Fintepla: Comprehensive Guide on Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, Interactions, and More

Fintepla (fenfluramine) is a prescription medication available as an oral solution, specifically formulated to control seizures associated with particular epilepsy disorders.

It is prescribed for adults and children aged 2 years and above to manage seizures caused by:

• Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
• Dravet syndrome

For a detailed overview of Fintepla’s therapeutic applications, refer to the "What is Fintepla used for?" section below.

Understanding Fintepla

The active compound in Fintepla is fenfluramine, classified under antiseizure medications.

Currently, Fintepla is available only as a brand-name drug with no generic equivalents on the market.

Fintepla carries a boxed warning—the FDA's strongest caution—due to significant safety considerations. Please see the "Important Precautions Before Using Fintepla" section for more information.

Common Questions About Fintepla

Here are answers to frequently asked questions regarding Fintepla.

Is Fintepla a controlled substance?

No, Fintepla is not classified as a controlled substance. Controlled substances are regulated due to potential abuse or dependence risks, which do not apply to Fintepla.

However, some other antiseizure medications like clobazam (Onfi, Sympazan) and clonazepam (Klonopin) are controlled substances.

For further clarification on this topic, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Does Fintepla affect heart health?

Yes, Fintepla can have cardiovascular side effects, including:

• Elevated blood pressure
• Increased risk of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and valvular heart disease

Due to these risks, Fintepla includes a boxed warning. See the "Important Precautions Before Using Fintepla" section for detailed information.

If you have concerns about heart-related side effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

What Conditions Does Fintepla Treat?

Fintepla is approved for treating seizures in individuals aged 2 years and older diagnosed with:

• Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
• Dravet syndrome

Both syndromes are rare, severe epilepsy types that can cause multiple seizure forms and additional challenges like behavioral difficulties and learning impairments.

While the exact mechanism of Fintepla is not fully understood, it is believed to elevate certain brain chemicals that help reduce seizure frequency.

Potential Side Effects of Fintepla

Like all medications, Fintepla may cause side effects ranging from mild to severe. The side effects can vary depending on individual factors such as age, coexisting health conditions, and other medications being taken.

Consult your healthcare provider for comprehensive information about side effects and management strategies.

Mild Side Effects

Common mild side effects reported with Fintepla include:

• Digestive issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Fatigue, weakness, or general discomfort
• Drowsiness
• Excessive drooling
• Fever
• Upper respiratory infections

Mild side effects often resolve within days to weeks but consult your doctor if they persist or worsen.

Serious Side Effects

Though rare, serious side effects may occur and require immediate medical attention, including:

• Impaired muscle coordination affecting walking and balance
• High blood pressure
• Glaucoma
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• Status epilepticus (prolonged seizures)
• Risks related to pulmonary arterial hypertension and valvular heart disease as noted in the boxed warning

Seek emergency care if you experience severe symptoms.

Allergic Reactions

While not observed in clinical trials, allergic reactions to Fintepla are possible. Symptoms can range from mild skin rashes to severe reactions like swelling or difficulty breathing.

If mild symptoms appear, contact your healthcare provider promptly. For severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

Your doctor can determine if alternative treatments are necessary.

Fintepla Dosage Information

Your healthcare provider will tailor your Fintepla dosage based on individual needs. Below are general dosing guidelines, but always follow your doctor’s instructions.

Formulation and Strength

Fintepla is supplied as an oral solution with a concentration of 2.2 mg per milliliter.

Typical Dosage

Fintepla is prescribed for patients aged 2 years and older with Lennox-Gastaut or Dravet syndrome. Dosage is weight-based:

• Initial dose: 0.1 mg/kg twice daily
• Dose adjustment: Gradual weekly increments until optimal control is achieved
• Maximum dose: 0.35 mg/kg twice daily, up to 26 mg per day

For example, a 66 kg (145 lb) individual would start at 6.6 mg (3 mL) twice daily.

Discuss any questions about dosing with your healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions About Taking Fintepla

• Can I take Fintepla with food? Yes, it can be taken with or without food.
• When should I take Fintepla? Take it twice daily at consistent times to maintain stable drug levels.
• What if I miss a dose? Take it as soon as you remember unless it's near the next dose time. Do not double dose.
• Is Fintepla a long-term treatment? Usually, yes. Your doctor will evaluate ongoing effectiveness and safety.
• How soon does Fintepla work? Effects may begin after the first dose, with many patients noticing reduced seizures after about 4 weeks.

Overdose Information

Taking more than prescribed can cause serious harm. Symptoms of overdose include:

• Dilated pupils
• Rapid heartbeat
• Flushing
• Muscle spasms, tremors, or seizures
• Agitation or anxiety
• Breathing difficulties

In severe cases, overdose may lead to coma or death. Contact emergency services immediately if overdose is suspected.

Important Precautions Before Using Fintepla

Drug Interactions

Fintepla may interact with certain medications and supplements, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing side effects. It is crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all substances you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Notable Drug Interactions

Alcohol and Fintepla

Alcohol consumption is not recommended during Fintepla treatment as it can exacerbate side effects like drowsiness and fatigue.

Other Substance Interactions

Fintepla may interact with supplements such as St. John's wort and tryptophan. Avoid these unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Considerations

The safety of Fintepla during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

If pregnancy occurs while on Fintepla, notify your healthcare provider immediately. You may be invited to join a pregnancy registry to help gather safety data.

Boxed Warning Details

Fintepla carries a boxed warning due to the risk of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and valvular heart disease. Symptoms to watch for include:

• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling in abdomen, face, legs, or ankles

Patients are enrolled in a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program to monitor these risks, including regular echocardiograms before and during treatment.

Additional Warnings

Discuss your full medical history with your doctor, especially if you have liver or kidney issues, mental health conditions, or previous allergic reactions to Fintepla.

Support Resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts, immediate help is available:

• Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
• Text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line.
• International helplines can be found via Befrienders Worldwide.
• In emergencies, call 911 or local emergency services.

Stay with the person and ensure their safety until help arrives.

Cost and Savings Options for Fintepla

Fintepla’s cost can vary based on insurance coverage, pharmacy, and treatment plan. Consider these options to manage expenses:

• Use savings coupons from platforms like Optum Perks (note: coupons cannot be combined with insurance copays).
• Discuss financial assistance programs such as the ONWARD Copay Assistance Program with your healthcare provider.

Refer to additional resources for tips on reducing prescription costs.

Alternative Medications to Fintepla

If you’re exploring other treatment options, consult your doctor about medications similar to Fintepla, including:

• Cannabidiol (Epidiolex)
• Clobazam (Onfi)
• Clonazepam (Klonopin)
• Rufinamide (Banzel)
• Stiripentol (Diacomit)

Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication regimen. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all possible uses, warnings, or interactions.

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