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Dalfampridine ER Coupon - Dalfampridine ER 10mg tablet

dalfampridine ER

Generic Ampyra
Used for Multiple Sclerosis
Used for Multiple Sclerosis

Ampyra (dalfampridine) is an oral medication that's used to improve walking in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). It comes as a tablet that's swallowed whole twice per day. Some side effects of Ampyra (dalfampridine) include urinary tract infections, having trouble falling asleep (insomnia), and dizziness. This medication is available as a brand name and a lower-cost generic.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on April 30, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Ampyra (dalfampridine)?

What is Ampyra (dalfampridine) used for?

  • Improve walking in adults with multiple sclerosis (MS)

How Ampyra (dalfampridine) works

Ampyra (dalfampridine) is a potassium channel blocker. Potassium plays an important role in regulating nerve function in your body. In multiple sclerosis (MS), damaged nerves don't work well because too much potassium leaves the nerve cells through proteins called potassium channels.

It's not exactly known how Ampyra (dalfampridine) works to improve walking in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). But it's thought that Ampyra (dalfampridine) helps damaged nerves work again by blocking potassium channels on these nerve cells.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsAmpyra
Drug ClassPotassium channel blocker
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Ampyra (dalfampridine)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Urinary tract infection (12%)
  • Insomnia (trouble sleeping, 9%)
  • Dizziness (7%)
  • Headache (7%)
  • Nausea (7%)
  • Weakness or lack of energy (7%)

Other Side Effects

  • Back pain
  • Balance problems
  • MS relapse
  • Burning or prickling feeling in your hands and feet
  • Runny nose or other common cold symptoms
  • Constipation
  • Upset stomach

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Severe allergic reactions: hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, closing of the throat, difficulty breathing
  • Seizures

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Bladder pain

bloody or cloudy urine

difficult, burning, or painful urination

frequent urge to urinate

lower back or side pain

Less common

Blurred vision

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels

difficulty walking

feeling sad or depressed

forgetful

muscle cramps

problems with swallowing

slurred speech

unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

Cough

dizziness

fast heartbeat

hives, itching, skin rash

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

tightness in the chest

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Confusion

epileptic seizure that will not stop

increased sweating

memory loss

reduced awareness

seizures

weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Headache

lack or loss of strength

nausea

trouble sleeping

Less common

Back pain

constipation

fever

muscle aches

sore throat

stuffy or runny nose

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Ampyra (dalfampridine)

thumbs-up

Pros

Currently the only FDA-approved medication proven to improve walking in adults with MS

Can take with or without food

Available as a lower-cost generic

thumbs-down

Cons

Can cause seizures

Not a good option for people with kidney problems because of higher risk of side effects

Might not work for everyone

Wasn't studied in children or adults ages 65 years and older

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Ampyra (dalfampridine)

pharmacist

  • You can take Ampyra (dalfampridine) with or without food. If it's hurting your stomach, try taking it with food to help.

    • Swallow Ampyra (dalfampridine) tablets whole. Don't split, crush, chew, or dissolve the tablets. If you're having trouble swallowing the tablets, contact your provider.

      • Make sure you know how Ampyra (dalfampridine) affects you before driving or doing anything that requires your full attention. This medication can make you feel dizzy.

        • Let your provider know if you're taking cimetidine (Tagamet HB), an over-the-counter heartburn medication, because it interacts with Ampyra (dalfampridine). This combination of medications can raise your risk of seizures.

          faqs

          Frequently asked questions about Ampyra (dalfampridine)

          How well does Ampyra (dalfampridine) work?
          In clinical studies looking at how well the medication works, people with MS who took Ampyra (dalfampridine) had an average 25% improvement in their walking speed after about 2 to 3 months of treatment. Additionally, a 2021 study suggested that Ampyra (dalfampridine) treatment might help improve walking, finger dexterity, and brain function in people with MS. If you're taking Ampyra (dalfampridine), make sure to follow up with your provider regularly to discuss how well the medication is working for you. Keep in mind that each person who takes Ampyra (dalfampridine) can have a different experience with the medication.
          How long does it take for Ampyra (dalfampridine) to work?
          In clinical studies, people taking Ampyra (dalfampridine) noticed improvement in their walking ability within 2 to 6 weeks. But each person can respond differently to Ampyra (dalfampridine). If you're not sure whether Ampyra (dalfampridine) is helping with your MS, contact your provider.
          Is Ampyra (dalfampridine) a disease modifying therapy (DMT)?
          No, Ampyra (dalfampridine) isn't a DMT and won't prevent relapses and worsening MS. Ampyra (dalfampridine) is only meant to improve walking difficulties in people with MS. Since DMTs and Ampyra (dalfampridine) help with different aspects of MS, providers might recommend symptomatic treatment like Ampyra (dalfampridine) in addition to a DMT.
          Is Ampyra (dalfampridine) an immunosuppressant?
          No, Ampyra (dalfampridine) isn't an immunosuppressant that weakens your immune system. Immunosuppressant medications used for MS are typically considered disease modifying therapies (DMTs) that help prevent relapses and slow down the worsening of MS. On the other hand, Ampyra (dalfampridine) doesn't affect the immune system. It's considered symptomatic treatment since it can help people with MS walk better.
          Can I take Ampyra (dalfampridine) if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
          Talk to your provider if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding to discuss the risks and benefits of taking Ampyra (dalfampridine). There's not enough information to know for sure whether Ampyra (dalfampridine) is safe to take while you're pregnant or breastfeeding. In animal studies, babies born to mothers exposed to the medication during pregnancy were harmed. Additionally, there isn't any information on Ampyra (dalfampridine) use while breastfeeding. Speak with your provider to make sure you're taking medications for MS that are safe for you and your baby.
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          What are the risks and warnings for Ampyra (dalfampridine)?

