Amifampridine Tablets

Amifampridine treats muscle weakness caused by Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. This is an autoimmune condition where your body attacks where nerve cells “tell” muscle fibers to contract. This medication comes in tablet form. You can take it with food if it upsets your stomach.

What is this medication?

AMIFAMPRIDINE (AM i FAM pri deen) treats Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). It works by decreasing muscle weakness and loss of movement. It is not a cure.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): FIRDAPSE, Ruzurgi

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What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Seizures
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to amifampridine, other medications, foods, dyes or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

  • Certain medications for Alzheimer disease, such as donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine
  • Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
  • Certain medications for myasthenia gravis, such as neostigmine, pyridostigmine
  • Cyclobenzaprine
  • MAOIs, such as Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
  • Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone
  • Stimulant medications for ADHD, weight loss, or staying awake
  • Theophylline

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Seizures

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Burning or tingling sensation of the tongue, mouth, throat, or face
  • Burning or tingling sensation in hands or feet
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). See product for storage information. Each product may have different instructions. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Copyright ©2024 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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