A-Z Indexes

Food

Health Guides

Health News

Ozanimod

Pronounced

"oh-ZAN-i-mod"

Common brand names:

Zeposia

Uses

This medication is used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). Ozanimod is not a cure for MS but it is thought to help by preventing immune system cells (lymphocytes) from attacking the nerves in your brain and spinal cord. It helps decrease the number of episodes of disease worsening (relapses) and may prevent or delay disability.

Ozanimod is also used to treat a certain bowel disease (ulcerative colitis). It helps to reduce symptoms of ulcerative colitis such as diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and stomach pain.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking ozanimod and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once a day or every other day. Swallow the capsule whole.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time on the days you are scheduled to take the medication.

Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Report any new or worsening symptoms right away.

The manufacturer recommends you avoid certain foods and beverages that are high in tyramine, since these may increase your blood pressure while you are taking ozanimod. These include: aged cheeses, dried/aged meats and sausages (such as salami, liverwurst), preserved fish (such as pickled herring), products that contain large amounts of yeast (such as bouillon cubes, powdered soup/gravy, homemade or sourdough bread), fermented foods (such as sauerkraut, kim chee), most soybean products (such as soy sauce, tofu), broad/fava beans, red wine, sherry, tap beers, vermouth, among others. Ask your doctor or dietician for more details and for a list of foods to limit or avoid.

Tell your doctor if your condition gets worse.