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Epistatus - changes to syringes
April 2012
Emergency medication Epistatus (buccal midazolam), is going through changes to the syringe. This applies to the version which you draw up from a bottle (it does not apply to the pre-filled syringes).
If the syringes are 1.5ml, take care to only draw up the dose the person needs (which is written in their protocol or care plan). For example, if the dose they need is 1.5ml, draw up the plunger fully to the 1.5ml mark. If however, the dose they need is 1.0ml, only draw up the plunger to the 1.0ml mark.
You can continue to use the 1.5ml syringes if you have them, but they will no longer be produced, to avoid confusion or accidental overdosing.
From April 2012 only 1.0ml syringes will be available. If you have any queries you can seek advice from your pharmacist.
Tegretol Prolonged Release (used to be called Tegretol Retard)
April 2012
Novartis is changing the packaging of Tegretol Prolonged Release 200mg and 400mg tablets.
There will be two changes:
the blister strips that the tablets come in are currently rectangular and will become squarer
the outside box is currently rectangular and will become squarer to match the new blister strips. The text that is written on the box will be the same, but it’s position on the box will move.
The packaging is changing but the tablets themselves are not changing and will remain the same.
If you take Tegretol Prolonged Release and you have any queries about this, you can contact the Novartis Medical Information line on 01276 698 370 or medinfo.uk@novartis.com
Epilim update
April 2012.
Sanofi-Aventis, who produce Epilim, have advised us of a change to the name of Epilim 200mg and 500mg tablets. The current name of 'Epilim enteric coated tablets' is changing to 'Epilim gastro-resistant tablets'. The tablets will still be enteric coated (having a protective coating that protects the tablets until they reach the intestines): it is only the name that is changing (and no change to the tablets themselves).
Changes to Epanutin (phenytoin)
27 March 2012
The bottles that capsules of the drug Epanutin come in will be changing over the next few weeks. The bottles, which are currently rounded will become square bottles with rounded corners.
The new bottles will be coming into circulation in the next few weeks. This only affects Epanutin capsules (of all sizes) – it does not affect Epanutin infatabs or oral suspension.
It is only the packaging that is changing – everything else about the drug is staying the same.
Topamax
22 December 2011
Epilepsy Society has received a query regarding the packaging of the anti-epileptic drug Topamax (a brand version of topiramate) which is produced by the pharmaceutical company Janssen-Cilag.
We have been in contact with the company who confirm that their drug Topamax should have the words ‘Janssen-Cilag’ on the packaging. This drug comes in a bottle.
If the packaging does not have the word Janssen-Cilag on it, or has any other manufacturer or company name on it, it may be that this drug is a parallel import (where it has been sold in another country and brought into the UK). This is also the case if the drugs are in a blister pack rather than in a bottle. Although parallel imports should be identical to drugs sold within the UK, if you are concerned about this, you can ask the pharmacist to give you a supply from within the UK. For this reason, it is worth checking the packaging before you leave the pharmacists or chemists.
If you are given Topamax that is in a different packaging than usual, or you have any concerns about what you have been prescribed or dispensed, you may like to talk to your prescribing doctor or the pharmacist about it.
Please note that this information only relates to the brand version of topiramate called Topamax. There are also generic versions of the drug topiramate available. You can find more information on generic and branded AEDs here.
Keppra / levetiracetam update
30 September 2011
The anti-epileptic drug Keppra (levetiracetam) made by pharmaceutical company UCB,
has recently come off patent and generic versions of levetiracetam are starting to become available. Although UCB continue to manufacture all strengths and formulations of Keppra, other companies are also able to manufacture and supply levetiracetam to pharmacies as a generic version.
Generic versions of drugs can often become available at a cheaper cost than branded versions because the manufacturer does not have to recover the costs of developing the drug. However, once the generic version becomes available, the manufacturer of the branded version may reduce their price so that it is similar to the generic version. This tends to be standard practice when a drug comes off patent.
Epilepsy Society understands how important it is for people with epilepsy to have the same version of their anti-epileptic medication with each prescription, and a consistent supply from the same manufacturer. This does not mean that a brand version is better than a generic version: the active ingredient is the same so one is not necessarily better than the other. Sticking to the version you usually have that suits you, whether it is a brand or a generic version, means there is less chance of you having side effects or possible seizures.
Epilepsy Society encourages people who write prescriptions for anti-epileptic drugs, especially GPs, to make sure patients receive a supply of their usual anti-epileptic medication from the same manufacturer. You may want to check with your GP that the correct version is written on your prescription for AEDs.
Keppra XR
28 September 2011
Keppra is now off patent – this is effective from 30 September 2010. There are several patents, but the last important one ended on 30 September 2011.
Once a drug comes off patent, other manufacturing companies can submit dossiers to make generic versions. The first known generic version in the UK was given a licence for production on 27 July 2011, and available now. It is manufactured by Consilient Health.
There has been no change in Keppra’s licence and all generics will be under the same licence. If people wish to contact UCB, their medical information team number is 01753 534 655.
Buccolam given european approval
8 Sep 2011
Emergency seizure drug Buccolam which is used to treat prolonged convulsive seizures has been given European approval for the treatment of babies over three months old and children under the age of 18.
ViroPharma produces the oral midazolam treatment in a liquid form. It comes in age-specific doses and is used to treat children with epilepsy who have prolonged convulsive seizures that may progress to status epilepticus, known as status. The drug, which is placed between the cheek and gums, has been shown in four clinical studies to be either comparable or superior to the current standard treatment, the suppository diazepam.
There are other versions of buccal midazolam available, but these are not currently licensed.
