This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

I had been taking 4-aminopyridine, and was having trouble stabilising on a suitable dose for me, due to side effects.
I had very good results taking 3 x 10mg, but couldn't tolerate the dose, so ended up taking 4 x 5mg.
I then read about 4-aminopyridine-3-methyl hydroxide, a deriviative of
4-AP, being used successfully with spinal research on guinea pigs.
The scientists said it was 10 times more powerful than 4-AP, had minimal side effects (due to being able to use a lower doseage), and the conductivity was like the nerves were working normally. 4-AP has a slower conductivity response.
I found out where 4-AP-3-MeHO was manufactured, and then applied thru the correct organisation to import the drug. It is not for Human use, nor pharmaceutical grade, but my application was approved. I had to sign a waiver form for the manufacturer. I requested a certificate stating the quality of the drug. When it arrived, I had it compounded into 1mg capsules, and started experimenting with the dose rate.
I have stabilised on a dose, and must say that this is a Much better drug than 4-AP. 4-AP IS Ampyra/Fampridine. It's all one and the same, but to have 4-AP compounded only costs about $60 for 100 capsules, whereas Ampyra costs $1,300(?) a year.
I really like the effect that 4-AP-3-MeHO has on me, but I am presently making appointments for CCSVI testing.

What country are you in? I would be certain that in Australia it would be highly illegal for the pharmacy to compound the unapproved chemical for human consumption. I get 4AP compounded, but its a little different, as its compounded in other countries, but maybe, its the same...

Could I suggest (if you haven't already) you contact the people doing the research (even with the Guinea pigs) of your personal experience, I am sure it would be extremely beneficial to them; and they may be able to help you also.

Keep us posted, and be careful. Does it have a similar (un)safety profile as 4AP (ie bird poison)?

Can you tell me who manufactures 3-MeHO? I have been taking 4-AP for over a year and haven't had the results I had hoped for. I asked my compounding pharmacy about it but they don't know where to obtain it or if is even available in the U.S.

I am also taking compounded 4-AP and would be interested in more information about how to obtain this new derivative.

_________________
Kathy, 49 with PPMS,full time scooter.
Married to a wonderful man, mother to a darling 9 yr old boy

This is a recent article which could be of interest if someone has access to it. Apparently it covers 4-AP-3-MeOH

http://pdfs.journals.lww.com/co-neurolo ... .99802.pdf

I am in the process of applying to get this drug imported from America. Has anyone else had any personal experience with it? Is it available for compounding in any country? this fact will make my application much simpler.

I have been getting it compounded for 2.5 years here in Canada and Fampyra was finally approved in Canada a couple of months ago.

I called a compounding pharmacy to see if they had heard of it, could they do it, etc. before I ever approached my doctor. They had done it for one other patient.


*** sorry, I was just talking about 4-AP, not the other derivative.
Good luck.

_________________
Kathy, 49 with PPMS,full time scooter.
Married to a wonderful man, mother to a darling 9 yr old boy

you had me excited for a second that it was readily available in Canada. but no...

Anyone else? Actually, if anyone is talking to their compounding pharmacist, could they please check on the availability of 4-AP-3-MeHO in their country. If it is available for compounding elsewhere without special approvals, it will make it a lot simplier for approval here in Australia.

4-AP-3-MeOH is not FDA registered. Professor Riyi Shi, the scientist who developed the drug at Purdue University in LaFayette, Indiana, is still trying to get a drug company, or someone with the $$ to fund the expensive clinical trials, to bring 4-AP-3-MeOH to the market.

A quick note. I do not see any research showing it passes through the stomach acids, NOR any research proving it passes the BBB.

To get 4-AP-3-methyl hydroxide in Australia, go to your GP first, & ask them to fill out a Special Access Scheme (SAS) form. This form is then sent to the Therapeutic Goods Administration of Australia (TGA). You must have reason for applying for an unregistered drug, and your GP is the one to put this in the SAS application form. I had bad side effects with the 4-AP, and 4-AP-3 was to have no side-effects, and the TGA approved the drug.
I emailed the TGA a full article written by the developers of the drug, and the TGA probably still have the one I sent.
The response was very quick, within a week.
You then have to take the TGA permission letter & a prescription for the drug from your GP to a compounding pharmacist.
The pharmacy then have to order the drug from the manufacturer, Alfa Asear in the US. (All info on the web)
When it arrives at the airport, it has to go through Customs, which for some reason, took some time, and eventually gets to your compounding pharmacy. They can formulate the drug into whatever dose you & your GP have decided you should take.
The TGA only allowed the importation of 1g, and I had it made up into 1mg capsules, so I could play with the doseage.
The actual drug only cost AUD$240 approx., but the compounding pharmacist I was using at the time, charged me an exorbitant amount to have it made up. I now know there are compounders who would do it for a much more competitive price.

I realised I didn't give an update on my experience with this drug.

I managed to get access and get it compounded. It does not appear to work for me. I found out off Ned the max dose he has used (we are talking about a chemical with little research on toxicity), and tried this dose. I did not notice anything, good nor bad. Disheartening.

I have been meaning to talk to the guy who did the original research, but have not got around to it. I did email him a few months ago, but got no response.

I'm so glad I found this forum! I really need help and advice. My mum started on 4-Amniopyridine a week ago. I have no idea of the dosage, but tonight she got the extreme shakes, nausea, dizziness, incredible confusion (Didn't know who I was and where she was), high blood pressure, the sweats and more. Are these common side effects? She was just on a trial while in hospital with a broken leg. We are a bit at a loss with what to do, because we were desperately hoping this would help her and the 'power losses' she has in her legs