Fampridine - Oral

Fampridine is used for the improvement of walking ability in patients with multiple sclerosis (disease affecting the brain and spinal cord).

Take Fampridine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day. It is important to take each dose of Fampridine 12 hours apart.

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not divide, chew, or crush the tablet.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Do not take Fampridine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• history of fits or seizures
• moderate to severe kidney disease

as Fampridine may not be suitable for you.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• conditions that may trigger fits or seizures
• heart rhythm disorders
• mild kidney disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Fampridine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. kidney function, ECG [test used to record the electrical activity of the heart]) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Regular monitoring of any improvement in your walking ability may also be needed.

Fampridine may cause dizziness, vertigo (dizziness with sensations of spinning), and seizures. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.

Other side effects include any of the following: headache, difficulty sleeping, nausea, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, and generalised weakness or lack of energy.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• rashes, itching, breathlessness, wheezing, chest tightness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, throat, or tongue
• fits or seizures
• blood in the urine, pain when passing urine, feeling the need to pass urine more often, lower stomach pain, pelvic pain, fever

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• cimetidine (medicine used to treat too much stomach acid)
• quinidine (medicine for abnormal heart rhythm)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Fampridine.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

 Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.