Alexander Heights resident and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) sufferer, Kathryn Normanton is urging the Federal Government to add a new MS medication, Fampyra, to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) list. 

Currently, Mrs Normanton finds it difficult to do the simple things that many of us take for granted and will continue to struggle to pay for her medication if it isn’t listed on the PBS.

Mrs Normanton has commenced paying $655 per month for her new medication and may have to increase her work hours to meet the additional cost of the medicine, whilst coping with the debilitating nature of MS.      

“I just want to be able to have the joys that other people take for granted such as walking the dog or going to the shops without having to sit down for an hour afterwards,” Mrs Normanton said.  

“I have only been on Fampyra for two weeks and yet I can feel a huge difference already,” said Mrs Normanton. “My overall mobility and walking speed has increased noticeably.”

Federal Member for Cowan, Luke Simpkins MP met with Mrs Normanton and has written to the Federal Minister for Health, explaining her situation and asking for the matter to be examined with the greatest urgency.

“Another MS medication, Avonex, is currently listed on the PBS at $1,300 per month,” said Mr Simpkins. “It makes sense, and taxpayers would get better value from the Government listing Fampyra on the PBS at the lower cost of $655 per month.”

“The funding of Fampyra is the right thing to do. I call on the new Health Minister to help MS patients access more affordable drugs by adding Fampyra to the PBS,” concluded Mr Simpkins.

Ends.

Photo: Luke Simpkins MP and Kathryn Normanton discussing the inclusion of Fampyra on the PBS. 

Media enquires: Lara Swift (08) 9409 4100 / 0409 198 598