Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Dizziness/reduced alertness: Fampyra (Fampridine) may cause dizziness, balance problems, or fatigue. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Fampyra (Fampridine) affects you.
Heart problems: Heart problems involving symptoms of irregular heart rhythms may be made worse by taking Fampyra (Fampridine). If you have heart problems or heart disease, discuss with your doctor how Fampyra (Fampridine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Fampyra (Fampridine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Infection: Fampyra (Fampridine) may reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). Tell your doctor immediately if you notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells in your blood.
Kidney function: Fampyra (Fampridine) is removed from the body by the kidneys. Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function can cause Fampyra (Fampridine) to build up in the body, causing side effects and increasing the risk of seizure. People with reduced kidney function or kidney disease should not take Fampyra (Fampridine).
If you are taking medications that can impact your kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Fampyra (Fampridine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Fampyra (Fampridine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Seizures: Fampyra (Fampridine) has been associated with seizures, even in people who have never had a seizure before. Higher doses of Fampyra (Fampridine) increase the risk of seizures. The risk of seizures also increases if the kidneys are not working properly. If you have medical conditions that increase your risk of seizures or are taking medications that increase your risk of seizures (e.g., Bupropion, Tramadol, Tapentadol), discuss with your doctor how Fampyra (Fampridine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Fampyra (Fampridine), and whether any special monitoring is needed. People with a history of seizures or Epilepsy should not take Fampyra (Fampridine).
Urinary Tract Infections: An increase in urinary tract infections has been noted by people taking Fampyra (Fampridine). If you experience signs of a urinary tract infection, such as difficult or painful urination, bladder pain, or abdominal pain, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Pregnancy: Fampyra (Fampridine) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Fampyra (Fampridine), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Fampyra (Fampridine) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Fampyra (Fampridine), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Fampyra (Fampridine) have not been established for children.
Seniors: Seniors are more likely to have reduced kidney function and may therefore be at higher risk of side effects of Fampyra (Fampridine). Your doctor may test your kidney function before starting treatment with Fampyra (Fampridine).