Mayzent: Essential Information on Usage, Dosage, and Side Effects

Mayzent is an FDA-approved oral medication used to treat certain forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) in adults. In this article, we discuss its uses, mechanism of action, side effects, cost, and more. 

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder, a health condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissue. In people with MS, their immune cells damage the fatty protective layer (myelin sheath) that surrounds nerves in their brain and spinal cord. 

Symptoms can include:

• Double vision or vision loss
• Muscle weakness
• Numbness
• Fatigue
• Problems with balance, coordination, and cognition (memory, focus, thinking, and judgment)

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, about one million Americans live with MS [1]. 

No cure currently exists. Fortunately, treatment options (including Mayzent) can help relieve symptoms and slow the worsening of symptoms. 

Also Read: 10 Tips for Living with Multiple Sclerosis

Mayzent Quick Facts

• Mayzent belongs to a class of drugs called sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulators. 
• This product is available only with a doctor’s prescription. 
• It is a brand-name product. Generic versions aren’t currently available. 
• The U.S. FDA approved Novartis’ Mayzent in 2019 for secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.  
• Mayzent is a small drug molecule, meaning that it can enter cells. Some healthcare providers call it a selective immunosuppressant.

What Is Mayzent?

Mayzent is a brand-name prescription medication. The active ingredient in this product is siponimod, which belongs to the medication class known as sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulators. 

The mechanism as to how this medication works isn’t specifically known. 

However, researchers think it works on the immune system by preventing white blood cells called lymphocytes from migrating to the brain and spinal cord. By doing this, it helps reduce tissue damage in people with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.  

Whether this medication helps repair damaged myelin in humans isn’t known. However, it has been shown to support regeneration in animal studies. 

What Is Mayzent Used For?

The FDA approved this product to treat adults with:

Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS)

CIS is when the first episode of symptoms characteristic of MS appears. However, they don’t meet the criteria for a clinical diagnosis. CIS may progress to multiple sclerosis.

Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)

RRMS is when the disease progresses with alternating periods of worsening symptoms (relapses) and partial recovery (remission).

Active secondary progressive MS (SPMS)

Over time, most people with RRMS eventually develop SPMS. In this stage of MS, your disability worsens. Relapses may occur, but remissions are rare in this stage. 

How To Use Mayzent Properly

Mayzent is available as an oral tablet in the following strengths:

• 0.25 mg
• 1 mg
• 2 mg 

Take the dosage exactly as prescribed and at the same time each day. Don’t take less, more, or take the medication for longer than prescribed. You may take this medicine with or without food. 

Never stop taking this medicine without consulting your healthcare provider first.

Follow the instructions on the prescription label. If you’re not sure how to use the medicine, seek help from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Swallow the tablet whole with about 8 ounces of water. Avoid splitting, chewing, or crushing them.

Your provider will likely start treatment on a low dose, which may be gradually increased over the first 4 or 5 days.

This medication may cause a slow heart rate, which is more likely to occur during the first 6 hours after you take the first dose. 

You will have a test called an electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the electrical activity of the heart. This test is run twice: once before the first dose, and once 6 hours after the first dose. 

The first dose is taken at a medical facility. You should stay at the facility for the next 6 hours so that your healthcare provider can monitor you for a slow heartbeat. 

An overnight or a longer-than-6-hour stay may be necessary if you have specific medical conditions, any heart abnormalities that occurred during the first dose, or if you use medicines that might slow your heart rate. 

Tell your provider if you experience any of the following during treatment with this medication:

• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Chest pain
• Slow or irregular heartbeat

Things To Know Before Taking Mayzent

Inform your provider if you have ever had:

• Allergy to siponimod or any product component
• An irregular heart rhythm
• Weak immune system (due to disease or medication)
• Fever or an active or long-term infection
• High blood pressure
• Heart problems, a heart attack, a stroke, or chest pain
• Asthma
• Sleep apnea (pauses in breathing during sleep) or other breathing issues
• Skin cancer (melanoma)
• An eye condition called uveitis
• Diabetes
• Liver disease

Your provider should know if you have recently had (within the past 6 months):

• Heart failure
• Heart attack
• Stroke or mini-stroke
• Chest pain or other serious heart problems

Also, inform your provider if you have been recently vaccinated or if you are scheduled to get a live vaccine.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

Animal data suggest this medication may harm an unborn baby. Use effective contraception during treatment and for 10 days after your last dose.

No one knows if this medication passes into breast milk or if it affects a breastfed infant. It’s best to avoid breastfeeding during treatment with this medication. Talk to your healthcare provider for further information. 

Mayzent Side Effects

Side effects may be mild or serious. 

Mild side effects

• Headache
• Blood pressure increase
• Liver enzyme increase
• Swelling or pain in your arms or legs
• Falls
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness

Talk to your healthcare provider if these reactions don’t go away or worsen.

Serious side effects

Talk to your provider immediately if you have the following signs and symptoms of serious side effects:

Reduced lung function

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Wheezing
• Tiredness

Increased blood pressure

• Headache
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome 

(This is a rare condition in which your brain swells.)

• Blindness
• Confusion
• Feeling tired or lacking energy
• Headache
• Seizures

New or worsening MS symptoms when stopping Mayzent treatment

• Changes in vision
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Dizziness

Infections

Mayzent can make you more likely to get serious infections. Symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Tiredness
• Body aches
• Chills
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Neck stiffness
• Sensitivity to light
• Confusion

Macular edema (fluid accumulation in the central region of the retina)

• Blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Unusually colored vision

Who Shouldn’t Receive Mayzent?

You shouldn’t use this medicine if you have:

• A specific genotype (genetic makeup) of CYP2C9*3/*3
• Irregular or abnormal heart rhythm 
• Had heart failure, heart attack, stroke, mini-stroke, chest pain, or other serious heart problems in the last 6 months
• Certain types of heart block

What Should You Do If You Miss a Dose?

Call your healthcare provider for instructions. 

If you miss one or more of your first doses, or four or more of your maintenance doses, you will likely be asked to take your next dose in a medical setting.

What Should You Do If You Overdose?

Seek emergency medical care or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Mayzent: Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does Mayzent cost?

The amount you pay for Mayzent treatment can vary, depending on your insurance plan, geographical location, and pharmacy. Call your insurance provider to learn if your plan covers this medicine or if you need prior authorization.

You can also contact us if you are interested in exploring financial assistance programs for Mayzent.

2. Can Mayzent cause cancer?

Mayzent may increase your risk of skin cancer, but this is rare. Limit exposure to sunlight and UV light. Call your provider immediately if you notice any suspicious skin lesions. 

3. Mayzent vs. Zeposia: What’s the Difference?

Both products belong to the same class (sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulators). Likewise, both are used to treat relapsing forms of MS in adults. However, people taking Zeposia don’t need a genetic test or first-dose observation.

4. Can you drink alcohol during treatment with Mayzent?

Alcohol isn’t known to interact with Mayzent. However, both alcohol and Mayzent can cause liver damage. If you drink, ask your provider how much is safe for you during treatment. 

5. How effective is Mayzent?

According to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, Mayzent results in a 26% relative risk reduction in disability progression (compared to placebo).