{"id":8810,"date":"2021-03-19T10:09:47","date_gmt":"2021-03-19T10:09:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/?p=8810"},"modified":"2021-04-12T14:51:33","modified_gmt":"2021-04-12T14:51:33","slug":"firdapse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/medicines\/firdapse\/","title":{"rendered":"Firdapse &#8211; Amifampridine uses, dose and side effects"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>\n\n10 mg&nbsp;tablets<br>amifampridine<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. What FIRDAPSE is and what it is used for<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>FIRDAPSE is used to treat the symptoms of a nerve and muscle disease called Lambert-Eaton&#8217;s myasthenic syndrome or LEMS in adults.&nbsp;This disease is a disorder that affects the transmission of nerve impulses to muscles and causes muscle weakness.&nbsp;It can be associated with certain tumor types and is then called the paraneoplastic form of LEMS.&nbsp;If these&nbsp;tumors&nbsp;are not present, they are referred to as a non-paraneoplastic form of LEMS.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In patients suffering from this disease,&nbsp;release&nbsp;decreases&nbsp;one of a chemical substance called&nbsp;acetylcholine&nbsp;which normally transmits the nerve signals to the muscle, and the muscle cannot receive any or all of the nerve signals.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>FIRDAPSE works by increasing the&nbsp;release&nbsp;of&nbsp;acetylcholine&nbsp;and helping the muscle to receive the nerve impulse.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. What you need to know before taking FIRDAPSE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do not take FIRDAPSE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>if you are allergic to amifampridine or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6),<\/li><li>if you have&nbsp;uncontrolled asthma,<\/li><li>if you have&nbsp;epilepsy,<\/li><li>together with drugs that may affect the electrical activity of the heart (prolonged&nbsp;QT interval&nbsp;&#8211; can be detected by&nbsp;electrocardiogram&nbsp;), such as:<ul><li>subtorrid (a medicine that is prescribed for the treatment of certain behavioral disorders in adults)<\/li><li>medicines for heart rhythm disorders (eg&nbsp;disopyramide&nbsp;)<\/li><li>medicines to treat digestive problems (eg cisapride, domperidone)<\/li><li>medicines to treat&nbsp;infections&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;antibiotics&nbsp;(eg rifampicin) and antifungal medicines (eg&nbsp;ketoconazole&nbsp;)<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>together with medicinal products that have a&nbsp;therapeutic dose&nbsp;close to the maximum safe&nbsp;dose,<\/li><li>if you have a congenital heart problem (congenital&nbsp;QT&nbsp;syndrome).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Warnings and cautions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking FIRDAPSE.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tell your doctor if you have any<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>asthma<\/li><li>previous episodes of convulsions (seizures)<\/li><li>kidney problems<\/li><li>liver problem<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Your doctor will closely monitor how FIRDAPSE works for you and may need to change the&nbsp;dose of&nbsp;one of the medicines you are taking.&nbsp;Your doctor will also monitor your heart at the start of treatment and every year thereafter.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have LEMS but not cancer, your doctor will make an in-depth assessment of the potential risk of cancer with FIRDAPSE before starting treatment.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tell them you are taking FIRDAPSE for each doctor you consult.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Discontinue treatment and consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Convulsions (seizures)<\/li><li>Asthma<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other medicines and FIRDAPSE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tell your doctor if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some medicines may affect or be affected by FIRDAPSE when used at the same time.&nbsp;The following medicines must not be taken with FIRDAPSE:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Drugs that can alter the electrical activity of the heart (prolonged&nbsp;QT interval&nbsp;&#8211; detected by&nbsp;ECG&nbsp;) e.g.&nbsp;sultopride,&nbsp;disopyramide, cisapride, domperidone, rifampicin, and&nbsp;ketoconazole&nbsp;(see &#8220;Do not take FIRDAPSE&#8221;).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It is especially important to talk to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines or are planning to start taking any of the following medicines:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Medicines for&nbsp;malaria&nbsp;(for example halofantrine and mefloquine).<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/medicines\/tramadol-retard-krka\/\">Tramadol<\/a> (a painkiller).