema. Report blurred, distorted or reduced vision promptly.
Can I have vaccines while taking it?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.