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GPs
Urged to Take Ownership of Ensuring Consistency of Supply in Epilepsy
New Epilepsy Survey Highlights the
Importance of Consistency of Supply
Today Europe's largest member-led epilepsy organisation, Epilepsy
Action, launches survey results revealing that last year a third of
people with epilepsy were given a different version or brand of their
regular anti-epileptic drug (AED).1
Of these, nearly one in four stated that they experienced an
increase in epileptic seizures as a result.
The survey of 1,851 people with epilepsy demonstrates the impact that
the lack of consistency of supply in AEDs can have on patients. Of those
who had been given different AEDs, a third experienced more or different
side effects.
The increase in seizures and side effects is linked to switching between
different manufacturers' products, being given mixed bundles of drugs,
and the practice of importing drugs intended for other countries
(parallel importing).
Dr Greg Rogers, GP said: "Epilepsy is the one condition where the
consistency of treatment supply is imperative. Slight changes in AEDs
may lead to increased or worse seizures, or unpleasant side effects. In
turn, seizures can have a dramatic impact on the patient. They increase
the risk of injury and even death, and often also affect daily
activities including employment and education."
24 per cent of people given different versions of their AED reported
that they received 'mixed bundles' of AEDs at any one time, including
various different versions of their medication.
Of those who received different versions of their regular AED, 23 per
cent queried the prescription with their doctor and over half spoke to
their pharmacist. Of those who went to see their doctor, half were then
given their usual AED compared to only 30 per cent of patients that
discussed the issue with their pharmacist.
The importance of consistency of supply for AEDs has now been recognised
by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). The recently
published NICE Guideline for the diagnosis and management of epilepsy
states that: 'Changing brand of AED is not recommended due to variances
in bioavailability / difference in pharmacokinetic profiles, which leads
to increased potential for reduced effect or excessive side effects'. 2
Phillip Lee, chief executive, Epilepsy Action said: "Lack of
consistency of supply can have a huge impact on the management of
epilepsy. Making sure
patients receive the correct treatment is the responsibility of everyone
involved in the epilepsy patient pathway.
We welcome the recognition of the issue by NICE and hope to
encourage everyone to prescribe consistently.
We urge GPs to take ownership of ensuring consistency of their
patients' AED."
Information about epilepsy is available at
<http://www.epilepsy.org.uk/> www.epilepsy.org.uk or by
contacting Epilepsy Action's Freephone Helpline 0808 800 5050.
Notes
The Anti-Epileptic Medication Packaging Survey was carried out by
Epilepsy Action. 1,851 members with epilepsy were questioned.
For further information please contact:
Jo Dixon /
Aba
Edwards-Idun, Cohn & Wolfe - 020 7331 5321 / 5332.
References:
1.
Epilepsy Action: Anti-Epileptic Medication Packaging Survey.
October 2003
2.
National Institute of Clinical Excellence. Epilepsy Guidelines.
October 2004
(15/12/04) |
