Chronic Health Conditions Discussion and Support

cyberpj

(10,794 posts)

3. Hmmm...

Thu Jan 26, 2012, 01:32 PM

Jan 2012

I don't have a problem with the workers in Pharma R&D. I do, however, have a problem with the corporations that pressure the FDA to approve drugs before they're properly tested.

I don't believe my neuro is on the take from any drug company and I really don't believe he's the type that would, BUT -- how would any patient know that?

Anywya, I did take it for 3 months. It improved my walking speed slightly but not my walking ability - in other words, I walked slightly faster but not any better.

Then, when I stopped taking it due to cost concerns, I have noticed that the symptoms I had before taking the drug were slightly worse and that hasn't improved in the 3 months since I took it.

My other concern after more research was this study that said:

Sales of Ampyra
In the first quarter that Ampyra was FDA-approved for sales in the United States, Acordia reported $3.4 million in sales. The drug was first shipped to pharmacies on March 1, 2010. About 2,000 prescriptions were written for Ampyra by April 29. The drug is expected to continue increasing sales. The real question, though, is whether the dangers, health care costs and side effects of Ampyra are worth the 35 percent chance of walking 25 feet one second faster.

Q. Does Ampyra cause MS relapses?
A. Some people in the clinical trials of Ampyra experienced a worsening of their MS symptoms when they stopped taking the medication. It was unclear whether this reflected a return to their pre-trial state or an actual relapse, but the FDA did not make a distinction between the two when listing possible side effects.

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Hey, I found youse! Newbie to this thread. I have M.S. & want to know if others have tried Ampyra? [View all] cyberpj Jan 2012 OP

Sorry, No ProfessorGAC Jan 2012 #1

Hmmm... cyberpj Jan 2012 #3

I Understand ProfessorGAC Jan 2012 #5

More on the 'ethics' of the FDA - cyberpj Jan 2012 #6

Ugh.....I haven't. My neurologist actually prescribed it and, careful as I am about meds, tpsbmam Jan 2012 #2

Thanks for the fatigue info (and the welcome) - cyberpj Jan 2012 #4