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'Count epilepsy out' campaign
"Count epilepsy out. Swapping epilepsy drugs could have an enormous cost to our lives – the government says it understands, but now they must make sure it can never happen."
The government is listening – make sure they hear you.
For the last few months people with epilepsy have been telling us their concerns about government plans to introduce cheaper, generic drugs. We have been campaigning to make sure this doesn’t happen.
The government has now unveiled its final options for generic substitution. The good news is that they have listened to what you and our medical experts have had to say.
The three options outlined in the Department of Health’s consultation document all reflect the fact that anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are a special case. Their favoured option, we believe, gives greater clarity than currently exists and recognises the individual needs of people with epilepsy in relation to the drugs they are prescribed.
But we need your help to ensure that the government hears this loud and clear. NSE’s chief executive Graham Faulkner has emphasised the importance of continued vigilance: "The Government has shown a real appreciation of the fact that consistency of supply is key to seizure control. But it is still vital that we keep up public pressure and underline this very clear message via the consultation document."
Join us in our campaign
We have until 30 March 2010 to voice our views. The NSE communications team has produced a campaign postcard which we would like you to send to the Department of Health. These are available from Epilepsy Information Network stands or from the Press Office (Tel: 01494 601 300 or email pressoffice@epilepsysociety.org.uk).
Alternatively, you can join us in our campaign and make your voice heard by printing off the letter below and sending it to the Minister of State for Health by 30 March 2010.
Please remember to add your own address and the date at the top right hand side of the page and your name, title and signature at the bottom of the page.
The National Society for Epilepsy would like to thank you for your support in this campaign and for taking the time and trouble to write to the Minister of State for Health Services on this serious issue.
The government is listening – together let’s make sure they hear.
The Department of Health is also running consultation events open to patients and the general public on:
- 2 March 2010 - London
- 5 March 2010 - York
- 9 March 2010 - Bristol (links open in new windows)
More information
Consultation paper and background documents (opens in a new window)
The Department of Health's (DoH) consultation paper and background documents are available on the DoH website.
Consultation - key points
Key points from the Department of Health's consultation on proposals to implement generic substitution in primary care in England.
NSE's report to the Department of Health
Our report to the Department of Health about the risks of substitution of anti-epileptic drugs has been acknowledged in the consultation document.
Background to the consultation
Explains all the implications of switching from branded to generic drugs.
Generic and branded drugs factfile
The differences between generic and branded anti-epileptic medication and ways that you can help your treatment to stay effective.
