Say 'good-bye' to needles?!

Significant research announcements during MS Week

30 Apr 2009

This year’s MS Week is set to be one of the most memorable of awareness weeks for multiple sclerosis (MS) after a number of significant drug announcements.

Scientists specialising in MS and presenting at the annual American Academy of Neurology convention in Seattle have reported research findings that take the field of MS treatments to a “new dawn”.

Head of Research at the MS Society, Dr Lee Dunster, said: “This week’s announcements herald a step change in treatment options for people with the most prevalent form of MS at the time of diagnosis.

“News of the development of two oral therapies for MS marks a new dawn and this could be a huge step forward for people who currently have to inject their treatments.

“We are looking at treatments that could be available on the NHS by the end of next year that will make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Today (Thursday), Professor Gavin Giovannoni from Queen Mary, University of London announced trial results of the drug cladribine, which may become the first effective treatment available in tablet form for relapsing remitting MS.

The Merck Serono drug, used in leukaemia for a number of years, was shown in latest studies in more than 1,300 people to bring about a 58 per cent reduction in yearly relapse rates compared to placebo.

There was also a 30 per cent reduction in progression of disability as measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and a reduction in lesion activity (as measured by MRI) in participants taking up to 30 cladribine tablets over the two years.

Meanwhile, Novartis announced news yesterday (Wednesday) of the latest results of their oral MS therapy, FTY720 (fingolimod).

The Phase III results showed that in more than 1,200 people with relapsing remitting MS the drug brought about a 52 per cent reduction in yearly relapse rates compared to beta interferon.

The treatment has yet, however, to show potential to slow progression of disability.

Source:

• http://www.mssociety.org.uk/go.rm?id=25858

December '08 Test Results

I wanted to post a quick follow-up to my last posting.

As I assumed, Casey was able to translate my lab results from all the blood drawn back in December. Everything is fine and in the 'optimal' range :)

3/3/09

I had my second check up today with the same neurologist from December 2008, Dr. Alka Shah. The appointment was originally scheduled for 2/3/09 but for some reason it was moved to today.

Today's appointment went a lot better than the one in December. After that visit I was so temped to find a different neurologist; however, I said I was going to give Dr. Shah one more chance to redeem herself before I started looking for a different doctor.

I have to express that there was an aspect about the visit that was annoying. My appointment was at 12:15pm and I acknowledge that most of the time afternoon doctor visits are running late but.... I wasn't called into a room until 1:10pm where I remained for quite some time and wasn't acknowledged by the neurologist until 2:10pm. I was not actually seen until 2:35pm. I am, unfortunately, not exaggerating. The doctor had peaked her head in (at 1:10pm) and said she was running a bit late.... hmm, you think? Once it was my turn to be seen, I was with the doctor for 8 minutes maximum. I thought, "I should have kept the $15 copay instead of paying it." I had more than enough time to think of questions, if I had any, and then I completely forgot to to ask about the lab results from all the blood they took back in Dec. I usually try to write my questions down so I don't forget but I thought I would remember. I should have known better. Then again I shouldn't have had to ask about the results as I thought that was one of the reasons for my appointment. I was a bit irritated, but that isn't going to do me any good. I called this morning and requested a copy of the lab results - Casey can translate the medical jargon into English for me :)

When the lady making appointments asked what time I wanted on June 9th, I told her 'as early as possible so I didn't have to wait as long as I did today'.

Anyway, everything check out.. nothing new.

New Needle Gauge

As of 12/26/2008, Teva Neuroscience, the manufacturing company for Copaxone, launched a new, thinner, 29-gauge pre-filled syringe for Copaxone.

The company reported that a recent survey of 562 MS patients found the new thinner needle was significantly preferred by 77 percent of patients over the previous 27-gauge needle, and that approximately two out of three (66 percent) participants experienced less pain while using the thinner needle and almost half of the participants (49 percent) had a better experience dealing with injection-site reactions.

My most recent refill of Copaxone contained the new gauged syringes so I was happy about that. Today was the second time I used the 29-gauge syringes: yesterday's injection site was in the upper portion of my right arm and today's site was the upper right portion of my hip. It may be the fact of simply knowing that needle's gauge is smaller causes me to think the injection don't seem to hurt as much or what not (but they still, unfortunately, sting) but I am happy to know that the company is trying to improve the comfort factor to those administering medication via syringe.

For the purpose of this entry/post, I took a few side-by-side comparison pictures of the 27 and 29-gauge syringes this morning, however the images were too blurry. I assume my want to get closer than possible pictures to illustrate the difference is not feasible with my camera. Oh well, it's the thought that counts right?! :)

FYI-If you didn't already know, the higher the gauge, the thinner the needle.


Sources:

1. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/news/news-detail/index.aspx?nid=596
2. http://www.seattle.dbusinessnews.com/shownews.php?newsid=173403&type_news=past

Met the new neurologist.

Casey and I met the new neurologist today, and it went worse than I anticipated.

I know Dr. Shah didn't intend to make me upset but with the way she was talking to me just brought me to tears. Like I said, I know she didn't mean to but I did let the doctor know that I thought she was accusing me of lying about my symptoms and/or not telling her if I was having other issues. Casey explained that the awkward silences and the 'interview questions' (since this was my first appointment with this new doctor) are meant to be times for patients to share thoughts/feelings and whatnot.

I also explained that I felt like she was being very demanding by telling me to do things instead of asking me. A better tactic she should utilize would be to explain what she needs to do and let me know that I would need to take my socks and shoes off for the test.

After this visit I am mixed on my emotions as to whether or not I stay with Dr. Shah. I do have to take into account that there is a bit of a culture and language barrier since she has an East Indian background. It is also nice to know she has been in this occupation for quite a while (about 23 yrs) and knows she is doing. However, I believe that her experience in this field would have also brought some additional empathy and manners to the interactions with patients. (Or am I just too sensitive/emotional?) Maybe she learned a bit from our meeting today on how she speaks to others?! I would hope she did :) With that, I think I may give her one more try. If I still am uneasy, I may try and find a better fit. As of now, my next appointment is February 17th. I had A LOT of blood drawn today (a lot = 6 - 8 vials) so we will wait to see the results on that. I know I need to get another MRI on my brain since the last one was in May.

As always, I will keep you posted.

New neurologist!

I can check off another item from my To-Do list since our move from NY -- I finally got around to getting a new neurologist. My first appointment is in the afternoon of 12/16 with Dr. Shah. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I chose a good doctor.


My thoughts
I am getting lower on my latest refill of Copaxone (69 syringes left) and I don't like knowing my old neurologist, Dr. Aziz, is still providing the prescription refills. Even though he said he would continue to refill my prescription until I found a doctor I was happy with, I don't want to abuse his offer.