The feature included an interview with Meath native Violet Conway, who has been forced to stop taking Fampyra after her pharmacy quoted a price of €400 per month for the treatment, which she is unable to afford. Violet speaks about the several severe falls she has had since she stopped taking Fampyra and said that she did not fall once while she was taking the drug.
Also featured in the report was Laura Devitt from Louth, who is funding Fampyra out of her savings. She said that this approach isn’t sustainable and shee will not be able to to pay for Fampyra monthly, along with all her other regular costs. This means it is likely that eventually she will be forced to stop using it. Laura goes on to say that after missing just one tablet, she was afraid to leave the house as it affected her walking and balance.
The report said the HSE is continuing discussions with Biogen Idec about the price of Fampyra. The next meeting is due to happen shortly.
MS Ireland has been actively campaigning for access to approved MS treatments, including Fampyra. We once again, call on the HSE to make Fampyra available through one of the HSE drug payment schemes. Please support this call by lobbying your TD.
Related
- Listen to the feature on Morning Ireland 19/11/14
- Fampyra in the media
- Lobby your TD for access to Fampyra