Fintepla can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Fintepla. These lists do not include all possible side effects.
Side effects might differ slightly between people with Dret syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. (Fintepla is approved to treat seizures associated with these conditions.)
For more information about the possible side effects of Fintepla, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.
Note: The FDA tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Fintepla, you can do so through MedWatch.
Mild side effectsBelow is a partial list of mild side effects of Fintepla. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view Fintepla’s prescribing information.
Mild side effects of Fintepla can include:
constipationdiarrheadroolingfeverfeelings of fatigue, lethargy, weakness, or malaiseloss of appetitesleepinessupper respiratory infectionvomitingweight lossmild allergic reaction (see “Allergic reaction” below)Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effectsSerious side effects from Fintepla aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you he serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re hing a medical emergency.
Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:
lack of muscle coordination, which may include symptoms such as: difficulty speaking, such as slurred speechdifficulty walking, such as walking more slowly than usualbalance problems that increase the risk of fallingglaucoma, which may include symptoms such as: eye painblurred visionseeing halos around lightssuicidal thoughts or behiors, which may include symptoms such as: thoughts of death or self-harmagitation, anxiety, or restlessnessnew or worsened depression or irritabilitystatus epilepticus, which is a medical emergency and may include symptoms such as: seizures that last at least 5 minutesmultiple seizures in a row with loss of consciousnessmuscle stiffness or twitchinghigh blood pressure, which doesn’t typically cause symptomsrisk of valvular heart disease and PAHsevere allergic reaction (see “Allergic reaction” below)Note: Fintepla has a boxed warning for valvular heart disease and PAH. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Fintepla precautions” section below.
Side effects in childrenFintepla is approved to treat seizures caused by certain types of epilepsy in children ages 2 years and older. For more details, see the “Fintepla uses” section below.
Most side effects of Fintepla in children are expected to be the same as those in adults. (For lists of possible side effects, see “Mild side effects” and “Serious side effects” just above.)
It’s important to note that loss of appetite and weight loss may delay growth in children. For this reason, your child’s doctor may check their height and weight during treatment. If they find signs of delayed growth, your child’s doctor may switch them to a treatment other than Fintepla.
If you he questions about how Fintepla may affect your child, talk with their doctor.
Help is out thereIf you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are ailable to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Allergic reactionAs with most drugs, some people can he an allergic reaction after taking Fintepla. This side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials of this drug but can still occur.
Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:
skin rashitchinessflushingA more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:
swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feetswelling of your tongue, mouth, or throattrouble breathingCall your doctor right away if you he an allergic reaction to Fintepla, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re hing a medical emergency.