3,4 Diaminopyridine and MS

[Benjamin]

I don't know if there are any members with MS, but Mrs Benjamin has for the last nine months been taking this medication in tablet form as part of trials to assess it suitability for use by MS sufferers in France.

Originally developped to treat another condition (Lambert-Eaton Syndrome) it has been found to be of some help to some MS sufferers some of the time. It's not a cure but it helps with balance and poise and now enables Mrs B to walk in the garden, albeit with a cane, and to generally move around a lot more easily. In doesn't do anything else with other symptoms but certainly gives a psychological boost to counter the progressive decline that many MS sufferers see.

The trial has been concluded in the UK (where the consumer name of Fampradine has been given to the treatment). It's developers, Biogen Idec, are waiting for a licence to manufacture (probably due at the end of this year) and then it will be up to NICE to consider its cost/benefit suitability for release through Neurologists/GPs.

There appear to be few side effects although a tingling sensation in the fingers and lips together with the possibility of insomnia. You get used the to the first and by taking the last tablets of the day around 4.00 pm the insomnia is easily countered.

We are told that the cost of a month's treatment is of the order of €120 so relatively cheap against some medicines.

If anyone wants any othet informatio then pm or email.

I'll also put this message in the Disability Section.

[NormanH]

Best wishes to her as she copes with this difficult disease.

[Swissie]

I'd like to second that. Bonne chance et bon courage à vous deux. xx  Swissie

[Clair]

Duplicated thread -

See http://www.completefrance.com/cs/forums/2054648/ShowPost.aspx

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