Amifampridine phosphate is used to treat a certain
disorder that affects nerves and muscles (Lambert-Eaton syndrome). This
disorder causes your body's immune system to attack healthy nerve cells,
which results in muscle weakness. It is not known exactly how this
medication works, but it can help lessen symptoms of muscle weakness and
loss of movement caused by Lambert-Eaton syndrome.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist
before you start taking amifampridine phosphate and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually 3 to 5 times daily. The dosage is based on
your medical condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also
based on weight. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may
direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase
your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
If you need a dose that doesn't match taking half and/or
whole tablets together, or have trouble swallowing tablets, or receive
medication through a feeding tube, you may make a liquid suspension with
this medication. Read and follow the manufacturer's directions
(Instructions for Use leaflet) to make a suspension with the tablet(s) and
sterile water. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about what you need to make
the suspension. Place the required number of tablets in a container. Add 10
milliliters (2 teaspoonfuls) sterile water to the container for each
tablet. Do not use any other foods or liquids to mix this medication. Wait
5 minutes, then shake the mixture well for 30 seconds. Shake the suspension
well before measuring each dose. Carefully measure the dose using a special
measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not
get the correct dose. Refrigerate the suspension between doses. Prepare
fresh suspensions daily. Throw away any unused suspension after 24
hours.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each
day.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Tingling around the mouth, tongue, face, fingers, toes,
and other body parts may occur. Cold symptoms (such as stuffy/runny nose,
cough, sore throat, fever, sneezing), nausea, diarrhea, constipation,
headache, stomach/back pain, muscle spasms, or dizziness may also occur. If
any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check
your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are
high.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- symptoms of liver damage (such as nausea/vomiting that
doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing
eyes/skin, dark urine)
- vision changes (such as decreased/blurred vision)
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking amifampridine phosphate, tell your doctor
or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to amifampridine; or if you
have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients,
which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your
pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- kidney problems
- liver problems
- seizure
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana can
make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs
alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to
your doctor if you are using marijuana.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Amifampridine phosphate is very similar to
amifampridine. Do not switch brands unless directed by your
doctor.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe
dizziness, fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store the tablets at room temperature away from light
and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from
children and pets.
If you are using the liquid suspension, store it in the
refrigerator. After mixing, discard any unused suspension after 24 hours.
(See also How to Use section.)
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.