<\/li><li>Antidepressants &#8211;&nbsp;tricyclic antidepressants&nbsp;(eg clomipramine, amoxapine), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (eg&nbsp;citalopram, dapoxetine), and atypical antidepressants (eg bupropion).<\/li><li>Medicines for mental health problems (eg&nbsp;haloperidol, carbamazepine, chlorpromazine, clozapine).<\/li><li>Drugs for treating&nbsp;Parkinson&#8217;s disease&nbsp;&#8211; anticholinergics (eg trihexyphenidyl, mesylate), MAO-B inhibitors (eg&nbsp;selegiline, deprenyl), COMT inhibitors (eg entacapone).<\/li><li>Drugs used to treat&nbsp;allergies&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;antihistamines&nbsp;(eg terfenadine, astemizole, cimetidine).<\/li><li>Muscle relaxants &#8211; (eg mivacurium, peppercurium, suxamethonium).<\/li><li>Sedatives (for example&nbsp;barbiturates&nbsp;).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pregnancy and breastfeeding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not use FIRDAPSE if you are pregnant.&nbsp;You must use effective contraception throughout the treatment.&nbsp;Tell your doctor immediately if you notice that you are pregnant during treatment.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is unknown whether FIRDAPSE is excreted in human breast milk.&nbsp;You and your doctor should discuss the risks and benefits of continuing to take FIRDAPSE while breast-feeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Driving and using machines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, convulsions (seizures), and blurred vision, which may affect your ability to drive or use machines.&nbsp;Do not drive or use machines if you notice any of these&nbsp;side effects.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. How to take FIRDAPSE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you.&nbsp;Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The&nbsp;dose&nbsp;you should take is determined by your doctor based on the intensity of your symptoms and certain genetic factors.&nbsp;This&nbsp;dose&nbsp;is only for you.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The starting dose is 5 mg amifampridine (half a tablet) three times a day (ie 15 mg daily).&nbsp;Your doctor may increase this&nbsp;dose&nbsp;slowly, first to 5 mg (half a tablet) four times a day (ie 20 mg daily).&nbsp;Thereafter, your doctor may continue to increase your total daily&nbsp;dose&nbsp;by adding 5 mg (half a tablet) per day, every four or five days.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The highest recommended&nbsp;dose&nbsp;is 60 mg per day (ie a total of six tablets to be taken at intervals during the day).&nbsp;Total daily&nbsp;doses&nbsp;over 20 mg should be divided into two to four separate&nbsp;doses.&nbsp;No single dose should exceed 20 mg (two tablets).<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The tablets have a break notch that allows them to be broken into two halves.&nbsp;The tablets should be swallowed with water and should be taken with food.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Patients with kidney or liver problems:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>FIRDAPSE should be used with caution in patients with kidney or liver problems.&nbsp;A daily starting dose of 5 mg (half a tablet) FIRDAPSE is recommended for patients with moderate or severe kidney or liver problems.&nbsp;For patients with mild kidney or liver problems, a daily starting dose of 10 mg (5 mg twice daily) FIRDAPSE is recommended.&nbsp;For these patients,&nbsp;dose&nbsp;one of FIRDAPSE should be increased more slowly than for patients without renal or hepatic problems with dose increases in increments of 5 mg every seven days.&nbsp;Consult your doctor if any&nbsp;side effects&nbsp;occur as it may be necessary to stop increasing the&nbsp;dose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you take more FIRDAPSE then you should<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you take&nbsp;more&nbsp;F&nbsp;IRDAPSE than&nbsp;you&nbsp;should&nbsp;you may experience vomiting and stomach pain.&nbsp;If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you forget to take FIRDAPSE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not take a double&nbsp;dose&nbsp;to make up for a missed&nbsp;dose&nbsp;if you have forgotten to take the F&nbsp;IRDAPSE, but continue to take your treatment according to your doctor&#8217;s prescription.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you stop taking FIRDAPSE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If treatment is stopped, you may notice symptoms such as fatigue, slow reflexes, and constipation.&nbsp;Do not stop treatment without consulting your doctor.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Possible side effects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like all medicines, this medicine can cause&nbsp;side effects, although not everybody gets them.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Discontinue treatment and consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Convulsions (seizures).<\/li><li>Asthma.