MS patients missing out on drugs

28 April 2013 Last updated at 21:42 ET

Only 40% of people eligible for drugs to combat multiple sclerosis in the UK are actually taking them, says a report from the MS Society.

A survey of more than 10,000 adults with MS showed that many were missing out on the seven licensed medicines approved for use.

The charity said a lack of information and access to specialists was to blame.

It is calling for the government to provide a personalised care plan to every person with MS.

The MS Society's survey and accompanying report showed that there were differences in access to disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) across the four nations of the UK.

These are medicines that can reduce the frequency and severity of MS attacks, and in some cases can slow the progression of the disabling condition.

Someone living in Northern Ireland with MS was twice as likely to be taking a DMT (68%) than someone with the condition in Wales (30%), for example.

Access to treatment in Scotland and England was only a little higher at 36% and 40%.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition that affects around 100,000 people in the UK.

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MS patients missing out on drugs