@MSerinDXB 

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MSerinDXB

Switch from Gilenya to Mavenclad - HELP!

My wife is an RRMS patient, (32yo) diagnosed in 2012. She is a Bahraini national and I am British, born and raised in UK and now living and working in Dubai. I would very much like to take her to see a specialist in the UK - in London or Birmingham for a second opinion after her neurologist in Dubai recommended she stop Gilenya and switch to Mavenclad. A summary of her MS history is below; 'I took Avonex from 2012 and was symptom-free until November 2018 when I was advised to switch to Gilenya. Then in January 2019 I had a severe relapse but continued with the Gilenya. An MRI in April showed no progression from January which looked promising. However, following symptoms of numbness on the left side of the face and blurred vision in late May, an MRI on 1st June showed a new lesion (inactive) - and recommended to change med again this time possibly Mavenclad.' Her neuro here is very good but, as there are a limited number of MS cases here, he agrees that it would be best for her to see a specialist MS neuro in UK. We are happy to pay for private care and were recommended to go to the National Hospital for Neurology in Queen Square London. Can you help with how we go about this from abroad and perhaps if there are alternative options you would recommend? Thanks so much, Tim (on behalf of Maha)
@Stumbler

Hi @mserindxb and welcome. It's good of you to join us on behalf of Maya. She's lucky to have you. As far as logistics are concerned, I'd contact the MS Society, who should be able to advise :- https://www.mssociety.org.uk/care-and-support/ms-helpline As far as recommendations are concerned, we have a lot of respect for the team at St. Bartholomews in London. They were behind the off-label usage of Cladribine, which is now formally licensed as Mavenclad :- https://multiple-sclerosis-research.org/

@underwatersunshine

Hi @mserindxb, I have had an experience that might provide more insight. I live in the UAE and have recently taken another opinion from London. I have only good things to say about my neurologist here also but sometimes another voice can help. Ultimately, I reached a decision on a new medication with support from all involved. Please PM me and I will be happy to share specific details.