Epilepsy Society's medical director says don't panic over current shortages of epilepsy drugs

No need to panic over current shortages of some epilepsy medications.

Swiching between different types of levtiracetam should not be a problem.

Switching to a different type of clobazam should be done in consultation with a doctor.

Latest update on supply problems.

Epilepsy Society's medical director Professor Ley Sander has advised people with epilepsy not to panic over current supply issues with the medications levetiracetam and clobazam, but to ask their GP about temporarily switching to a different form of the drugs.

While there are concerns about switching between different makes of the same drug with some epilepsy medication, Professor Sander said that switching between different forms of levetiracetam should not cause a problem.

Switching between different versions of clobazam/Frisium should be a decision for a doctor to make in consultation with the individual, he said.

Consistent supply of medication

'The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency has very clear guidance about consistency of supply for epilepsy medication, with anti-epileptic medications divided into three categories according to risks around switching between products,' said Professor Sander.

'Levetiracetam is a category three drug which means it is considered safe to switch between varieties. Clobazam is a category two drug which means that the doctor must decide whether there will be any risks for an individual in switching between drugs.'

Availability of epilepsy medication

The latest information about availability of both epilepsy drugs, as of 17 August 2017, is as follows:

ACTAVIS

Levetiracetam All products now discontinued apart from 100mg/ml oral solution

ACCORD HEALTHCARE

Levetiracetam  1000mg 60 tablets In stock

Levetiracetam 750mg In stock

Levetiracetam 250mg Restricted to hospitals only

Levetiracetam 500mg Long-term out of stock. Expected in September, but no firm date

Levetiracetam oral solution Out of stock

Clobazam In stock

SANOFI-AVENTIS/ZENTIVA

Aventis Frisium Temporarily out of stock, but Sanofi  hope it will be available again soon. They hope to know by the end of  week comencing 21 August 2017.

Zentiva Levetiracetam All strengths available.

UCB

Levetiracetam  Full availability

MARTINDALE PHARMA

Tapclob 5mg/5ml 150ml and 250ml Full availability

Tapclob 10mg/5ml 150ml and 250ml Full availability