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Home > Drug Category > Multiple Sclerosis > Fampyra and Equivalent

Fampyra Information

Fampyra (Fampridine) is a potent potassium channel blocker, used to improve walking ability in adults with multiple sclerosis who have a walking disability. It is a symptomatic treatment, meaning it alters functional capability rather than treating the underlying immune disease process or reducing relapse rates. The active pharmaceutical ingredient is fampridine, which improves walking in multiple sclerosis by blocking exposed potassium channels on damaged nerve fibers. In multiple sclerosis, the loss of the myelin sheath exposes potassium channels, allowing potassium to leak out of the nerve and weakening the electrical signal before it reaches the muscles. By blocking these channels, fampridine stops the leakage and allows the nerve to maintain its electrical charge longer. This strengthens the impulse, enabling it to pass through the damaged zone and successfully stimulate the muscles, which improves walking speed and coordination.

Fampyra tablets must be swallowed whole. Do not divide, crush, dissolve, suck, or chew the tablet. Breaking the tablet can cause the medicine to be released into your body all at once, which dangerously increases your risk of a seizure. Take your doses exactly 12 hours apart. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Fampyra Side Effects

This medication has a narrow therapeutic window; hence, it's best used exactly as prescribed. Some mild side effects of this medication include anxiety, back pain, constipation, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, headache, nausea, sore throat, spinning sensation, tremor, upset stomach, vomiting, and weakness or tiredness. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen.

Consult your doctor as soon as possible if you notice the following side effects:
• Problems with balance or feeling unsteady;
• Signs of a urinary tract infection (including difficulty or pain with urination and abdominal or lower back pain).
• Tingling, burning, numbness, or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs;
• Worsening of trigeminal neuralgia (nerve pain in the face)

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice serious side effects such as:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Seizures (fits)

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Fampyra Precautions

Do not use Fampyra if you are allergic to fampridine or any inactive ingredients in this medication. DO NOT use Fampyra if you have a history of seizures, or if you have moderate-to-severe kidney disease (renal impairment). Do not take Fampyra if you are taking any other medication containing fampridine (also known as dalfampridine).

Before using this medication, ensure you inform your doctor about any medical conditions you previously or currently have, including the following:
• A current or recurrent urinary tract infection;
• Blood count disorder;
• Heart disease or abnormal heart rhythms;
• Mild kidney disease;
• Other nerve problems

This medication should not be used with some other drugs, like cimetidine or quinidine, as they can dangerously increase the levels of fampridine in the blood, subsequently increasing the risk of seizures. Therefore, it is important to inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, and supplement products, to determine whether they are safe to use with Fampyra.

There is a lack of clinical trial data regarding the use of fampridine in pregnant women. However, animal reproduction studies have shown reproductive toxicity, including reduced fetal weight and decreased viability. As a result, regulatory guidelines advise that Fampyra should be avoided during pregnancy unless the potential benefit clearly outweighs the risk. It is also unknown whether fampridine is excreted into human breast milk. Because the drug can cause central nervous system excitation and seizures, it is not recommended for use while breastfeeding. Store this medication at room temperature, in the original container, to protect it from light and moisture. Keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Fampyra?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Fampyra.