When it comes to healthcare in Michigan, certain rights and safety measures protect most of us. For example, we all take for granted that the meds our doctor prescribes are safe. But, some people with epilepsy are not safe. Unknowingly and without their consent, the drugs that work for them are being “switched” at their local pharmacy, exposing them to unnecessary risk and an increased chance for a breakthrough seizure.  People with epilepsy should have the same rights, safety measures and expectations that we do: that the prescription meds they take are safe for them.

 

Epilepsy is not like other conditions. It’s a neurological disorder that alters awareness and movement. After careful clinical evaluation and diagnostic testing, patients and doctors work together––sometimes over the course of years––to find a drug or a drug combination that helps them control their seizures and allows them to live a normal life. Because the blood level of every person with epilepsy is unique, the best drug is the drug that works. It doesn’t matter if it’s a brand name drug or a generic. Once the doctor identifies the right medication and the correct dosage level, it must be maintained. When drugs are switched, blood levels change. Even small changes in blood levels can result in seizures.

 

Because switching is a serious threat to patient safety, Michigan Sen. John Gleason (Flushing) and Rep. John Espinoza (Sanilac Co.) have introduced Senate Bill No. 926 and House Bill No. 5077, respectively, to prohibit the switching of anti-epilepsy drugs. The language and intent of the bills are clear. Pharmacists would be prohibited from switching anti-epilepsy drugs without prior notification and the signed informed consent by the prescribing physician and the patient.

 

When there is doubt about the safety of switching anti-epilepsy medications, when there is unproven clinical research, it is reasonable to expect that the healthcare system will err on the side of patient safety. Doctors who specialize in treating epilepsy believe switching is dangerous. According to a recent study of 15,000 epilepsy patients, previously stable patients who required emergent evaluation for seizures had an 81 percent higher chance of having been switched to a generic anti-epilepsy drug. Clearly, there is a need for more studies before we allow the indiscriminate switching of anti-epileptic drugs.

 

Because of current industry practices, it’s clear this patient safety bill is necessary to protect people with epilepsy and assure them that the drugs that work best and keep them seizure free––the drugs that their doctor prescribed––are the drugs they will receive from their pharmacy.

 

Please contact your local legislator. Urge them to support Senate Bill No. 926 and House Bill No. 5077.

 

 

Signed,

 

Adriana S. Tanner, MD Andrew N. Vanchick Arlene Gorelick, MPH Brien J. Smith, MD Christine Bernhard Viegas Colette M. Russell Craig Watson, MD, PhD Daniel R. Fain, MD David Kapelanski Diane K. Donley, MD Elizabeth Garofalo MD Gerald R. Johnson, Jr. Glen N. Ackerman, MD

Harry T. Chugani, MD Ilise Rosen Jeffrey A. Loeb, M.D., Ph.D. Katie Cather Mel Sternfeld, President Michael A. Nigro, DO Michael L. Collins, CPA Nick Broggi Sharon Libell Leenhouts, MHSA Sucheta M. Joshi, MD, MS  Timothy K. Thoits, MD Todd Hohauser