Has your doctor prescribed a liquid medicine called 'Fenfluramine' for you, someone in your family, especially a child, for a condition called 'Epilepsy'? The brand name of this medicine may be Fintepla. It is normal to have some questions, curiosity, and even a little fear when you get a new medicine like this. So today, let's talk very simply and politely about what this medicine is and what we need to know when using it.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, Fenfluramine is a medicine that is used to control seizures or fits caused by epilepsy. These fits occur when the nerves in our brain sometimes become overactive. So what this medicine does is calm down those overactive nerves. Through this, it prevents or controls the occurrence of fits.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, he or she will need to know your (or the patient's) medical history. It is important for your safety to be honest about these things.
By telling your doctor about every medication you take and every illness you have, he can give you the most appropriate and safest treatment.
If you have any of the following conditions, tell your doctor before starting the medication.
| Health condition or opportunity | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease or high blood pressure | This medicine can sometimes affect the heart and blood pressure. |
| Kidney or liver disease | The dosage may need to be adjusted as it can affect the process of removing the medication from the body. |
| Mental health problems (depression, suicidal thoughts) | This medication can sometimes alter mental states, so special attention is needed. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or substances | This is important to know if there is an allergy to the medicine or its ingredients. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | In these cases, it is imperative to talk to the doctor about the effects of the medication. |
How should I use this medicine?
- Correct dosage: Always take your medicine exactly as your doctor has prescribed, at the right time. Since this is a liquid medicine, use the oral syringe or measuring cup provided to measure it. Do not use kitchen measuring spoons or teaspoons, as they are not accurate and may cause an inaccurate dose.
- Before or after food?: This medicine can be taken with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Don't stop suddenly: No matter how well you feel, don't stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause the fit to come back quickly.
- When given to children: This medicine is prescribed to children over 2 years of age under certain conditions. However, special care should be taken, so follow the doctor's instructions carefully.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
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 double doses to make up for a missed dose.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Other medications you are taking may interact with Fenfluramine, so tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements) .
| Do not take Fenfluramine with this medicine. | |
|---|---|
| Linezolid, Tedizolid | MAOIs (e.g. Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan) |
| Methylene blue | |
| Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking these. | |
| Medicines for colds and allergies (Antihistamines) | Medications for mental health problems and depression |
| Other medications given for fits (e.g. Clobazam, Phenobarbital) | Medications that cause drowsiness and anxiety |
| Painkillers (especially morphine) | Medications given to induce sleep during surgery |
| Rifampin (a medicine for tuberculosis) | St. John's Wort (herbal supplement) |
Things to consider when taking medication and side effects
We need to be especially careful about some things while taking this medicine.
Things to be aware of in general
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore , avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know exactly how this medication affects you.
- Changing positions: If you suddenly get up from a sitting or standing position, you may feel dizzy and fall. So change positions frequently.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can alter the effects of medication and increase drowsiness. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcohol.
- Behavioral changes: This is very important. If you notice any new changes in your behavior or that of the person taking the medication, such as feeling sad, depressed, or having thoughts of harming yourself, call your doctor immediately without delay.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Heart valve problems | Difficulty breathing, chest pain, unusual tiredness, dizziness, sudden weight gain. |
| Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) | Difficulty breathing, swelling of the ankles, hands, and feet, chest pain, and blue lips. |
| Serotonin Syndrome | Restlessness, rapid heartbeat, muscle tension, excessive sweating, fever, vomiting, diarrhea. |
| Vision changes | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, seeing rings around lights. |
| Mental changes | Suicidal thoughts, mood swings, depression. |
| Symptoms that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation | Loss of appetite and weight loss |
| Dizziness, drowsiness | Feeling weak, losing balance when walking |
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much medicine by mistake, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
How should I store the medicine?
Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets. Protect it from theft, as this is a medicine that can be misused. Do not use expired medicine. Ask your doctor for advice on how to properly dispose of unused or expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Fenfluramine is a medication that is given to control fits. Always take it exactly as your doctor tells you, in the right dose, at the right time.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly for any reason without your doctor's advice.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you take (including vitamins).
- If you experience any serious side effects such as behavioral changes, difficulty breathing, or chest pain while taking the medication, seek medical advice immediately.
- Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. This medicine is for the person for whom it was prescribed. Do not share it with others.
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