According to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, only 2-3 per cent of MS patients receive
beta interferon in the UK, compared with an average of 12 to 15 per cent in other European countries.
It has no cure but the drug
beta interferon can slow it.
BETA interferon should not be given to NHS patients with multiple sclerosis, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (Nice) is to recommend.
MS sufferers in Scotland are lobbying the Scottish Parliament to make another drug,
beta interferon, available throughout the country.
MULTIPLE sclerosis campaigners in Coventry have attacked recommendations which could lead to the drug
beta interferon being dumped from the NHS.
The mother-of-two, who uses a stick to help her to walk, had to walk 100 yards without aid to qualify for the drug
beta interferon, but was then told by the health authority she would be placed on a waiting list.
MULTIPLE sclerosis victims face a new delay to find out if they will get the "wonder drug"
beta interferon.
The first studies of
beta interferon for MS began at the end of the 1970s.
She has suffered from multiple sclerosis since 1997, but has been on
beta interferon for the last six months, which has revolutionised her quality of life.
My husband, 58, who has multiple sclerosis, has tried for five years to get
Beta Interferon but has been refused because the NHS can't afford it.
Perhaps newer treatments such as
beta interferon aren't going to work for them.
But a ban on the anti-impotence pill Viagra, a U-turn on the flu remedy Relenza and long delays in ruling on the multiple sclerosis drug
beta interferon appear to have dented doctors' confidence in Nice.