Call to tighten up epilepsy drugs

Calls have been made for greater consistency in the treatment of epilepsy after two women had seizures following a change in their medication.

Both women, from Gloucestershire, whose conditions were under control, believe the change led to them having fits.

One was given a cheaper version of her regular pills, the other a weaker strain of tablets.

The Department of Health said generic alternatives contained the same active ingredients as branded counterparts.

'Huge impact'

Melanie, from Cheltenham, who asked for her surname not to be published, said: "I know it was because of the tablets.

"I was perfectly alright, I take about 1,000 mg of this drug every day and as soon as I started taking the new ones, I started having problems with my eyes and the next thing I know I'm being cared for by paramedics (on holiday) in Devon."

Keeley Eastwood from Epilepsy Action said: "Everyone with the condition does experience epilepsy in a different way.

"Whereas changing a version of a drug for someone with epilepsy might not affect them at all, with others, the subtle way the chemicals are put together in the drugs may have a massive impact on their quality of life."

The second woman, who does not want to be named, was told by doctors that the change in her prescription was the likely cause of her first fit in eight years.

"A simple swap of tables has had a huge impact on my life," she said.

"I can't drive for a year and I've had to give up my licence. I'm going to have to move house so I'm within walking distance of work."

Peter Badham, who runs a chain of pharmacies in Gloucestershire said GPs faced conflicting messages.

"You've got NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) guidance saying changing formulation or brands is not recommended, " he said.

"Then you've got another government body, the MRHA (Medicines Healthcare and products Regulatory Agency), saying [generic and branded drugs] are similar - two key messages here."