Medical treatment and immune system health, HPV and MS drugs

Fingolimod and HPV: What You Need to Know About This MS Drug

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 3 min read.

"Understanding the Link Between Fingolimod, HPV, and How to Protect Your Health"

Multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment has advanced significantly, with new medications offering hope. However, these therapies, known as disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), require continuous safety evaluation through studies and reports.

Fingolimod (Gilenya®), a sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulator, is widely used for relapsing-remitting MS, with over 255,000 patients treated worldwide. While effective, it's crucial to understand its potential side effects, especially concerning infections.

This article will break down a recent study that investigated cases of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related conditions in patients using fingolimod. We'll explore what this means for your health and how to stay proactive about your care.

Decoding the Fingolimod and HPV Connection: What the Research Says

Medical treatment and immune system health, HPV and MS drugs

A recent study published in Multiple Sclerosis Journal (MSJ) shed light on a potential link between fingolimod treatment and HPV-related issues. The study highlighted five cases of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related warts in patients treated with fingolimod for 17–58 months.

This isn't an isolated finding. Additional cases of benign warts in fingolimod users have been reported separately. The timeline – lesion improvement after treatment discontinuation – suggests a possible causal role for fingolimod in increasing susceptibility to HPV infections.

Weakened Immune Surveillance: Fingolimod may reduce the body's ability to detect and fight off viral oncogenesis (the process by which viruses can cause cancer).
Viral-Associated Malignancies: There have been reports of viral-associated malignancies in fingolimod users, including HPV-related vulvar and cervical dysplasia, and squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsils.

These findings suggest that fingolimod might impact immune surveillance, potentially increasing the risk of HPV-related conditions and malignancies. However, more research is needed to fully understand the extent of this risk.

Protecting Your Health: Practical Steps for Patients on Fingolimod

While these findings are concerning, they shouldn't cause panic. Instead, they highlight the importance of proactive health management. If you're taking fingolimod, here are steps you can take:

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1177/1352458518813109, Alternate LINK

Title: Clinical Commentary On “Warts And All: Fingolimod And Unusual Hpv Associated Lesions”

Subject: Neurology (clinical)

Journal: Multiple Sclerosis Journal

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Authors: Gabrielle Macaron, Daniel Ontaneda

Published: 2018-11-14

Everything You Need To Know

What is Fingolimod, and how does it work?

Fingolimod (Gilenya®) is a disease-modifying therapy (DMT) used to treat relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It works by modulating the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor. This action helps to reduce the frequency of MS relapses. Due to the large number of patients treated with Fingolimod, there is continuous safety evaluation, which is important to monitor potential side effects.

What is the connection between Fingolimod and HPV?

The connection between Fingolimod and HPV is that Fingolimod may weaken the immune system's ability to detect and fight HPV infections. A recent study showed that patients using Fingolimod experienced HPV-related warts. There have also been reports of HPV-related conditions, such as vulvar and cervical dysplasia, and squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsils, in Fingolimod users. This suggests a possible link where Fingolimod could increase the risk of HPV-related conditions by affecting immune surveillance.

What are the implications of this connection?

The implications of Fingolimod potentially increasing the risk of HPV-related conditions are significant. Because Fingolimod can impact immune surveillance, it might allow HPV infections to persist and potentially develop into more serious conditions, like cancer. It is crucial for individuals taking Fingolimod to be aware of this risk and take proactive steps to protect their health. Ongoing research will clarify the extent of this risk and guide preventative measures.

What steps can I take to protect my health if I am taking Fingolimod?

To protect your health while taking Fingolimod, it is important to be proactive. First, consult with your healthcare provider about HPV screening, including regular Pap tests and HPV tests. Also, discuss the HPV vaccination, which can protect against certain HPV strains. Regular monitoring and open communication with your doctor about any health concerns are vital for managing any potential risks associated with Fingolimod.

How can I address my concerns about Fingolimod and HPV with my healthcare provider?

If you are concerned about the findings, it is vital to have an open conversation with your healthcare provider. They can help you assess your individual risk factors, review your current screening schedule, and discuss whether any adjustments to your treatment plan are needed. They can also provide additional guidance on how to manage your health proactively while taking Fingolimod. Regular check-ups and discussions with healthcare professionals are the best way to address and mitigate these concerns.