One more solution for MS problems?

New year arrived with fresh news in area of so-called multiple sclerosis drugs.

On 22 January 2010 FDA (USA) approved a new drug “Ampyra”, that improves walking abilities in many MS patients.

Almost three out of four MS sufferers admit that walking appears to be the most frustrating aspect of their life. So any improvement of their life is welcomed.

Ampyra specifics (important):

• it should be taken with other MS drugs and
• it does not keep MS from getting worse

Main advantage of this multiple sclerosis drug: although Ampyra does not change the course of disease, it most probably  enhances nerve function.

These are good points of a new drug. However, by no means it is safe. You see 

Originally this chemical was used as a bird poison !

Known side effects:

• multiple sclerosis relapse
• urinary tract infection
• balance disorder
• insomnia
• loss of muscle strength
• dizziness
• headache
• tingling or numbness in the extremities
• nose or throat inflammation
• upset stomach
• throat pain
• nausea
• constipation
• back pain

Everybody MS-er should think carefully, if using this drug isn’t too high price. Even if walking abilities improve for a while.

My major question is:

How long walking improvement lasts, before one or another life quality worsening side effect appear?

You can read full article here.