The drug opens up new options for the treatment of Parkinson's

June 13, 2016

The drug opens up new options for the treatment of Parkinson's

CAMPAIGNERS have won their fight to have a potentially life-changing treatment for Parkinson's disease made available through the NHS in Scotland.

Use of the drug Duodopa had previously been ruled out by the Scottish Medicines Consortium, but the body has now reversed its decision allowing it to be proscribed by all health boards.

Sufferers say that Duodopa can hugely alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson's, and give them back some control over their lives.

Charity Parkinson's UK has also hailed the decision, which it says could have a "huge impact" on the way the disease is treated.

David Taylor, 58, from Edinburgh was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2008. He served as an Officer in the Royal Scots for 18 years before joining the charity sector.

He said: “It really is fantastic news that Duodopa will be more easily available in Scotland. My Parkinson’s symptoms were so extreme that life was unbearable for me and my wife, but it still took nearly a year for my consultant to persuade the NHS Board to fund Duodopa.

"That meant we had to endure many extra months of very severe symptoms without knowing whether I would be able to start this treatment. It is great that other people in a similar situation won’t have to go through that.

“Before I started on Duodopa, I was taking tablets every 90 minutes, but they couldn’t control my agonising cramps and violent involuntary movements. One minute I’d be on the floor, rigid and in agonising pain and the next thing my arms and legs would be jerking uncontrollably. I couldn’t sleep, and my wife was up eight times a night to help me. She was starting not to cope."

Dr David Stewart, Consultant in Geriatric Medicine in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: “This is a very welcome decision by SMC. I have seen in my own patients that Duodopa can help control difficult Parkinson’s symptoms when all other options have failed, dramatically improving quality of life.

"Duodopa is not the answer for everyone, but it is a vital addition to our very limited toolbox for treating people with advanced Parkinson’s in Scotland."

Katherine Crawford, Scotland Director at Parkinson’s UK, added: “Parkinson’s UK has campaigned vigorously for the SMC to reconsider its earlier decision and we are delighted that Duodopa should now be routinely available. Parkinson’s specialists will now be able to prescribe Duodopa without having to apply to their NHS Board each time. This means fewer delays and less potential for a postcode lottery.

“Duodopa can enable people with advanced Parkinson’s to live independently, to socialise, and take part in activities they enjoy again. It’s not a cure, but it can have a huge impact on people with advanced Parkinson’s and those closest to them."

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/14553965.Parkinson__39_s_campaigners_hail_decision_to_proscribe_new_drug/