National charity Epilepsy Action is fighting against new drug-switching proposals that would see pharmacists dispensing the cheapest version of drugs in an effort to cut costs. A survey by the charity has today revealed that these proposals could affect as many as 50,000 people with epilepsy in the UK.
New Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme proposals are due to come into effect in January 2010. Pharmacists will be expected to automatically substitute a branded drug with a different, cheaper, generic version, regardless of what is stated on a prescription. Epilepsy Action surveyed around 1,500 people with epilepsy. The survey revealed that many people with the condition believe that switching drugs has led to increased seizures, breakthrough seizures and worsening of side-effects.
Currently, pharmacists must prescribe the exact drug stated on the prescription. Epilepsy Action's survey revealed that in the last year, almost half (43 per cent) of respondents had been given alternative versions of their usual anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). Of these, a quarter (23 per cent) said their epilepsy got worse, with most experiencing an increase in seizures. A single seizure can have a major impact on a person's life and can affect a person's employment, education and social life. Seizures can also bring with them the risk of injury from jerking or falling, loss of confidence, and in the most severe cases, death.
Epilepsy Action is also concerned that proposals to include a 'tick box' on the prescription will not work. GPs would mark the box to indicate that their patient must be given the specific brand of drug written on the prescription. However, Epilepsy Action's survey revealed that many GPs are unaware of the issues surrounding consistency of supplying medication.
Almost a third (31 per cent) of those who spoke with their doctor about being given different versions of their usual drugs were told there was nothing to worry about. Nearly a quarter (22 per cent) were told all brands were the same and one in six (16 per cent) found their doctor was not aware of the issue. Almost half (43 per cent) of those who spoke to their pharmacist were told that there was nothing to worry about and that all brands were the same. One in seven (15 per cent) found that pharmacists were not aware of the issue.
Simon Wigglesworth, deputy chief executive at Epilepsy Action, said: "There is significant evidence from clinicians and patients to indicate that a number of people may experience difficulties when switching between versions of AEDs. Epilepsy is a complex condition that can be very difficult to control. We strongly believe that people with epilepsy should receive the same version of AED whenever they get a repeat prescription unless their clinician prescribes otherwise.
"Any financial gain from this new scheme cannot be justified, given the potential risks to people with epilepsy. Given that seizures can result in visits to the GP, A&E and consultants, we are not convinced that there will be any cost saving.
"We are not opposed to cheaper, generic versions of AEDs and many people with epilepsy are successfully treated with generic versions. The key is ensuring that people are given the same drug every time. We are therefore calling for AEDs to be exempt from the proposed new regulations."
As part of its campaign, Epilepsy Action (as part of the Joint Epilepsy Council) has started an e-petition on the Downing Street website. The petition calls for AEDs to be exempt from the new proposals and currently has over 10,000 signatures. To sign the e-petition, visit http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/epilepsygenerics
Epilepsy is defined as the tendency to have recurrent seizures. Around 456,000 people have a diagnosis of epilepsy and are treated with AEDs in the UK. Avoidance of seizures is the primary goal in managing the condition. A single seizure can result in the automatic loss of a person's driving license, risk of injury and reduced quality of life. Poorly controlled epilepsy can also increase the risk of premature death.
- More information about the e-petition on www.epilepsy.org.uk