PonvoryⓇ (ponesimod) is a once-daily oral drug approved to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults, including:1
What are the active ingredients in Ponvory?
The active ingredient in Ponvory is ponesimod.1
How does Ponvory work?
Ponvory is a sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator. Ponvory binds to S1P receptors in your body. Altering this receptor limits the ability of white blood cells (WBCs) to enter your nervous system. Fewer WBCs around your nerves mean less nerve damage in MS.1,2
What are the possible side effects?
Side effects can vary. The most common side effects of Ponvory include:1
- Colds
- Increased liver enzymes
- High blood pressure
These are not all the possible side effects of Ponvory. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking Ponvory. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking Ponvory.1
Other things to know
Before starting Ponvory, tell your doctor if you:1
- Are allergic to ponesimod
- Have a history of heart or vessel problems, including:
- Heart attack
- Chest pain
- Stroke
- Heart failure
- Have liver problems
- Are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- Have any other medical conditions
Take Ponvory exactly as your doctor prescribes. You can take it with or without food. Swallow the tablets whole.1
Ponvory may increase your risk of infection. Your doctor will order blood tests before and during treatment with Ponvory to make sure you do not have an infection. Report any signs of infection to your doctor, such as:1
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Chills
- Body aches
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Headache with neck stiffness and sensitivity to light
Ponvory may cause your heart rate to slow. Before starting Ponvory, your doctor will check the electrical activity of your heart. This is done with a painless test called an electrocardiogram (ECG).1
Ponvory may increase your blood pressure. Before and during treatment, your doctor will monitor your blood pressure.1
Ponvory may lead to a condition called macular edema. This is when fluid builds up in the area of your eye that can impact your vision (retina). Before and during treatment, your doctor will check your vision. Report any vision problems to your doctor, including:1
- Blurriness, blind spots, or shadows, especially in the center of your vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Seeing unusual colors
A condition called posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) has happened to people taking the same class of drug as Ponvory. PRES usually gets better if you stop taking the drug that brought it on, but can lead to permanent disability if left untreated. Call your doctor if you have signs of PRES, including:1
- Sudden, severe headache
- Sudden changes in or loss of vision
- Sudden confusion
- Seizure
Ponvory is started using a starter pack to slowly increase your dose over 14 days. This helps to reduce the chances that Ponvory will slow your heart rate. Call your doctor if you have signs of a slow heart rate, including:1
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Feeling like your heart is skipping beats or beating slowly
You should not take Ponvory if you have a history of heart or vessel problems.1
Some cases of skin cancer have been reported in people taking S1P receptor modulators, including Ponvory. Periodic skin exams are recommended.1
You should not have some vaccines while taking Ponvory. Talk to your doctor before getting a vaccine to make sure it is safe.1
Before beginning treatment for MS, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any drugs, vitamins, or supplements you take. This includes over-the-counter drugs.
Read the full prescribing information to learn more.