Pre-tests

[Sara Angela]

What tests have to be done before starting Gilenya?

Sara

[cosake]

Hi Sara,

I had to have some bloodwork done, an EKG, a pulmonary function test (PFT), a skin exam by a dermatologist, and a special eye exam (be sure they know ahead of time that you are there for a Gilenya pre-screen).

This pre-screen for the eyes has to be done at a specialist's office in order for them to get a baseline for checking for macular edema in the future. They use a special machine that my regular eye doctor does not have.

It sounds like a alot, but it wasn't bad at all. My local hospital did the EKG and PFT at the same appointment and it took less than 15 minutes for both.

Good luck !

[Leeaura]

Hi,

I had to have the same tests as cosake, except for the PFT. My doc didn't ask for that. He gave me names/numbers for the doctors he preferred do the skin and eye exams. I was nervous about the skin exam but it was really no big deal. After my testing was done, I called the Neuro to schedule my first G dose. They wanted to do it the next day! Whoa... I had Vacay planned and was not starting new med until I got back. Turns out it didn't matter. My only side effect has been ONE pimple. (I know that because I had never had one before).

G has been no big deal for me. I began taking it the middle of April, 2012. I'm anxious for my next MRI.

Good Luck. I hope you do as well.

[onlyairfare]

I had the eye exam and the EKG, which was arranged for me by Novartis at the nearest Concentra office. That was good because I am working in Arizona but my neuro is is North Carolina. Everything was sent to the NC office.

Now I have to wait a little while for Gilenya though, as I need to get yellow fever vaccine (vacation in South America in February 2013), and have to wait a month after that. Oh well, I have time to buy the airfare in advance.

[Sara Angela]

My Dr. said they will be faxing the orders soon. Finally, the process is starting!

Sara