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Very common&nbsp;side effects&nbsp;that may affect more than 1 in 10 people are:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Tingling and numbness around the mouth and&nbsp;extremities&nbsp;(such as feet and hands),<\/li><li>Impaired sense of touch<\/li><li>Nausea<\/li><li>Dizziness<\/li><li>Increased sweating, cold sweats<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Common&nbsp;side effects&nbsp;that may occur in up to 1 in 10 users are:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Magont<\/li><li>Cold hands and feet.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other side effects:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Intensity&nbsp;one and the incidence of most&nbsp;side effects&nbsp;depend on the&nbsp;dose&nbsp;you take.&nbsp;The following&nbsp;side effects&nbsp;have also been reported (affects an unknown number of users):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Raynaud&#8217;s phenomenon (a circulatory disorder that affects fingers and toes).<\/li><li>Diarrhea.<\/li><li>Convulsions (seizures).<\/li><li>Cough, excess mucus or viscous mucus in the respiratory tract, asthma attack in asthmatic patients or patients with previous&nbsp;asthma.<\/li><li>Dimsyn.<\/li><li>Disturbed heart rhythm, fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations).<\/li><li>Weakness, fatigue, headache.<\/li><li>Anxiety, sleep disorders, drowsiness.<\/li><li>Korea (movement disorders), myoclonus (muscle cramps or twitching).<\/li><li>An increase in certain liver enzymes (&nbsp;transaminases&nbsp;) seen on blood tests.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. How to store FIRDAPSE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton after EXP.&nbsp;The expiration date is the last day of the specified month.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do not store above 30 \u00b0 C.&nbsp;Store in the original package.&nbsp;Sensitive to light.&nbsp;Moisture sensitive.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste.&nbsp;Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required.&nbsp;These measures will help to protect the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Contents of the packaging and other information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Content declaration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The active substance is amifampridine.&nbsp;Each tablet contains amifampridine phosphate equivalent to 10 mg amifampridine.<\/li><li>The other ingredients are microcrystalline cellulose, anhydrous&nbsp;colloidal&nbsp;silica, and calcium stearate.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What the medicine looks like and the contents of the pack<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>White, round tablets, flat on one side and with a scoreline on the other side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The tablets can be divided into two equal parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Perforated heat-sealed single-dose blister (heat-sealed aluminum-PVC \/ PVDC laminate blister) with 10 tablets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One box contains 100 tablets (10 strips of 10 tablets each).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Marketing Authorisation Holder<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>SERB SA<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Avenue Louise 480<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1050 Brussels<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Belgium<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Manufacturer:<\/strong><br>EXCELLA GmbH &amp; Co.&nbsp;KG<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>N\u00fcrnberger Strasse 12<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>90537 Moisture<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Germany<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>BioMarin International Limited<br>Shanbally, Ringaskiddy, Co.&nbsp;Cork, P43 R298<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ireland<br><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p> 10 mg tablets<br \/>\namifampridine<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2206,2200],"tags":[2844,2846,2847,2845,2848,2850,2851,2849,2212,2211],"class_list":["post-8810","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-f","category-medicines","tag-amifampridine","tag-amifampridine-dose","tag-amifampridine-side-effects","tag-amifampridine-uses","tag-firdapse","tag-firdapse-dose","tag-firdapse-side-effects","tag-firdapse-uses","tag-medicine","tag-tablets"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8810","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8810"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8810\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9979,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8810\/revisions\/9979"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8810"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8810"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zeepedia.com\/medical\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8810"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}