§ Mr. LoveTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the take up rate of beta interferon for multiple sclerosis sufferers in each of the health authorities in Greater London in each of the last three years. [105425]
§ Ms StuartThe information requested is not available.
We have asked the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) to conduct an appraisal of beta interferon as part of its first work programme, and we expect to have authoritative guidance by the summer. Meantime, health authorities should have policies in place 626W which provide for individual cases to be considered on their merits in the light of the evidence available on different forms of treatment.
§ Mr. LoveTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the Department of Health's guidance on the number of expert assessments that need to be carried out before a multiple sclerosis patient can be prescribed with beta interferon; and if he will make a statement. [105426]
§ Ms StuartGuidance issued by the Department in 1995, EL(95)97, advises that patients who apparently fulfil the indications for treatment should be referred to a neurologist for a decision on whether treatment is indicated. A number of laboratory tests are also recommended prior to initiating, and during, therapy. The guidance advises that patients receiving beta interferon treatment should be reviewed by the neurologist at a frequency appropriate to the individual patient's condition, and treatment stopped if for example there are unacceptable side effects.
We have asked the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) to conduct an authoritative appraisal of beta-interferon as part of its first appraisal programme. NICE is expected to report in the summer.
§ Mr. LoveTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the average cost of a course of treatment of beta interferon for a patient with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis in the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement. [105427]