What Happens When a Loved One Starts Taking AMPYRA?
AMPYRA may help them improve their walking
AMPYRA® (dalfampridine) is the only FDA-approved medication shown to improve walking in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). AMPYRA improved walking in significantly more people than placebo (sugar pill) in two clinical trials (34.8% vs. 8.3% and 42.9% vs. 9.3%). Improving walking may help with even the simplest things, like keeping up with friends and family. Not everyone responds to AMPYRA. Individual results may vary.
In the clinical studies, people who walked faster, regardless of treatment, also reported improvements in their walking-related activities* using the 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (or MSWS-12).
*A drug/placebo difference was not established for this outcome measure.
How soon might they notice a change in how they walk?
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’s important to take AMPYRA as prescribed by your doctor.
Can AMPYRA cause side effects?
AMPYRA may cause seizures, even in people who have never had a seizure before. The chance of having a seizure is higher in people who take too much AMPYRA or in people whose 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. Anyone taking AMPYRA should stop and call the doctor right away or get emergency medical help if they have shortness of breath or trouble breathing, swelling of the 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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