Find the latest information about Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), FIRDAPSE, and other related topics and events.
An international group of scientists released treatment guidelines for patients with LEMS and related neuromuscular conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here is a summary of their key findings and recommendations that LEMS patients and their caregivers should be aware of:
Patients should continue their current treatments and medications unless specifically directed otherwise by their healthcare provider
Healthcare providers should consider the regional incidence of COVID-19 when advising patients regarding travel to an infusion center or hospital for treatment
Although there is currently no vaccine available for COVID-19, it is recommended that patients with LEMS only receive heat-killed vaccines
Most patients who develop
COVID-19 have mild symptoms and should continue the current best practice standard of care for LEMS
If a patient’s symptoms are severe (requiring hospitalization), it may be necessary to consider temporarily pausing current immunosuppression
indications and usage:
FIRDAPSE is a potassium channel blocker indicated for the treatment of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) in adults.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
FIRDAPSE is contraindicated in patients with:
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Seizures: FIRDAPSE can cause seizures. Consider discontinuation or dose-reduction of FIRDAPSE in patients who have a seizure while on treatment. FIRDAPSE is contraindicated in patients with a history of seizures.
Hypersensitivity: If a hypersensitivity reaction such as anaphylaxis occurs, FIRDAPSE should be discontinued and appropriate therapy initiated.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common (> 10%) adverse reactions are: paresthesia, upper respiratory tract infection, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, headache, elevated liver enzymes, back pain, hypertension, and muscle spasms.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Catalyst Pharmaceuticals at 1-844-347-3277 (1-844-FIRDAPSE) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
indications and usage:
FIRDAPSE is a potassium channel blocker indicated for the treatment of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) in adults.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
FIRDAPSE is contraindicated in patients with:
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Seizures: FIRDAPSE can cause seizures. Consider discontinuation or dose-reduction of FIRDAPSE in patients who have a seizure while on treatment. FIRDAPSE is contraindicated in patients with a history of seizures.
Hypersensitivity: If a hypersensitivity reaction such as anaphylaxis occurs, FIRDAPSE should be discontinued and appropriate therapy initiated.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
The most common (> 10%) adverse reactions are: paresthesia, upper respiratory tract infection, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, headache, elevated liver enzymes, back pain, hypertension, and muscle spasms.
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Catalyst Pharmaceuticals at 1-844-347-3277 (1-844-FIRDAPSE) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.