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No plans to implement generic substitution
Epilepsy campaigners at NSE are celebrating today at the news that the government has decided not to make generic prescription of NHS drugs compulsory.
Supporters of our ‘Count Epilepsy Out’ campaign sent campaign postcards and letters, earlier this year, to the minister of state for health saying that cutting costs on epilepsy drugs doesn’t add up. It could provoke seizures or side effects – with a high cost to both the NHS and the person with epilepsy.
NSE also submitted an in-depth response to the consultation laying out the potential dangers of generic substitution to people with epilepsy. This backed up an earlier report that was formative in the government’s decision to consult on their plan.
This influential campaign contributed to the government’s rejection of the scheme. In the department of health press release health minister Lord Howe says: "We have listened to the concerns from the public, patients and other interested parties… It is not clear whether the proposals would have provided a substantial benefit to the NHS."
People with epilepsy have been nervous about the long wait since the Department of Health’s consultation closed in March 2010. Breakthrough seizures can be caused if their drug is swapped for non-clinical reasons. And one breakthrough seizure is devastating and could cause serious injury and harm, rob someone of their driving licence and affect their job.
Professor John Duncan, NSE’s medical director, said: “It is such a relief to see that patient safety and common sense have prevailed. Although we note that the department are talking about more ‘appropriate ways of supporting the use of generic medicines and, in the long term, value-based pricing’. We will be keeping a close eye on future plans for cost cutting of drugs to make sure that the safety of people with epilepsy remains paramount.”
“Thank you to everyone who sent a postcard and wrote to the Minister of State,” said NSE chief executive Graham Faulkner. “Working together we have made a big contribution to a great result for people with epilepsy. This does show that we can make a difference.”
> Read the announcement from the Department of Health (opens a new window)
