Why now? OR If not now, when?

Why now?

Its understandable that there is a lot of buzz around Ampyra (Dalfampridine) in the MS community, but why weren't the same patients clamoring for compounded 4-Aminopyridine?

I have already written about the advantages of Ampyra over compounded 4-Aminopyridine, but it is difficult to understand why these issues were roadblocks for patients even attempting the medication in the past.

So, why not?

Education.

It seems that a lot of patients didn't know about 4-Aminopyridine and didn't realize its potential as a tool in our arsenal.

Neurologists have also been concerned in using a drug that was unfamiliar to them, not in the PDR and not FDA approved. Variations in the compounding process made many fearful of the potential risk of compounding errors and seizures.

So, not now?

The roadblocks are being removed:

- Education concerning the potential benefits has improved significantly.

- Compounding errors are a moot point.

The question becomes: whether the risk for seizures has been eliminated or not?

Only time will tell whether seizures are relevant or not now.

- Dr. Daniel Kantor, MD BSE
Medical Director
Neurologique

info@neurologique.org
www.neurologique.org