AMPYRA Released To Aid Walking For MS Patients
Great News Gang! Drug development company, Acorda Therapeutics has just released the first medication proven to aid walking in MS patients. As of this month, the FDA has approved AMPYRA, a time-release oral medication, expected to be available to the public in March 2010.
Acorda Therapeutics is a biotechnological company that develops therapies for MS, spinal cord injury and other nervous system disorders. They have also developed a drug called Zanaflex Capsules, a short-acting drug for the management of spasticity.
How the drug works:
AMPYRA is a potassium channel blocker that has been found to improve impulse conduction in nerve fibers in which the myelin has been damaged.
What you should know:
- Wholesale acquisition cost of the drug is $1,056 per 30-day supply
- Acorda has launched a patient assistance program to help with out-of-pocket expense of the drug for those who could benefit from it; their goal is to help any patients they can, regardless of patient’s level of insurance or income
- While there has been significant success with this medication during drug trials, AMPYRA is not without side effects (see below)
Side Effects and Risk Factors:
- AMPYRA can cause seizures, and the risk increases with increasing doses of the drug.
- AMPYRA should not be taken by patients with existing kidney problems should not be taken by patients with existing kidney problems
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) have been reported in some patients taking the medication
- Other adverse events include but are not limited to insomnia, dizziness, headache, nausea, asthenia, back pain, balance disorder, MS relapse, paresthesia, nasopharyngitis, constipation, dyspepsia, and phryngolaryngeal pain.
To read the latest article on AMPYRA, FAQs and more, please visit MS Society.
Hello Gary,
I have had MS now since 2002. I have been on countless drugs to try and cope with depression, muscle cramping ( charlie horses), IBS, restless legs, drop foot, blurry/double vision, etc... I am curently not taking anything for MS, nothing but Tysabri has worked in the past and my body has now rejected it. I can't wait for something new to give me hope. I don't leave my house much because of bowell incognence. I've had too many times of messing myself while away from home. I can't deal with that. I just want to come on your site and say hi and tell a little about my life such as it is. I like what I've read so far..... Keep up the good work.
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