Substitution of anticonvulsant drugs

Review

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Authors: Bernhard J Steinhoff, Uwe Runge, Otto W Witte, Hermann Stefan, et al.

Published Date June 2009 Volume 2009:5 Pages 449 - 457

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/TCRM.S5366

Bernhard J Steinhoff¹, Uwe Runge², Otto W Witte³, Hermann Stefan⁴, Andreas Hufnagel⁵, Thomas Mayer⁶, Günter Krämer⁷

¹Epilepsy Center, Kehl-Kork, Germany; ²Department of Neurology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany; ³Department of Neurology, University of Jena, Jena, Germany; ⁴Epilepsy Center, University of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany; ⁵Neurocenter, Düsseldorf, Germany; ⁶Epilepsy Center, Radeberg, Germany; ⁷Swiss Epilepsy Center, Zurich, Switzerland

Abstract: Changing from branded drugs to generic alternatives, or between different generic formulations, is common practice aiming at reducing health care costs. It has been suggested that antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) should be exempt from substitution because of the potential negative consequences of adverse events and breakthrough seizures. Controlled data are lacking on the risk of substitution. However, retrospective data from large medical claims databases suggest that switching might be associated with increased use of AED and non-AED medications, and health care resources (including hospitalization). In addition, some anecdotal evidence from patients and health care providers’ surveys suggest a potentially negative impact of substitution. Well-controlled data are needed to assess the real risk associated with substitution, allowing health care professionals involved in the care of patients with epilepsy to make informed decisions. This paper reviews currently available literature, based on which the authors suggest that the decision to substitute should be made on an individual basis by the physician and an informed patient. Unendorsed or undisclosed substitution at the pharmacy level should be discouraged.

Keywords: anticonvulsant drugs, epilepsy, generic drugs