Epilepsy Action, the UK's largest member-led epilepsy organisation, has today urged caution over calls for GPs to prescribe generic versions of drugs rather than branded ones.
The Commons public accounts committee - a cross party group of MPs - has suggested that switching to the use of more generic drugs would save money as part of NHS spending on prescriptions.
However, in the case of epilepsy, there is significant and compelling anecdotal evidence from clinicians and patients to indicate that a number of people experience difficulties in the management of their condition when switching from a different version of an anti-epileptic drug (AED).
In a survey conducted by Epilepsy Action, a third of the respondents had been given a different version or brand of their regular AED and, of those, nearly a quarter stated that they had experienced an increase in seizures as a result. Twenty four per cent of respondents reported that they had received ‘mixed bundles' of different versions of their AED at any one time.
Simon Wigglesworth, deputy chief executive of Epilepsy Action, said: "Until strong evidence is available that switching brands is shown not to be detrimental to people with epilepsy, then the formulation or brand of AED someone is prescribed should not be changed unless it can be shown that it is safe to do so.
"We can understand why the Commons public accounts committee has suggested that, in terms of saving money, GPs should use more generic drugs rather than branded ones. However, the potential negative effects a change in AEDs could have on someone with epilepsy far outweigh the difference that may be saved by prescribing other versions of their medication."
An increase in seizures can have devastating effects for people with epilepsy. Someone who has previously had their epilepsy under control may suddenly find their driving licence revoked or their job and schooling affected. Poorly controlled epilepsy can also increase the risk of premature death.
The increase in seizures and side-effects is linked to switching between different manufacturers' products, being given mixed bundles of drugs, and the growing practice of importing drugs intended for other countries (parallel importing).
Information about epilepsy is available at www.epilepsy.org.uk or by contacting Epilepsy Action's Freephone Helpline 0808 800 5050.