Fintepla (Fenfluramine) for Epilepsy

Overview
Fintepla is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat seizures associated with Dravet syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in people at least 2 years old. Fintepla is also referred to by its drug name, fenfluramine.

It is not known exactly how Fintepla works, but recent research suggests it acts on a specific cell membrane receptor protein common in nerve cells.

How do I take it?
Fintepla is an oral solution taken twice daily.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Fintepla lists common side effects including decreased appetite, excess sleepiness, lethargy, diarrhea, constipation, abnormal heart ultrasound, fatigue, malaise, weakness, impaired coordination, balance problems, disturbance when walking, increased blood pressure, drooling, fever, upper respiratory tract infection, vomiting, decreased weight, and seizures lasting more than five minutes (status epilepticus).

Less common but serious side effects for Fintepla can include suicidal ideation and behavior, hypersensitivity reactions, sedation, elevated serotonin levels (serotonin syndrome), glaucoma, valvular heart disease, and high blood pressure affecting the lungs and heart (pulmonary arterial hypertension).

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Fintepla — Zogenix
https://www.finteplahcp.com

Fenfluramine — Medline Plus
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a620045.html