Some good news for people living with MS – The HSE said it expects to confirm the reimbursement date soon. It pointed out that it will repay the cost of the drug where people with MS have responded positively to the drug. Since July last year, Fampyra has only been available to people with multiple sclerosis who can afford to pay for it.
My Motion for April County Council meeting ”For people living with Multiple Sclerosis, in regard to the medication Fampyra early in 2013, notification was given by the HSE that the drug would not be reimbursed. While this life changing Medication is fully available, any patients wishing to receive treatment will be required to either make alternative funding arrangements or to self-fund their treatment. This Council supports the introduction of availability of this Medication to all in need regardless of ability to pay, and calls on the Minister for Health, the Government and the HSE to reverse this decision. ”
Cllr Francis Timmons (independent) and Chairman of the Dublin West Brendan Kenna MS Ireland branch welcomes the HSEs decision to reimburse the Fampyra drug for people with Multiple Sclerosis. Fampridine PR or Fampyra is a slow-release oral tablet developed for people with all types of MS to improve walking ability. Cllr Timmons said this medication has the potential to increase many peoples independence and increase there quality of life.
Cllr Timmons said ”The cost of this medication is to costly for many and therefore many cannot benefit from the medication. It is disgraceful People with multiple sclerosis have had to pay up to €500 a month for a drug that could help them walk, this news is very welcome.
Multiple Sclerosis is a progressive neurological condition that affects the motor, sensory and cognitive functioning of the body. It usually develops between the ages of 20 and 40 and more than twice the number of women than men are affected. Eight thousand people and their family members live with Multiple Sclerosis across Ireland. Although MS is a progressive neurological condition that can affect a person’s health, lifestyle and relationships many people with MS find ways to manage and cope with many of the affects and difficulties.
Living from day-to-day with MS is a combination of many things: *Medically, it is about working with health professional to find suitable treatments and interventions that can keep you healthy. *Socially, it is about finding ways to maintain participation in society through your home life, work, leisure pursuits and community activity. *Emotionally, it is about finding ways to cope with challenges and maintain good mental health.
Cllr Timmons also welcomes decision by The Department of Health to introduce regulations that have enabled authorized, cannabis-based medical products such as Sativex to be legally prescribed by medical practitioners and used by patients. This will provide many benefits for many. Sativex has been proven to have benefits in treating spasticity in MS. People with MS should have the choice to use and benefit from this treatment to assist them manage the affects spasticity may have to their life. spasticity can include “tightness”, stiffness, or “pull” of muscles.
Cllr Timmons said ”The Dublin West Brendan Kenna MS Ireland branch is always looking for funds , we accept any donations monetary or that can be used as prizes for fundraisers. You can contact me @ 087 286 9315 or email ftimmons@cllrs.sdublincoco.ie ”
We are holding a fundraiser on 25th September @ 8pm in the Waterside pub function room cost €10- each a night of psychics and mediumship to raise funds for the branch.
