Your doctor has prescribed you this medication called Amifampridine. It is usually used to treat a condition called Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) , which causes muscle weakness. When you hear this name, you may have a lot of questions in your mind. You may be wondering things like, "What is this medication?", "What does it do?", "How should I use it?" Don't worry, we will talk about this medication, how to use it, and the precautions you need to take in a very simple way that you can understand.
What really happens with this Amifampridine drug?
Simply put, this drug, called Amifampridine, works by reducing the weakness you feel in your muscles and the difficulty you experience moving around. It works by improving nerve-muscle communication and helping to restore muscle strength.
But here's an important thing : This is not a cure. This is a treatment that helps control symptoms and make your daily life easier.
This medicine may come under different brand names, such as FIRDAPSE or Ruzurgi, but they all contain the same active ingredient, Amifampridine.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before starting this medication, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to tell them if you have any of the following conditions:
| Your health condition | Why is notification important? |
|---|---|
| Kidney disease | When the kidneys are not functioning properly, the elimination of medication from the body may be irregular. |
| Liver disease | Because the liver processes medications, problems with its function can affect the dosage of the medication. |
| Seizures | This medicine may increase the risk of seizures, so it is important to inform your doctor if you have a history of seizures. |
| Allergies | If you have an allergic reaction to amifampridine or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | It is very important to seek medical advice about the use of medication during pregnancy. |
| Breastfeeding | Since the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk, you should talk to your doctor about it. |
How should I use this medicine?
This is very simple.
- Take this pill by mouth with a glass of water .
- The most important thing is to take the medicine at the same time every day , exactly as prescribed by the doctor. This will help maintain consistent levels of the medicine in your body.
- You can take this before or after a meal. However, if you experience stomach upset or nausea, it is best to take it with a meal .
- Important: Never stop taking this medicine without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause your symptoms to return.
Should this medicine be given to children?
In some special cases, this medicine is also prescribed for children over 6 years of age. But only a doctor can decide. Therefore, if you are giving this medicine to a child, talk to the doctor about it specifically and follow his instructions exactly.
What to do if you miss a dose and drink too much?
If you forget to take a dose...
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
What if I take too much medicine (overdose)?
This is an emergency. If you have taken too much of this medicine, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Amifampridine can interact with some other medications you are taking. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements).
| Medications that may cause problems | Examples |
|---|---|
| Some medications for Alzheimer's disease | Donepezil, Galantamine, Rivastigmine |
| Some medications for mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety | (Tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking) |
| Medications for Myasthenia Gravis | Neostigmine, Pyridostigmine |
| MAOI-type antidepressants | Like Marplan, Nardil, Parnate |
| Types of Steroids | Prednisone, Cortisone |
| Stimulants for ADHD, weight loss, or to help you stay awake | (Inform your doctor) |
| Theophylline (given for diseases such as asthma) | Theophylline |
This list is not complete, so be sure to tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs.
Possible side effects
Like any medicine, Amifampridine can cause some side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Seizures | A sudden seizure. |
| Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome: | |
| Numbness or burning | A tingling or burning sensation in the mouth, tongue, throat, face, hands, or feet. |
| Dizziness | Dizziness |
| Stomach ache | Nausea, stomach pain, bloating. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual in addition to these, please contact your doctor for advice.
How do you keep your medicine safe?
- Always keep medication in a locked place, out of the reach of children and pets .
- Store in a dry place at room temperature (20-25 degrees Celsius) . However, be sure to read the special instructions on the medicine package you received.
- Never use expired medications . Dispose of them properly.
How do you get rid of unused medicine?
There are safer ways to dispose of expired or no longer needed medications.
- Some hospitals or pharmacies may have medication take-back programs. Ask your doctor about them.
- If that's not possible, check the medication label to see if it says to throw it in the trash or flush it down the toilet. If you're not sure, ask your doctor.
- If it says it's safe to throw in the trash, take the medicine out of the bottle, mix it with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, put it in a tightly sealed bag, and throw it in the trash.
Take-Home Message
- Amifampridine is a medication that is used to control the symptoms of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), but it is not a cure for the disease.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all other illnesses you have and all medications you are taking.
- Take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, as prescribed by the doctor. Do not stop taking the medication without medical advice.
- If you experience a serious side effect such as an allergic reaction (swelling of the face, hives) or seizures, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you take too much medicine, call the National Poisons Information Centre immediately or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU).
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