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How to Talk About Walking

Your doctor knows a lot about MS, but you're the expert on how MS may be affecting your walking. That's why we're providing a Doctor Discussion Guide to help you get the conversation started.

The first 12 questions of this Guide are based on the 12-item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12)—a validated, self-reported patient questionnaire rating the effect of MS on walking.

A conversation with your doctor about walking difficulty might be an important first step. Personalize this downloadable Guide to help start the conversation with your healthcare team.

Select which questions you'd like to appear in your Guide, then save it as a PDF, print it out, or email it to yourself.

For each question, please select the answer that best describes your walking within the last two weeks. You may skip a question if it is not relevant to you.

Estimated time: 4 minutes

Talking
Tips

To help you make the most of your doctor appointment:

  • Try to bring up the subject of walking at every doctor visit
  • Mention changes in your walking, even if they seem minor or don't happen all the time
  • Tell your doctor about your daily walking activities—at work, caring for your family, exercising or running errands, or if difficulties arise during any other daily routine

Remember to tell your doctor if you:

  • Have started to avoid activities that require walking
  • Walk less outside your home
  • Take longer to complete routine trips throughout your day

Indication

AMPYRA® (dalfampridine) Extended Release Tablets, 10 mg, is the first and only brand prescription medicine indicated to help improve walking in adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). This was demonstrated by an increase in walking speed.

Important Safety Information

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

Indication & Important Safety Information

INDICATION

AMPYRA® (dalfampridine) Extended Release Tablets, 10 mg, is the first and only brand prescription medicine indicated to help improve walking in adults with multiple sclerosis (MS). This was demonstrated by an increase in walking speed.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not take AMPYRA if you:

  • have ever had a seizure,
  • 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.

Before taking AMPYRA, tell your doctor if you:

  • have any other medical conditions
  • are taking compounded 4-aminopyridine
  • are taking any other prescription or OTC medicines, such as cimetidine
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if AMPYRA will harm your unborn baby.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if AMPYRA passes into your breast milk. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you take AMPYRA.

Stop taking AMPYRA and call your doctor right away if you have a seizure while taking 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. Your doctor may do a blood test to check how well your kidneys are working before you start AMPYRA.

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

AMPYRA may cause dizziness or vertigo. If you have these symptoms do not drive, operate machinery or do other dangerous activities.

AMPYRA may cause serious side effects, including severe 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 side effects for AMPYRA in MS patients were urinary tract infection; trouble sleeping; dizziness; headache; nausea; weakness; back pain; problems with balance; multiple sclerosis relapse; burning, tingling, or itching of your skin; irritation in your nose and throat; constipation; indigestion; and pain in your throat.

Please see the Patient Medication Guide.