Mayzent (siponimod) is a prescription drug used to treat certain forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). The drug comes as an oral tablet that’s typically taken once per day.
Mayzent is used in adults to treat relapsing types of MS. These include:
- active secondary-progressive MS
- relapsing-remitting MS
This drug is also used to treat clinically isolated syndrome, which sometimes, but not always, leads to MS.
Mayzent contains the active ingredient siponimod. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) It belongs to a group of drugs called sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulators.
This article describes the dosages of Mayzent, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Mayzent, see this in-depth article.
See the tables below for Mayzent’s dosing information. All doses are listed in milligrams (mg) and are taken once per day.
Note: When you begin treatment, your doctor will start you out with a titration dosing schedule. This means they’ll start you on a low dose of Mayzent and slowly increase it over a few days to see how you respond to the drug.
Dosing for CYP2C9 genotypes *1/*3 or *2/*3
| Titration dosing schedule | Dosage |
| Day 1 | 0.25 mg |
| Day 2 | 0.25 mg |
| Day 3 | 0.5 mg |
| Day 4 | 0.75 mg |
| Day 5 and beyond | 1 mg |
Dosing for CYP2C9 genotypes *1/*1, *1/*2, or *2/*2
| Titration dosing schedule | Dosage |
| Day 1 | 0.25 mg |
| Day 2 | 0.25 mg |
| Day 3 | 0.5 mg |
| Day 4 | 0.75 mg |
| Day 5 | 1.25 mg |
| Day 6 and beyond | 2 mg |
Keep reading to learn more.
What is Mayzent’s form?
Mayzent comes as an oral tablet.
What strengths does Mayzent come in?
Mayzent comes in three strengths:
- 0.25 mg
- 1 mg
- 2 mg
What are the usual dosages of Mayzent?
Your Mayzent dosage depends on your genetic test results.
Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for MS
Before you start treatment with Mayzent, your doctor will order a specific genetic test to find out the type of CYP2C9 liver enzyme you carry. This is a kind of protein that helps break down drugs in your body.
The enzyme type you have determines how fast your body gets rid of the medication. The results of this test help your doctor know the best dose of Mayzent to prescribe for you.
For example, if your body removes medications more quickly, your doctor may need to prescribe a higher dose of Mayzent.
Your doctor will also likely order:
- liver function tests to find out the health of your liver
- a complete blood count to check the levels of your blood cells
- an electrocardiogram (EKG) to check your heart function
- an eye exam to check your vision
- a varicella-zoster virus* antibody test to see if you should receive a vaccine before starting Mayzent
* This is the virus that causes chicken pox and shingles.
They’ll also ask you about all your current medications.
Your maintenance or long-term dose of Mayzent depends on your genetic testing. You’ll take either 1 mg once per day or 2 mg once per day based on your test results.
For CYP2C9 genotypes *1/*3 or *2/*3, you’ll take 1 mg once per day as your maintenance dose of Mayzent after the titration period.
For CYP2C9 genotypes *1/*1, *1/*2, or *2/*2, you’ll take 2 mg once per day as your maintenance dose after your titration period.
See the tables in the “What is Mayzent’s dosage?” section above for more information on the titration period and dosing schedules.
Note: A healthcare professional will likely monitor your blood pressure and heart rate for 6 hours at a doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital when you take your first dose of Mayzent. This is because the drug can cause your heart rate to drop too low. Depending on how you do with treatment, your blood pressure and heart rate may need to be monitored for longer than 6 hours to make sure it’s safe for you to take the drug at home.
If you have questions about your dosing schedule and dosage for Mayzent, talk with your doctor.
Is Mayzent used long term?
Yes, Mayzent is usually a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
The dosage of Mayzent you’re prescribed depends on your genetic test results.
See the charts in the “What is Mayzent’s dosage?” section above for more information, or talk with your doctor.
Mayzent comes as an oral tablet that you should not cut, chew, or crush. If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on taking this form of medication, or talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
You can take Mayzent with or without food, but try to take it around the same time each day. This helps keep a steady level of the drug in your body, which helps it to manage your condition.
For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Mayzent, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Accessible drug containers and labels
Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print
- use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
Let your pharmacist know if you have trouble opening medication bottles. They may have tips to help, or they may be able to supply Mayzent in an easy-open container.
If you miss a dose of Mayzent during your titration period (when you first start the drug and your dose is still increasing), you’ll need to start over.
If you miss a dose once you’re on the maintenance dosage (either 1 mg or 2 mg once daily), take it as soon as you remember. But do not take two doses of Mayzent to catch up on a missed dose.
If you miss 4 or more days of Mayzent doses in a row, you’ll need to restart Mayzent with a titration dosing schedule. Call your doctor’s office to discuss your missed doses so they can guide you on restarting this medication. They’ll let you know if you need to be monitored for changes in your heart rate or blood pressure.
If you’re not sure about what to do about a missed dose, talk with your doctor.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Mayzent on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Do not take more Mayzent than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects. These include serious changes in blood pressure and heart rate.
What to do in case you take too much Mayzent
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Mayzent. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Mayzent’s dosage.
Is Mayzent’s dosage similar to that of Ocrevus?
No. Both Mayzent (siponimod) and Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) are used to treat types of MS. However, their active ingredients, forms, and dosages differ.
Mayzent comes as oral tablets in three strengths (0.25 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg). The maintenance dosage for long-term use is either 1 mg or 2 mg taken once per day.
Ocrevus comes as a liquid solution in one strength of 300 mg per 10 milliliters (mL). It’s given as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into a vein given over time) by a healthcare professional. The maintenance dosage of Ocrevus for MS is 600 mg once every 6 months.
Your doctor will prescribe the drug and dosage that’s best for you. Talk with them to learn more about how these drugs compare.
How long does it take for Mayzent to start working?
Mayzent starts to work soon after you begin treatment, but it may take a few weeks to notice any changes. Your doctor will monitor you during treatment to be sure the drug is working to treat your condition. Talk with them if you have other questions about what to expect from your Mayzent treatment.
The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by Mayzent’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends this drug, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Mayzent without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Mayzent exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage. Examples of questions you may want to ask include:
- Will you lower my dose if I have side effects?
- How does the dosage of Mayzent compare with that of Gilenya (fingolimod)?
- Will I need a different dosage if I have kidney problems?
To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