          Ampyra (dalfampridine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

          risk-warning

          Seizures

          • Risk factors: History of seizures | Taking more than 10 mg of Ampyra (dalfampridine) twice daily

            Ampyra (dalfampridine) can cause seizures, even if you've never had a seizure before. Seizures can happen within a few days to weeks after starting the medication. Let your provider know if you've had a seizure before or have a medical condition that raises your risk for seizures. Seek medical help right away if you have a seizure. You probably won't be able to continue Ampyra (dalfampridine) treatment if a seizure happens.

            risk-warning

            Higher risk of side effects in people with kidney problems

            • Risk factors: Current kidney problems

              Your body gets rid of Ampyra (dalfampridine) from your system through your kidneys. If your kidneys aren't working well enough, Ampyra (dalfampridine) can build up in your system and raise your risk of side effects (e.g., seizures). It's not possible to lower the dose of Ampyra (dalfampridine) from 10 mg to lower this risk in people with kidney problems. For this reason, you shouldn't use Ampyra (dalfampridine) if you have kidney problems.

              risk-warning

              Severe allergic reaction

              Severe allergic reactions to Ampyra (dalfampridine) are possible, including life-threatening reactions like mouth or facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). If you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using Ampyra (dalfampridine), stop taking the medication and get medical attention right away.

              dosage

              Ampyra (dalfampridine) dosage forms

              Typical dosing for Ampyra (dalfampridine)

              The typical dose is 10 mg by mouth twice daily (about 12 hours apart).

              interactions

              Interactions between Ampyra (dalfampridine) and other drugs

              Ampyra (dalfampridine) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Ampyra (dalfampridine). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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              How much does Ampyra (dalfampridine) cost?

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              contraindications-icon

              Ampyra (dalfampridine) contraindications

              Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Ampyra (dalfampridine) will not be safe for you to take.

              • History of seizure

              • Moderate or severe kidney problems

              images

              Ampyra (dalfampridine) images

              White Oval Wpi And 2533 - Dalfampridine 10mg Extended-Release Tablet
              This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "2533" And "Wpi".White Oval Wpi And 2533 - Dalfampridine 10mg Extended-Release Tablet
              White Oval D 10 - Dalfampridine 10mg Extended-Release Tablet
              This medicine is White, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "D 10".White Oval D 10 - Dalfampridine 10mg Extended-Release Tablet

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              References

              Best studies we found

              Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. (2023). Ampyra- dalfampridine tablet, film coated, extended release [package insert]. DailyMed.

              Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. (n.d.). Common questions.

              Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. (n.d.). Consider Ampyra® (dalfampridine) for all your appropriate patients with MS-related walking difficulty.

              View All References (9)

              Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. (n.d.). Important things to know about taking Ampyra® (dalfampridine).

              Baird, J. F., et al. (2018). Therapies for mobility disability in persons with multiple sclerosis. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics.

              Blight, A. R., et al. (2014). Development of dalfampridine, a novel pharmacologic approach for treating walking impairment in multiple sclerosis. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences.

              Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). (2019). Dalfampridine. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

              Gajofatto, A., et al. (2015). Treatment strategies for multiple sclerosis: When to start, when to change, when to stop? World Journal of Clinical Cases.

              Lamore, R., III, et al. (2010). Dalfampridine (ampyra): An aid to walking in patients with multiple sclerosis. Pharmacy and Therapeutics.

              National Multiple Sclerosis Society. (n.d.). Medications.

              Rae-Grant, A., et al. (2018). Practice guideline recommendations summary: Disease-modifying therapies for adults with multiple sclerosis. Neurology.

              Zhang, E., et al. (2021). Dalfampridine in the treatment of multiple sclerosis: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases.

              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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