"Since starting Ampyra, I have the confidence in my ability to do simple things, like keeping up? to meet friends" -Kristie

What to Expect

Multiple sclerosis (MS) may affect your walking. The good news is so might AMPYRA

AMPYRA® (dalfampridine) is the only FDA-approved medication shown to improve walking in people with MS. AMPYRA improved walking in significantly more people with MS than placebo (sugar pill) in two clinical trials (34.8% vs. 8.3% and 42.9% vs. 9.3%). Improving your walking may help with even the simplest things, like keeping up with friends and family. Not everyone responds to AMPYRA. Individual results may vary.

Why walking better may matter

In the clinical studies, people who walked faster, regardless of treatment, also reported improvements in their walking-related activities.* This was shown using the 12-Item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (or MSWS-12).

The MSWS-12 is a self-assessment tool used by patients to rate the impact of MS on their walking ability. It includes the following 12 areas:
  • Standing
  • Maintaining balance
  • Ability to run
  • Climbing stairs
  • Need for support
  • Walking distances
  • Moving around the home
  • Effort needed to walk
  • Concentration needed to walk
  • Ability to walk
  • Walking speed
  • Gait

*A drug/placebo difference was not established for this outcome measure.

How soon might you notice a change in your walking?

Some people experience improvement in their walking ability within a couple of weeks. Others notice improvement up to 6 weeks after starting.

Not everyone responds to AMPYRA. Individual results may vary. It is important to take AMPYRA as prescribed by your doctor.

Can AMPYRA cause side effects?

Do not take AMPYRA if you have ever had a seizure or have certain types of kidney problems, or are allergic to dalfampridine (4-aminopyridine), the active ingredient in AMPYRA. You could have a seizure even if you never had a seizure before. Your chance of having a seizure is higher if you take too much AMPYRA or if your kidneys have a mild decrease of function, which is common after age 50.

AMPYRA may cause serious side effects, including kidney or bladder infections, and serious allergic reactions. Stop taking AMPYRA and call your doctor right away or get emergency medical help if you have shortness of breath or trouble breathing, swelling of your throat or tongue, or hives. The most common adverse events for AMPYRA in MS patients were urinary tract infection, trouble sleeping, dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness, back pain, and problems with balance.

For more information, please see the complete Medication Guide.

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AMPYRA® (dalfampridine) is indicated as a treatment to improve walking in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). This was demonstrated by an increase in walking speed.

IMPORTANT NEW SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not take AMPYRA if you are allergic to dalfampridine (4-aminopyridine), the active ingredient in AMPYRA.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not take AMPYRA if you have ever had a seizure, or have certain types of kidney problems, or are allergic to dalfampridine (4-aminopyridine), the active ingredient in AMPYRA.

Take AMPYRA exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

You could have a seizure even if you never had a seizure before. Your chance of having a seizure is higher if you take too much AMPYRA or if your kidneys have a mild decrease of function, which is common after age 50.

Your doctor may do a blood test to check how well your kidneys are working, if that is not known before you start taking AMPYRA.

AMPYRA may cause serious allergic reactions. Stop taking AMPYRA and call your doctor right away or get emergency medical help if you have shortness of breath or trouble breathing, swelling of your throat or tongue, or hives.

AMPYRA should not be taken with other forms of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, fampridine), since the active ingredient is the same.

The most common adverse events for AMPYRA in MS patients were urinary tract infection, trouble sleeping, dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness, back pain, and problems with balance.

Before taking AMPYRA tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if AMPYRA will harm your unborn baby.

Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. It is not known if AMPYRA passes into your breast milk. You and your doctor should decide if you will take AMPYRA or breast-feed. You should not do both.

Please see the full Prescribing Information and Patient Medication Guide.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

AMPYRA® is a registered trademark of Acorda Therapeutics®, Inc. | AMPYRA® is marketed by Acorda Therapeutics®, Inc. and manufactured under license from Alkermes Pharma Ireland Limited (APIL), Ireland | AMPYRACONNECT™ is a trademark of Acorda Therapeutics®, Inc. | The stylized path logo is a trademark of Acorda Therapeutics®, Inc. | The stylized Acorda logo is a trademark of Acorda Therapeutics®, Inc. | © 2013 Acorda Therapeutics®, Inc. All rights reserved.

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