Epilepsy Action is holding Purple day on Tuesday the 26th of March 2019.To sign up and receive a fundraising pack go to epilepsy.org.uk/purpleday or call 01132108851.

Just a quick reminder to people with Epilepsy when travelling any where if you are refused a driving licence because of your epilepsy you will be entitled to a disabled persons bus pass and a disabled rail card. These can help you get around without a car. For more information about applying for a rail card go to https://www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/…/how-to-apply and to apply for a bus pass contact your local council or bus provider for more information. Please note fees will apply for the bus pass and rail card.

Epilepsy Action is holding its Reindeer Stampede on Sunday 2nd of December to help raise fund for Epilepsy Action. The stampede is a 5Km festive family fun run at Lister Park, Bradford. For more information go to epilepsy.org.uk/reindeer

The MHRA’s guidelines about prescribing epilepsy medicines

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is an agency of the Department of Health. In 2017 they updated their guidance on prescribing epilepsy medicines. This followed a review by the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) which looked at the evidence on patients switching between different manufacturers’ products of particular epilepsy medicines.
CHM advise that epilepsy medicines can be classified into three categories. This classification aims to help prescribers and patients decide whether it is necessary to maintain consistency of supply of a specific company’s product. It is not official policy, but guidance only.
The MHRA’s guidelines about prescribing epilepsy medicines

Category 1

It has been shown that the differences between different drug companies’ products could affect seizure control and/or side-effects. Prescribers should ensure a specific drug company’s product is always prescribed.

Category 1 Drugs
Carbamazepine
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin
Primidone

Category 2
Whether to always have a specific drug company’s product should be based on what is right for the individual. Prescribers should talk this through with their patient and/or carer. They should look at things like seizure frequency and treatment history. They should also take into account how their patient and/or carer feels about being prescribed different versions of their epilepsy medicine.

Category 2 Drugs
Clobazam
Clonazepam
Eslicarbazepine
Lamotrigine
Oxcarbazepine
Perampanel
Retigabine
Rufinamide
Topiramate
Valproate
Zonisamide

Category 3

The likelihood of there being any differences that could affect seizure control and/or side-effects between different manufacturers’ products is considered to be extremely low. However, prescribers should look at each patient individually, taking into account how they and/or their carers feel about being prescribed different versions of their epilepsy medicine.

Category 3 Drugs
Brivaracetam
Ethosuximide
Gabapentin
Lacosamide
Levetiracetam
Pregabalin
Tiagabine
Vigabatrin

How to get the same version of your epilepsy medicine
The most reliable way to get the same version is to ask your doctor to write the brand name on your prescriptions. Or, if you want to stay on a particular manufacturer’s generic version, the doctor can write the generic name and the name of the manufacturer on your prescription. Your pharmacist should always try to give you the version your doctor has written on your prescription.
If you take an epilepsy medicine that is in category1, your prescriber should ensure you always have the same version of your medicine. If you take an epilepsy medicine in categories 2 or 3, your prescriber might want to give you a generic prescription. However, the current guidelines say that they should also take into account how you feel about having a different version.
Always consultant a GP or other medical professional before stopping any type of medication.

Reporting problems with epilepsy medicines
If you think you are getting side-effects from your epilepsy medicine, or they have caused your epilepsy to change, talk to your GP. They can report these issues to the MHRA. You can also report side-effects yourself by completing a Yellow Card. These are available from your GP, pharmacist or the Yellow Card scheme: