MedPage Today (7/24, Phend) reports that the
FDA issued a warning that "multiple sclerosis drug dalfampridine (Ampyra)
can cause seizures in patients who are starting the medicine at normal
doses," and "most seizures happened in patients with no history of
seizures and occurred within days or weeks of starting the drug at its
recommended dosage." The medication "was approved in 2010 to improve
walking ability in MS." The FDA "pointed out that the drug is
excreted renally, so kidney impairment may lead to higher blood levels that
raise seizure risk."
Reuters (7/24, Clarke) the medication,
marketed as Fampyra in Europe, was known to have a seizure risk for dosages
higher than that recommended. Now the FDA is recommending that kidney function
be checked before prescribing the medication and checked at least annually
thereafter. Also patients should not make up any missed doses as the extra
dosage could increase the risk.
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