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Ampyra (dalfampridine) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to improve walking in adults with multiple sclerosis (MS).
These insights are based on 3,945 comments about Ampyra from MyMSTeam members. These are the experiences of a small number of people and are not meant to be medical advice.
Kidney monitoring is important because reduced kidney function raises seizure risk.
The exact way Ampyra works is not fully known. In animal studies, it helped nerve signals travel better through damaged nerves that had lost their protective covering. Ampyra is prescribed to help improve walking in adults with MS and is taken by mouth as a tablet twice a day, about 12 hours apart.
These insights are based on 3,945 comments about Ampyra from MyMSTeam members.Members who use Ampyra often say it helps to watch for changes, take it on a steady schedule, and stay in touch with your neurologist about benefits, side effects, and cost. Many members also say results can vary, with some noticing changes quickly and others needing more time to see whether it helps.
Keep track of how your walking changes.
“They test your walking speed before and during your course of treatment.”
Take it on a regular schedule and do not miss doses.
“You just have to remember to take them 12 hours apart.”
Tell your doctor about side effects or unusual reactions.
“I stopped taking Ampyra because it gave me a seizure.”
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In clinical studies of Ampyra (dalfampridine) to improve walking in adults with MS, the most common side effects occurred in about 2 percent to 12 percent of people. These side effects were reported more often with Ampyra than with placebo.
Ampyra can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
Merz Pharmaceuticals offers the MyAmpyra co-pay assistance program. People with commercial insurance may be able to pay as little as $0.
The MyAmpyra Patient Support Program provides information about insurance coverage and co-pay assistance options. To learn more, visit the Ampyra website or call 1-855-866-9255.
Before starting Ampyra, your doctor will check your kidney function using a test called creatinine clearance.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to dalfampridine or any ingredients in Ampyra.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Do not take Ampyra if you have ever had a seizure, have moderate or severe kidney problems, or have had a serious allergic reaction to Ampyra or to 4-aminopyridine, its active ingredient.
If you miss a dose, do not take an extra dose or two doses at the same time. Take your next dose at your regular scheduled time.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Ampyra, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Ampyra?
According to the prescribing information, a greater proportion of people taking Ampyra responded compared with those taking a placebo, as measured by the Timed 25-Foot Walk. In trial 1, 34.8 percent of people taking Ampyra responded, compared with 8.3 percent taking a placebo. In trial 2, 42.9 percent responded, compared with 9.3 percent taking a placebo. A responder was someone who walked faster at least three times during treatment than at visits when they were not taking the drug.
What tests or monitoring are needed before and during Ampyra treatment for MS?
Kidney function should be checked before starting Ampyra. It should also be checked at least once a year during treatment. This is important because Ampyra should not be used in people with moderate or severe kidney problems, and mild kidney problems may raise the risk of seizures.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Ampyra for MS?
If you miss a dose, do not take a double or extra dose. Take your next dose at the regular scheduled time. Ampyra is taken as a 10-milligram tablet twice a day, about 12 hours apart. Do not take more than two tablets in 24 hours.
On MyMSTeam, people share their experiences with multiple sclerosis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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