Some medications with brand names cost a significant amount more than generic compounds. A perfect example of this is 4-aminopyridine (also called 4-AP or dalfampridine) – a medication used to improve walking ability and motor skills in people with multiple sclerosis. The brand name version of this medication is called Ampyra and a one-month supply is about seven times the cost of the dalfampridine we compound at our pharmacy. This cost difference can be significant for a patient with MS who could experience a great improvement in quality of life from a medication that helps them walk. 4AP has actually been used for years, long before the brand name version became available.

What is 4-Aminopyridine?

4-AP, now commonly called dalfampridine according to its USP monograph, is a potassium channel blocker that is prescribed to people with multiple sclerosis to improve walking and other motor activities. It can also help relieve fatigue and improve visual function. It’s thought that dalfampridine works by strengthening nerve signals weakened by MS. Dalfampridine does not cure MS or change the disease course but it can be a great benefit to patients who are having difficulty walking.

Walking and MS

A majority of people who have MS have trouble walking. This can be an especially challenging part of the disease. Not being able to keep up with friends and family or get places on time can lead to further stress and difficulty. Patients with more severe symptoms may have trouble getting to the door in time when the bell rings or making it to the bathroom. That’s why using dalfampridine to improve walking ability and motor skills can actually make a great difference in an individual’s quality of life.

A survey scale was developed to measure the walking ability of people with MS. This scale is based on patients self-reporting their ability to walk, run, and climb stairs. Patients who have taken this survey report an improvement on this scale when taking 4AP.

12-Item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12)

Dalfampridine and Other Multiple Sclerosis Medications

Dalfampridine is not what is called a Disease Modifying Therapy (DMT). Instead it treats a particular symptom of MS to improve quality of life. It is safely used alongside DMTs and has also been shown to be effective on its own.

 Why Choose a Compounding Pharmacy

At Park Compounding Pharmacy we are able to offer dalfampridine in multiple dosages customized to an individual’s needs. Commercially available drugs do not allow this kind of customization and they are often only available in one strength. Dalfampridine is the same active ingredient used in the commercially available Ampyra but our product is much more affordable.