Cannabinoid, Dronabinol, Seen as Long-term Treatment Option for Neuropathic Pain in Phase 3 Study

Posted by & filed under MS News.

Source Multiple Sclerosis News Today:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients being treated with dronabinol, a cannabinoid, do not show signs of drug abuse or dependency, leading researchers to conclude it has potential to be a long-term and safe treatment option for neuropathic pain.

The issue of pain management, specifically central neuropathic pain (CNP), in patients with autoimmune disorders such as MS is largely unresolved. Dronabinol, whose active compound comes from medical cannabis, is often used to ease nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. It may also treat chronic pain and has been investigated in a few clinical trials.

But its use remains controversial because of concerns with, and lack of data about, its psychotropic side effects and potential for dependency.  Read on.

Ozanimod Superior to Avonex in Treating Relapsing MS in Phase 3 Trials, Celgene Reports

Posted by & filed under MS News.

Source Multiple Sclerosis News Today:  

Celgene released the results of two Phase 3 trials showing that patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS) who were treated with ozanimod had lower relapse rates and fewer MRI brain lesions compared to those given a current first-line therapy, Avonex (interferon β-1a).

These results will be used to support a request for ozanimod’s approval as an MS therapy  with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a filing known as a  New Drug Application.  Read on.

The MS Society explore 5 myths about cannabis and MS

Posted by & filed under MS News.

Source MS Society:

There’s mounting evidence to show that cannabis could help pain and muscle spasms for people with MS. But with tonnes of information swirling around the internet, it’s hard to be sure what’s true and what’s not.

We dived into the details to bust 5 common myths about cannabis and MS:

1. ‘Cannabis for medicinal use’ means any kind of cannabis

This can be confusing, as the media often refers to both licensed cannabis products and the illegal drug as ‘medicinal cannabis’.

What medical professionals usually mean by ‘medicinal cannabis’ or ‘medical cannabis’ is cannabis products licensed as medical treatments. So for MS, that means Sativex, which is specifically licensed to treat muscle spasms and stiffness in MS. Journalists or other people using the phrase could mean cannabis used for any medical purpose.

We’re calling for the Government to legalise cannabis for two medicinal purposes: to treat pain and spasticity when other treatments haven’t worked.  Read on.

MS Aqua Classes Starting Again

Posted by & filed under Centre News.

 MS Aqua Classes are available at Richmond Village in Witney.
The classes will be on Mondays from 11.30-12.30 and will be £10 per session. The dates for this year will be Monday 27th Nov, and then 4th, 11th, 18th December. If all goes well, I will then run sessions in 6 week blocks roughly in line with term times.
Please let Caroline know if you wish to attend.
 
The classes are called MS AquaPower, and are physio-led, run by ONPhysio. Contact is as below:
Caroline Hyne
Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist
Oxfordshire Neurophysiotherapy
07702884531

London Marathon Charity Place

Posted by & filed under Centre News.

We are delighted  Miles Jones, MEPC Development Manager is running for us in the London Marathon he is hoping to raise £1,500.

Please click on link to donate:-

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=MiltonPark

 

Booking of appointments from 1st January

Posted by & filed under Centre News.

 

From 1st January the Committee has decided the booking of all appointments shall be as follows:

MS members can book up to 6 weeks in advance

Non-ms members/carers can book up to 3 weeks in advance

This will go some way to reinforcing that MS members take priority.

Community Matters, John Lewis, Westgate Oxford

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If you are visiting the new Westgate Centre in Oxford please visit John Lewis, pick up and complete a ‘Community Matters’ scheme application form and post in the relevant box.  Every 3 months each John Lewis shop selects 3 community groups to help.  Customers are directly involved in deciding how much each nominated group receives, by using a token to vote for the organisation they’d like to support.

Christmas Raffle

Posted by & filed under Centre News.

 

Tickets are on sale for our Christmas Raffle.  Draw to be held at the Xmas Lunch on 13th December. tickets £5 a strip.  Prizes include:

– Therapy Sessions

– £25 off food and drink at The Fleur, East Hagbourne

– Chocolates

– Champagne

– Biscuits

– Neals Yard skincare kit

– Jigsaw puzzle

– Avon Gift Balls

– Wine, sherry and more

Reminders

Posted by & filed under Centre News.

 

– Christmas lunch is being held on 13th December at noon, Park Place Brasserie.  2 courses £18, 3 courses £16 (inc tip).  Numbers needed BY END OF NOVEMBER.  Menu available to see on reception desk, please write your name down and pay £5 deposit by END OF NOVEMBER to confirm your place.

– Christmas Cards.  We have  a new selection of cards, chosen by members, £3 for a pack of 10.

– Christmas Raffle.  Being held at the Christmas Lunch. Tickets £5 a strip or £1 each.  Prizes include: £25 off food/drink at The Fleur, East Hagbourne, Champagne, Therapy Sessions, Biscuits, Wine, chocolates etc