With the exception of the most recently approved medications, a majority of the commonly used anti-seizure medications are available as generics. At face value, generics present one large advantage to the patient: the co-pay is usually significantly less than for the corresponding brand of the same medication. For those patients who take more than one anti-seizure medication, the savings are significant, and may mean the difference between being able to afford the medications or not. However, many Epilepsy specialists believe that generic AEDs may not be truly equivalent to their branded counterparts. Since manufacturing standards are different, the effective amount of active drug may be somewhat different between branded and generic pills. Possible consequences may include having a seizure, or having more side effects, even if the dose has not been changed. As a result, there may be additional costs to the patient from the generics: injury, missed work, more blood work, and doctor or ER visits. How frequent this occurs is not fully understood, but is under great scrutiny.
Diagnostic and Medical Management of Trigeminal Neuralgia
New York, New York 10003 Phone: (212) 844-6111 Fax: (212) 844-6119
