Information about epilepsy is being distributed to 25,000 pharmacists this week, thanks to a joint project between Epilepsy Action and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB).
The guidance document has been produced to ensure pharmacists have the most up to date information about the complex condition. This will enable them to give people with epilepsy appropriate advice and support.
The guidance covers a number of epilepsy related topics, including anti-epileptic drugs, consistency of supply, pregnancy and contraception for epilepsy patients, emergency medication, alcohol and recreational drugs and interactions and sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP).
Gavin Barlow, from Epilepsy Action - the UK's largest member-led epilepsy organisation - said: "We are delighted to have worked with the RPSGB on producing this guidance. It is very important that pharmacists have quick and easy access to relevant information about epilepsy."
Heidi Wright, Head of Practice at the RPSGB said: "There are many opportunities for pharmacists to help improve medicines management for patients with epilepsy and we are pleased to have had the opportunity to work with Epilepsy Action in producing this guidance. Pharmacists are ideally placed in the community to provide expert information and advice to improve patients' and carers' understanding of treatment."
A copy of the guidance can be downloaded from the RPSGB website at www.rpsgb.org
Epilepsy is the UK's most common serious neurological condition, affecting 456,000 people. It can affect anyone, at any age and from any walk of life.
Epilepsy Action, a national charity founded in 1950, directly helped over 731,000 people last year through its range of services. This includes an Epilepsy Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050, Europe's most popular epilepsy website www.epilepsy.org.uk and a national network of about 100 self-help branches in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) is the professional and regulatory body for pharmacists in England, Scotland and Wales. It also regulates pharmacy technicians on a voluntary basis, which is expected to become statutory under anticipated legislation. The primary objectives of the Society are to lead, regulate, develop and represent the profession of pharmacy. For further information about the RPSGB visit www.rpsgb.org