LEMS is a severe neuromuscular disorder that causes debilitating, progressive muscle weakness and fatigue. It occurs when the immune system attacks the connections between nerves and muscles, known as the neuromuscular junction (NMJ).
This attack disrupts the nerve cell’s ability to release acetylcholine (ACh), a chemical that helps it send signals to muscle cells. When less ACh is released, muscles can’t contract properly and don’t work as they should. People with LEMS can struggle to walk or do everyday activities.
The main symptom of LEMS is 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:
Standing up
Walking
Climbing steps
Getting into or out of a car
Getting out of bed
Talking
Chewing
Swallowing
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.
LEMS is a rare disease, affecting about 3,000 people in the United States. The symptoms can also resemble other more common diseases, like myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, or lupus. Many people with LEMS struggle with symptoms for several years and can be misdiagnosed at first.
An early, accurate diagnosis is important because it may help people get started on treatment sooner. LEMS is typically diagnosed through one or more of the following ways:
If you think you may be experiencing the symptoms of LEMS, first 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.
If you are diagnosed with LEMS, you are at an increased risk for certain types of cancer. About 50% of people with LEMS have or will develop cancer, especially small cell lung cancer.
This is why people with LEMS are tested for cancer soon after diagnosis and then tested again at three to six months and every six months thereafter for the next two years.
FIRDAPSE is a prescription medicine used to treat adults 18 years of age or older with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). It is not known if FIRDAPSE is safe or effective in children.
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.
If you would like more information, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for additional information about FIRDAPSE that is written for health professionals.
The active ingredient in FIRDAPSE is amifampridine. Inactive ingredients are calcium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, and microcrystalline cellulose.
Please see full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.
FIRDAPSE is a prescription medicine used to treat adults 18 years of age or older with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). It is not known if FIRDAPSE is safe or effective in children.
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.
If you would like more information, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for additional information about FIRDAPSE that is written for health professionals.
The active ingredient in FIRDAPSE is amifampridine. Inactive ingredients are calcium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, and microcrystalline cellulose.
Please see full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.
