Fenfluramine

What is Fenfluramine?

Fenfluramine is a medication used as a treatment for seizures caused by Dravet syndrome as well as Lennox-Gastaut disorder for those who are two years old. Fenfluramine could have serious side effects on your lungs and heart. Fenfluramine is only available through the supervision of a specific program. It is necessary to be registered within the program and know the risks and benefits associated with this medication. Fenfluramine is also employed for other purposes that are not covered in this guideline.

Side effects of Fenfluramine

Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that are warning signs of an allergic response, such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue,

If you notice any new or more severe symptoms, for example, changes in your behavior or mood, anxiety, panic attacks, or trouble sleeping, or if you experience anger, irritability, or impulsivity and are aggressive, anxious, or hyperactive (mental as well as physically) or depressed, or if you are thinking about suicide or harming yourself,

Fenfluramine could cause serious adverse effects on the lungs and your heart. Call your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Chest pain, heartbeats that pound, or a fluttering chest;
• Breathlessness or a shortness of breath
• Blue-colored lips or skin;
• Swelling in your lower legs; or
• Unusual fatigue or weakness and feeling as if you're about to faint or pass out

Make sure to contact your doctor at any time if you suffer from:

• Loss of appetite and weight;
• Worsening seizures;
• Blurred vision blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye redness, or pain; having halos appear around lights;
• nausea or vomiting; or
• Increased blood pressure, severe headache, blurred vision, the pounding of your neck or ears, stress, and a nosebleed

Get medical attention immediately. If you experience signs associated with serotonin syndrome, which include hallucinations, agitation, sweating or shivering, an increase in heart rate, muscle stiffness and twitching, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea,

Fenfluramine may affect weight gain or development in young children. Inform your doctor if your child isn't growing at a normal pace while taking this medication.

Common adverse effects of fenfluramine could include:

• Elevated blood pressure
• Drowsiness;
• Less weight gain;
• Nausea, loss of appetite, and diarrhea and constipation;
• Seizures that don't stop;
• Fatigue or feeling weak;
• Fever, infections;
• Abnormal tests of heart function;
• Issues related to balance, walking, or muscular movement
• Salivating or
• Signs of a cold, like congestion, sneezing, and a sore throat.

This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Others could happen. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Similar/related drugs

Banzel, Onfi, Clonazepam, Ozempic, Lamotrigine, Topiramate, and Lamictal

Warnings

Avoid using fenfluramine if you've taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. A potentially dangerous interaction with a drug can happen. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid, the linezolid drug, Methylene Blue injection Phenelzine, as well as the drug tranylcypromine. You must wait at least 14 days after the discontinuation of any MAO inhibitor before taking fenfluramine.

Fenfluramine could result in serious side effects for your lungs and heart. Consult your doctor immediately if you notice: chest pain, shortness of breath, unusual fatigue or swelling of your lower legs, rapid or beating beats that are pounding blue lips or skin, or if you feel lightheaded.

Fenfluramine can cause weight loss, which can cause growth problems in children. Do your weight regularly and tell your doctor if you're losing weight. It is possible to quit taking fenfluramine if you are losing too much weight. Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you understand how fenfluramine affects your body. Your reaction could be impaired.

There are people who have thoughts of suicide when taking fenfluramine. Keep vigilant for any changes in your attitude or symptoms. Be sure to report any new or worsening symptoms to your physician.

Prior to use this drug

Fenfluramine is not a good choice when you are allergic to it.

Avoid using fenfluramine if you've taken an MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days. A potentially dangerous interaction between drugs can happen. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid linezolid, methyl blue injection, phenelzine rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine, among others.

Speak to your doctor if you have ever suffered from:

• Heart issues;
• Weight loss;
• depression is a depression disorder or suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
• The addiction to alcohol or drugs; or
• Kidney or liver disease

There are people who think about suicide when taking fenfluramine. Your doctor should examine your progress every few appointments. Your family members and other caregivers should be on the lookout for changes in your symptoms or mood.

Consult your physician if you are also taking stimulant medication, opioid medication, herbal products, or medications to treat mental illness, depression, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, severe infections, or to prevent vomiting and nausea. Fenfluramine interactions can result in a serious health condition known as serotonin syndrome. Consult your physician if you are nursing or pregnant. If you're expecting, then your name might be included on an OB-gyn registry to track how fenfluramine affects you, the infant.

