MS: Busting the Myths
Approved by MEDSAFE, but not funded by PHARMAC, Fampyra (Fampridine) shows benefits for people with MS in NZ with multiple sclerosis related walking difficulties.
Fampyra is a formulation of 4-aminopyridine, a potassium channel blocker. It works by stopping potassium leaving nerve cells which have been damaged by MS so letting signals pass down the nerve more normally and therefore improving walking abilities.
Fampyra has also been proven to offer relief to those with progressive forms of MS as well as relapsing. Fampyra targets mobility impairment rather than disease progression.
Fampyra does not work for everyone, however results can often be noticeable in 3-4 weeks. The reasons why some do and others do not respond well is still unknown.
Fampridine is a formulation of 4-aminopyridine, a potassium channel blocker. It works by stopping potassium leaving nerve cells which have been damaged by MS so letting signals pass down the nerve more normally. Consequently, some people are able to walk better.
Fampyra is taken orally as tablets only available on prescription. Most people are prescribed one tablet in the morning and one at night (12 hours apart) to be swallowed whole with a drink of water. It is formulated as a prolonged-release tablet which means that the drug is released slowly to give a more steady supply in the body.
The side effects of FAMPYRA include
If you experience any side effects with Fampyra you should contact your health professional.
There are a number of serious side effects that if you experience you should stop taking Fampyra, tell your doctor and go to your neatest hospital for medical attention.
When deciding to go on treatment you should consult with your doctor and advise about any:
Fampyra is not a funded treatment.
The recommended retail price (RRP) is NZ$270 (plus GST) for a 28 day supply and can be ordered through any pharmacy on prescription. There may be a mark up at individual pharmacies as this is Biogen’s RRP.
It is often helpful to review how other people with MS have liked or tolerated a treatments and the benefits and side effects they have experienced.
Patients Like Me – Fampridine
Reports from health professionals are preferred as doctors and other prescribers, pharmacists and nurses usually are able to provide more detailed information about the medications in use and other medical history from patient records that are helpful in evaluating the adverse reaction. However anyone may report a suspected adverse event or reaction to medication taken to the Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring (CARM).
For instructions and further information https://nzphvc.otago.ac.nz/reporting/