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Press release library
Count epilepsy out - help us to be heard
Epilepsy Society (formerly The National Society for Epilepsy or 'NSE') is campaigning to ensure the Government exempts all anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) from its proposals to implement cheaper generic versions of prescription drugs.
Cutting costs by swapping a branded AED to a cheaper generic version of the same drug could provoke seizures or side effects and actually end up costing the Government more money than it saves.
Just one breakthrough seizure is devastating for the individual and may cause serious injury and harm, rob someone of their driving licence and affect their job.
The Government has unveiled its final three options for generic substitution in a consultation and acknowledges that in some cases, such as epilepsy, there are clinical reasons why drugs should not be substituted.
AEDs are not included in the initial list of drugs for proposed substitution in the Government’s preferred option, and there are hints at a more fundamental exclusion.
Now is the time to ask the Government to exempt AEDs from generic substitution once and for all. Our message is clear: make anti-epileptic drugs permanently exempt from generic substitution. We need your help. We have until March 30th to voice our views.
The Epilepsy Society has produced a campaign postcard for people to send to the Department of Health. These are available from the NSE on 01494 601300 or email pressoffice@epilepsysociety.org.uk. Alternatively there is a letter template available on the Epilepsy Society website. Log on to www.epilepsysociety.org.uk/campaign to see full details of the government’s proposals, the campaign, Epilepsy Society's report and the letter template.
The Government is listening – together let’s make sure they hear.
