Thurso woman is first in Scotland to use new MS drug

A MULTIPLE Sclerosis patient from Thurso has become the first person in Scotland to be using a new treatment on the NHS to help her condition.

Louise Smith has become the first NHS Highland patient to have started using Fingolimod, a tablet that can be used to help people with highly active relapsing remitting MS.

The tables aims to ensure that patients will spend less time travelling to hospital to treat their condition, however, doctors say that it is only suitable for a percentage of patients.

Ms Smith, (47) who was diagnosed with MS four years ago, has been taking Fingolimond since November and said that the tablets will help her led a more independent life.

She said: “To date I have been treated with drug infusions as well as having to self-inject to prevent relapses.

“MS can take over so much of your life but I have set up my own business which means I can work flexibly. I do try and lead as normal a life as possible and this will definitely help.

“Now I’m on the tablet I don’t have to carry needles. I don’t have to worry about where my medication can be stored and I don’t have to think about going into hospital.”

NHS Highland MS specialist nurse Anne Stewart explained that the first dose is given under supervision in hospital and thereafter the patient takes their tablet at home daily.

“This is an important advance for us and our patients as Fingolimod is the first oral treatment (instead for people with active relapsing remitting MS who are not responding to their current interferon injections and who fit the criteria.

“Fingolimod is more effective than a commonly used first-line treatment and will give people with the condition more treatment options.

“What’s more, given the geography of the Highlands, where it can be difficult for patients to attend regular appointments, this provides a great solution.”