WTOC, Savannah, Georgia, news, weather and sports | New Parkinson's Drug Introduced
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Parkinson's disease usually starts with slight tremors in one hand, then moves to another. And can eventually affect everything from coordination to speech to walking. Thousands of people suffer from it, but a new drug has patients excited. Patients tell us that with every new and improved drug, they not only feel better but they get hopeful that a cure is one step closer.
"It's actually a combination drug of Comtan and Levodopa.2, previous drugs that have been released," explained Dr. Will Garrett at a public meeting last night. The two drugs are commonly used together, but combined in the new pill, Stalevo, they have the added benefit of longer duration.
Right now, most Parkinson's patients have to take their drugs at least three times a day. But the medicine usually wears off before it's time for the next dose. "It's a strange feeling you can feel yourself," patient Nancy Gaspin told us. "I can't walk as good. My speech becomes low. I can't talk as well. I talk like I've had something to drink."
That's why patients like Glenn Burgeson are ready to give Stalevo a try. "I hope it works," he said. He's even hoping that it could help him walk without his cane again.
Dr. Garrett, a neurological specialist, says it will have different effects on different patients. "In the right patient, it's a very effective compound," he said.
And it could even save patients more than a few dollars. "The drug Stalevo will be cheaper than the two drugs put together," Dr. Garrett said.
Savings or no savings, these patients hope it helps them live a more normal life. The drug is now available. If you or a loved ones have Parkinson's disease, ask your doctor about it.
Reported by: Holly Bristow, hbristow@wtoc.com
