LEMS IS a neuromuscular disorder (a condition that affects the nerves and muscles) that typically causes severe, debilitating, and progressive muscle weakness and fatigue.
LEMS OCCURS WHEN the immune system disrupts communication between the nerves and muscles in an area known as the neuromuscular junction (NMJ).
LEMS DISRUPTS the ability of nerves to release an important chemical called acetylcholine (ACh). When ACh is not released properly, muscles lose the signal necessary for their full function. As a result, people with LEMS may struggle to walk or do everyday activities.
WHO IS AFFECTED BY LEMS?
Approximately 3,000 people in the US
First symptoms usually appear between ages 35 and 60
Both men and women are affected
SYMPTOMS OF LEMS include muscle weakness, especially in the legs and hips. This weakness may fluctuate from day to day. LEMS can make it very difficult to do everyday activities, such as walking, talking, or lifting objects. Some patients may have to use assistive equipment, such as a wheelchair or walker, to get around. If you suspect that you may have LEMS, talk to your doctor about the symptoms you’re experiencing and your possible treatment options.
TAKE A SHORT SELF-ASSESSMENT AND TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR TO SEE WHAT YOUR SYMPTOMS MAY BE TRYING TO TELL YOU
We’ll send you a summary of your responses, along with other helpful information that you can use when talking with your physician.
Watch your inbox for your symptom assessment summary.
LEMS IS COMMONLY MISDIAGNOSED because its symptoms resemble other more common diseases, including:
Many people with LEMS struggle with symptoms for years before finally getting diagnosed. For that reason, it’s important to see a physician who has experience with diagnosing neuromuscular diseases.
If you think that you may be experiencing symptoms of LEMS, talk to your physician. If your physician suspects that you may have LEMS, he or she may refer you to a neurologist or neuromuscular specialist. These types of doctors specialize in neuromuscular diseases like LEMS. Find a LEMS physician nearest to you now.
LEMS is typically diagnosed using one or more of the following ways:
A physical exam to test for symptoms and reflexes
Bloodwork to test for voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) antibodies the antibodies responsible for causing LEMS
An electrodiagnostic test to measure how well your muscles and nerves are communicating with each other
An early, accurate diagnosis may help you in several ways:
Feeling better sooner – The earlier you know what’s causing your symptoms, the sooner they can be treated.
Maintaining strength – Studies show that effective treatment can help you maintain your strength to support muscle function and mobility.
Uncovering hidden disease – If you are diagnosed with LEMS, you may be at increased risk for certain types of cancer.
MORE ABOUT LEMS AND CANCER
For some patients, their LEMS symptoms are an important early warning sign that may help save their lives.
About 50% of people with LEMS have an underlying cancer—often small cell lung cancer
The majority of these cases occur in patients with a history of smoking
Your treating physician may recommend cancer screenings when you are diagnosed with LEMS and periodically thereafter.
FIRDAPSE is a prescription medicine used to treat Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) in people 6 years of age or older. It is not known if FIRDAPSE is safe or effective in children less than 6 years of age.
What is the most important information I should know about FIRDAPSE?
Stop taking FIRDAPSE and call your doctor right away if you have a seizure while taking FIRDAPSE.
Do not take FIRDAPSE if you:
Before you take FIRDAPSE, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
How should I take FIRDAPSE?
What are the possible side effects of FIRDAPSE?
FIRDAPSE may cause serious side effects, including:
Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
These are not all the possible side effects of FIRDAPSE.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store FIRDAPSE?
Keep FIRDAPSE and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General Information about the safe and effective use of FIRDAPSE
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use FIRDAPSE for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give FIRDAPSE to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. If you would like more information, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for information about FIRDAPSE that is written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients in FIRDAPSE?
Please see full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.
FIRDAPSE is a prescription medicine used to treat Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) in people 6 years of age or older. It is not known if FIRDAPSE is safe or effective in children less than 6 years of age.
What is the most important information I should know about FIRDAPSE?
Stop taking FIRDAPSE and call your doctor right away if you have a seizure while taking FIRDAPSE.
Do not take FIRDAPSE if you:
Before you take FIRDAPSE, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
How should I take FIRDAPSE?
What are the possible side effects of FIRDAPSE?
FIRDAPSE may cause serious side effects, including:
Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
These are not all the possible side effects of FIRDAPSE.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store FIRDAPSE?
Keep FIRDAPSE and all medicines out of the reach of children.
General Information about the safe and effective use of FIRDAPSE
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use FIRDAPSE for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give FIRDAPSE to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. If you would like more information, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for information about FIRDAPSE that is written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients in FIRDAPSE?
Please see full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.
