Firdapse Side Effects

Generic name: amifampridine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 21, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Firdapse.

Applies to amifampridine: oral tablet Side Effects associated with amifampridine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Firdapse.

Applies to amifampridine: oral tablet.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly.

This medicine may increase your risk for seizures and should not be given to patients who have had seizures.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after using this medicine.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of Firdapse

Along with its needed effects, amifampridine (the active ingredient contained in Firdapse) 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 while taking amifampridine:

Other side effects of Firdapse

Some side effects of amifampridine 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:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to amifampridine: oral tablet.

Hematologic adverse events

• Common (1% to 10%): Lymphadenopathy^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Viral infection^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Back pain (14%), muscle spasm (12%), muscle weakness (10%), pain in extremity (10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Blood creatine phosphokinase increased^[Ref]

Ocular

• Very common (10% or more): Cataract (10%)
• Frequency not reported: Blurred vision^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Peripheral edema
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypercholesterolemia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia, depression
• Frequency not reported: Sleep disorders, anxiety^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Very common (10% or more): Elevated liver enzymes (e.g., elevated alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], gamma-glutamyl transferase [GGT] (14%)

transferase (GGT)^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Upper respiratory tract infection (33%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Bronchitis, dyspnea, influenza
• Frequency not reported: Bronchial hypersecretion, asthma attack in asthmatic patients or patients with a history of asthma, cough^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Fall, pyrexia^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Paresthesia/dysesthesia (i.e., oral paresthesia, oral hypoesthesia) (69%), headache (14%), dizziness (10%), asthenia (10%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Seizures^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Hypertension (12%)
• Frequency not reported: Raynaud's syndrome, cardiac rhythm disorders, palpitations^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Hyperhidrosis, cold sweat
• Common (1% to 10%): Erythema^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Abdominal pain (14%), nausea (14%), diarrhea (14%), dyspepsia (17%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Constipation, GI reflux
• Frequency not reported:: Epigastralgia^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• What is the difference between Ruzurgi and Firdapse?
• What is Firdapse (amifampridine) used to treat?

Further information

Firdapse side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer