NHS Scotland approves advanced Parkinson’s medicine

The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has decided that Lecigon can be used in NHS Scotland.

Lecigon is an infusion of Parkinson’s medication. A wearable pump delivers the infusion through a permanent tube into the intestine. It can help people whose Parkinson’s symptoms are severe and unpredictable to regain their confidence. Lecigon is already available for people with advanced Parkinson’s in England and Wales. 

Read more information about Lecigon.

But we know many people who could benefit from innovative Parkinson’s treatments like Lecigon are unable to access them in Scotland. We're calling on local NHS Boards to make sure people can access potentially life-changing treatments when they're approved. 

Parkinson’s teams need staff and funding to deliver new medicines

James Jopling, Director at Parkinson’s UK Scotland, said: 

“Most people with Parkinson’s manage their condition with standard medicines. But what works for one person may not be effective for someone else. Having access to the full range of treatments is essential. Lecigon will hopefully give healthcare professionals another tool in the box to manage challenging symptoms. 

“Life with advanced Parkinson’s can be unbearably hard. With symptoms like uncontrolled movements, sudden ‘freezing’ and agonising cramps, people can become unable to leave their homes. If you can’t predict when your medication will enable you to speak or move, you can’t live your life to the full.  

“Sadly we know from recent experience that SMC-approved medicines can remain unavailable to people because of a lack of funding and staff in already overstretched Parkinson’s services. Produodopa, another advanced Parkinson’s treatment, was approved in Scotland over 2 years ago. But there are still only a handful of people accessing it across the country.

"NHS Boards must resource Parkinson’s teams properly so they can deliver effective treatments to those that need them.” 

Are you waiting for an advanced treatment in Scotland?

We're planning future work to improve access to advanced treatments in Scotland, and would love to hear about your experiences. 

If your Parkinson’s team has suggested that you could try an advanced Parkinson’s treatment like apomorphine, deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery, Lecigon, Duodopa or Produodopa, please tell us what's happening for you. 

We'd also like to hear from people who are already using one of these treatments. 

Please email Tanith and Mairi at [email protected] if you'd like to get in touch.

We won't share any personal information without your consent.