Ampyra

[msbites]

Has anybody been given a prescription for Ampyra or know of someone that is taking it? I'm waiting for my script to work it's way through the Blue Cross approval process.

[shoshin]

I just started on Ampyra this week. Before that I was on compounded 4-ap for a year and a half. It has helped me to walk better and seems to take the edge off some of my symptoms. Even my typing is better on the 4-ap because my left hand doesn't wimp out so much.

You have to get Ampyra through the mail from a specialty pharmacy like the DMDs. It won't be in retail pharmacies. Your neuro should have a form to fax to the drug company and then they'll contact you.

The two main contraindications are history of seizures and moderate to severely impaired kidney function.

"AMPYRA is contraindicated in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment (CrCl≤50 mL/min); the risk of seizures in patients with mild renal impairment (CrCl 51–80 mL/min) is unknown, but AMPYRA plasma levels in these patients may approach those seen at a dose of 15 mg twice daily, a dose that may be associated with an increased risk of seizures; estimated CrCl should be known before initiating treatment with AMPYRA." (http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2010/02/annual-price-for-ampyra-set-at-12850.html)

So it sounds like you should make sure your neuro is aware of your renal impairment. The problem is that if the 4-ap/ampyra isn't excreted from your body fast enough then the levels can build up and that makes you more prone to seizures.

The risk is less on Ampyra than on the compounded version because it is time release so there is less chance of the brain getting flooded 4-ap. Plus it's manufactured on commercial scale so there's less chance of mis-dosing. On the other hand, I had no trouble on the compounded version, even when I accidentally took two at once (which did make me feel a bit funny and my face really buzzed).

Oddly, the most common side effect in the trials was an increase in urinary tract infections. The neuro told me that 4-ap doesn't affect the immune system so there's no obvious mechanism for how the Ampyra could cause that. All those things that are listed are just things that happened more often to the people on the drug than off and don't necessarily mean that they're caused by the drug.

So I wouldn't worry too much about the balance. I actually think my balance is better on the Ampyra because I have somewhat more control over my body.

The seizure thing is real, though. 4-ap amps up the neurons, which makes it easier for them to keep signaling the muscles, but this same excitability also can cause seizures. So I would definitely make sure your neuro thinks this is a safe thing for you to try.

sho

[willowwoman7]

bump

[willowwoman7]

I was just prescribed ampyra and my neuro told me to check it out on net. I'm really not sure this is good for me because of the side effects/contraindications because of my kidneys...good function but compromised because of a known desease.  Then, there's a slight chance of worsening balance.  My balance is bad enough...couldn't get the ampyra because it's not in pharmacies yet apparently.  Maybe in my case that's not a bad thing.

[Lulu54]

I know a woman who was taking the compounded version, but know no one on ampyra, yet.

I was questioning the difference between the two  the other night, and learned that the compound version has a risk of seizures.  Ampyra is a slow release formula and has shown no seizure risk.  

Please let us know how it works for you and I would personally like to know what Blue Cross says, since that is also my insurance.

be well, Lulu

[Quixotic1]

I just hate to see unanswered questions, but I know nothing about Ampyra.

It's new isn't it?  Maybe someone here will have experience.

WE have had a couple discussions about it:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/FDA-approves-drug-for-MS-walking-problems/show/1155388

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Multiple-Sclerosis/Dr-Sanjay-Gupta-on-Ampyra/show/1167163

Hope these help!

Quix