How to take Fenfluramine?

Your doctor will run tests to determine if there are no medical conditions that could hinder you from using fenfluramine. Follow the directions on the prescription label and read the medication guide or instructions sheets. Your doctor may alter the dosage. Follow the medication exactly as prescribed.Fenfluramine can be addictive. The misuse of the drug can result in dependence, overdose, or even death. Keep the medication in a safe place so that others aren't able to access it. Giving away or selling fenfluramine is illegal.

Be sure to read and adhere to any instructions for use that come with your medication. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor for clarification if you are unsure of these directions. Fenfluramine can be taken in combination with or without meals. Take care when measuring liquid medicines. Use the syringe for dosing or a dose-measuring device (not an ordinary spoon). Follow the instructions of your doctor concerning the administration of fenfluramine using the feeding tube if it is needed.

Fenfluramine can cause a decrease in appetite and may cause weight gain. Be sure to weigh yourself frequently and inform your doctor if you're losing weight. It may be necessary to discontinue taking fenfluramine if you have experienced a lot of weight loss. Weight loss can impact the growth of children. The heart's function needs to be monitored by using an electrocardiograph, or the ECG (sometimes also referred to as the EKG).

Keep it at room temperature and free of heat and moisture. Avoid freezing or refrigerating this medication. The syringe and bottle must be kept together in a dry area. Make sure you keep track of your medication. It is imperative to know if you are using the medicine improperly or without a prescription.

Recycle any unused fenfluramine within 3 months of the time when you first opened the bottle or when you reach the "discard" date on the label, whichever is first. Don't stop taking fenfluramine abruptly, even if you feel normal. The abrupt stop can trigger increased seizures. Follow the instructions of your physician when tapering your dose.

Details on dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Seizures:

The first dose is 0.1 mg/kg taken orally, 2 times per day.
Increase doses weekly to reduce seizures; dose increases are determined by concomitant effectiveness, therapy, and tolerance.

For patients not on concomitant stiripentol:
On Day 7: Increase to 0.2 mg/kg by mouth, 2 times every day.
On Day 14, it is possible to increase it to 0.35 mg/kg orally, 2 times every day.
Maximum Dose: 26 mg/day

For Patients on Concomitant Stiripentol and Clobazam:
On Day 7, increase to 0.15 mg/kg, orally twice every day.
On Day 14, it is possible to increase to 0.2 mg/kg by mouth, 2 times per day.
Maximum Dose: 17 mg/day

Comments:
If a patient is not taking stiripentol in conjunction and requires a faster dose, the dosage can be increased every four days.

Use: To treat seizures that are associated with Dravet syndrome.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Seizures:

Age: 2 years old and older:
Dose for the first time: 0.1 mg/kg taken orally, 2 times per day.
May increase dosage weekly for an additional reduction in seizures. Dose increases are based on the concomitant treatment, efficacy, and tolerance.

For patients not on concomitant stiripentol:
On Day 7: Increase to 0.2 mg/kg by mouth, 2 times every day.
Day 14: It is possible to increase it to 0.35 mg/kg, orally twice per day.
Maximum Dose: 26 mg/day

For Patients on Concomitant Stiripentol and Clobazam:
On Day 7, increase to 0.15 mg/kg, orally twice every day.
Day 14: Increase to 0.2 mg/kg, orally twice every day.
Maximum Dose: 17 mg/day

Comments:
For patients who are not taking concomitant doses of stiripentol and who require a faster dose, the dosage can be increased every four days.

Use: To treat seizures resulting from Dravet syndrome in patients aged 2 years and over.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Do not take the medicine for as long as you can. However, avoid any missed doses if you are close to the time of the next dose. Don't have two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.

What should be avoided?

Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you understand how fenfluramine affects your body. Your reaction could be affected.

Do not take an herbal supplement with St. John's wort.

Interaction with other drugs

There are times when it's not recommended to take certain medications in conjunction with other medications. Certain medications can alter your blood levels from other medications you take, which could create side effects or render the medications less effective.

Inform your doctor about all other medications, particularly:

• Stiripentol;

This list is not comprehensive. Other medications can affect the fenfluramine molecule, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some interactions with drugs are not listed here. are listed here.