AMPYRA increased the walking speed in over a third of patients.
AMPYRA® is a medication indicated as a treatment to improve walking in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). This was demonstrated by an increase in walking speed.
In clinical trials, AMPYRA consistently improved the walking of over a third of patients, as demonstrated by an increase in walking speed. AMPYRA consistently improved walking speed in significantly more patients than placebo (sugar pill) in 2 clinical trials (34.8% vs. 8.3% and 42.9% vs. 9.3%).
Patients who walked faster in the clinical trials also saw improvements in how MS affected their walking related activities. Walking faster can be meaningful in these types of activities because it may allow a person to cross a street before the light changes, get to answer the door before someone assumes no one is home and leaves, or answer the phone before it goes into voicemail.
Usually, people in the clinical trials who had consistent improvements in their walking while taking AMPYRA experienced them up to 6 weeks of starting treatment.7
AMPYRA isn't an injection or infusion, it's a tablet you take twice a day by mouth about 12 hours apart.
How AMPYRA works.
In MS, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the protective coating around nerve fibers, called myelin.2 When myelin is lost or damaged, potassium channels on the nerves open, and potassium leaks out.3,4 This can weaken or distort the messages being sent from the brain to the rest of the body, and in some people, this can lead to walking difficulties.
How AMPYRA works in humans is not completely understood. However in animal studies, AMPYRA has been shown to help stop potassium leakage from the nerve fibers. This strengthens the signals that the brain sends through nerves whose myelin has been lost or damaged.
AMPYRA is a broad-spectrum potassium channel blocker, and the first MS medication thought to enhance signal conduction in the nerves by blocking some of the potassium leaks.
AMPYRA is thought to block potassium (K+) leaks. This can make a difference for some people with MS. AMPYRA does not replace potassium, nor is it a potassium supplement.
Once you get started, stick with your treatment plan.
AMPYRA is not right for everyone. In clinical trials, AMPYRA consistently improved the walking of over a third of patients. This was demonstrated by an increase in walking speed. When you first begin treatment, it's possible that you may not feel the benefits right away. Don't be discouraged, as individual results can vary. In clinical trials, some people had improvements up to 6 weeks of starting treatment.7
If AMPYRA is making a difference for you, you will see an improvement in your walking. Ask your healthcare team any specific questions you have about your walking.
