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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Southampton, UK

Im on lacosamide and Tegretol and im always prescribed Vimpat lacosamide. Yesterday I picked up my prescription and when I got home I saw they had given me Milpharm instead of vimpat. Is it going to be exactly the same and still work the same for me? I just get anxious and worried when there is a change.

March 8
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Answer Summary

Members shared mixed experiences when discussing the difference between brand-name and generic epilepsy medications, with some reporting no... Read more

Members shared mixed experiences when discussing the difference between brand-name and generic epilepsy medications, with some reporting no issues switching between versions while others described significant problems including increased seizures, side effects, and even hospitalization. Several members emphasized the importance of consistency, explaining that switching between different generic manufacturers can cause problems due to variations in inactive ingredients like binders and coatings, and recommended asking doctors to write prescriptions as "medically necessary" for brand names or requesting pharmacies note preferred manufacturers in patient files. A recurring theme was the recognition that medication affects everyone differently, with strong encouragement to communicate any concerns with neurologists or epilepsy nurses and to stay on the same brand or manufacturer once stability is achieved.

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Yes. Then brand name in my opinion work better.
In my experience , my doses were usually lesss with the brand names over the generic brands

March 10
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I subscribe to Epilepsy Talk and gal that writes the articles, Phylis she suggests to ask our pharmacist to stop changing manufacturers of our medications because they are not all equally effective.

April 1
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

There is a definite possibility that generic medication does not work as well as the brand name medication does for some people. Generic medication is less expensive so insurance companies would rather pay for a less expensive prescription. Personal experience proved that was correct for myself. After starting to take generic medication my seizures increased in numbers, and eventually stopped working. A late night 911 call to go to the hospital was necessary. After recovering and taking brand name medication my seizures were under control.

April 20
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

@A MyEpilepsyTeam Member This affected me as well. The pharmacist offered to keep getting the brand version and put it through at PBS price but I was told there was a high chance it was going to go into shortage and that's why it was taken off. It should go on their eventually depending on how reliable the supplies are. I was put on the APO version and its been fine. I would say the other reason its not on there is due to the amount you get on script now.

March 14
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I also use to take Vimpat & my Dr switched me to Lacosamide. I haven't noticed a difference but everyone is different.

March 12

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