Epilepsy Action

“ We exist to improve the lives
of everyone affected by epilepsy ”

Drugwatch

Orlept (sodium valproate)

30 January, 2012

Wockhardt, the manufacturers of Orlept, have changed the name of Orlept to the generic name of sodium valproate. 

Wockhardt say that there has been no change to the formulation of any of their products within the Orlept range. The only changes are to the drug name and packaging. 

If you are usually prescribed Orlept you could ask your doctor to write “sodium valproate, Wockhardt,” on your prescription. The pharmacist might do their best to get this make of sodium valproate for you. 

Buccolam® – buccal midazolam licensed for children and young people

21 October, 2011

The emergency medicine, Buccolam®, made by ViroPharma, has recently been given European approval for treating long-lasting seizures. Buccolam® is licensed for use in children and young people between the ages of three months and 18 years. Buccolam® comes in four ready-filled syringes, each suitable for different age groups. 

Although other versions of buccal midazolam are available, Buccolam® is the first one to be licensed. 

Vimpat 15mg/15ml syrup update

2 August, 2011

UCB have announced that they will begin recalling Vimpat 15mg/15ml syrup from pharmacies on 15 September 2011. This recall is because of a quality issue (see drug watch from 27 July below). Vimpat tablets have not been affected, and will continue to be available.


If you are currently taking Vimpat 15 mg/15ml syrup you should speak to your doctor as soon as possible, to discuss your future treatment.

Tegretol products

5 May, 2011

All Tegretol products are made by the drug company Novartis. Some Tegretol packets will have Novartis on them. Some will have the name Geigy on them. These are still made by Novartis. Novartis took over Geigy some years ago and are using up old packaging. Whether your drug says Novartis or Geigy, you are getting the same drug.

Novartis have also renamed Tegretol Retard. Tegretol Retard is now called Tegretol Prolonged Release. 

May 2011

REMINDER FROM APRIL 2010. New markings on Tegretol tablets.

LYRICA

3 March, 2011

Pfizer have advised us of the following stock situation with Lyrica (pregabalin).  

  • Lyrica 300 mg capsules are out of stock. Pfizer expect stock to be available again week ending 4 March 2011.

If you are in danger of running out of your Lyrica capsules, you should seek advice from your epilepsy nurse, epilepsy specialist or your own doctor.

Neurontin

3 March, 2011

Pfizer have advised us of the following stock situation with Neurontin (gabapentin).

  • Neurontin 100 mg capsules are out of stock. Pfizer expect stock to be available again week ending 4 March 2011.
  • Neurontin 300 mg capsules are out of stock. Pfizer expect stock to be available again week ending 4 March 2011.

If you are in danger of running out of your Neurontin capsules, you should seek advice from your epilepsy nurse, epilepsy specialist or your own doctor.

Epanutin

25 February, 2011

Epanutin (phenytoin sodium) capsules - update from the manufacturers

Epilepsy Action has received this update on the availability of Epanutin capsules from the drug’s producers.

“During October 2010 Pfizer experienced manufacturing issues at its plant in Freiberg, Germany which unfortunately led to an out of stock situation for Epanutin.  This out of stock situation led to an unprecedented demand for the medicine when it came back into stock, which then resulted in a second out of stock situation. 

Likely Keppra supply problems

21 February, 2011

UCB, the manufacturers of anti-epileptic drug Keppra, have told Epilepsy Action that there are likely to be problems supplying Keppra in the next few weeks in the UK.

You may also know Keppra by its generic name, levetiracetam.

We are told UCB are doing all that they can to keep a constant supply of the drug, but there could be shortages over the next four to eight weeks.

Epanutin

11 February, 2011

Pfizer have advised us of the following stock situation with Epanutin capsules.

All dosages back in stock.

If pharmacists are having problems accessing stock for patients, they can call Pfizer customer contact centre on 0845 6088866. 

 

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