Generic prescribing of anti-seizure drugs

The MHRA has updated guidance on switching between different brands of anti-seizure drugs

The revised guidance now clearly states that the potential for clinically relevant differences to exist between different manufacturers’ products in Category 3 is considered to be extremely low and that therapeutic equivalence between products can be assumed. Category 3 drugs include levetiracetam, gabapentin, pregabalin and ethosuximide.

Importantly, the revised guidance also draws attention to the importance of considering patient/carer perceptions and the possible impact of patient factors such as learning disability or mental health problems whenever product changes are contemplated.