Anti-Epileptic Drug Substitution

The Pennsylvania Neurological Society opposes the practice of substitution for anticonvulsant drugs (brand name to generic, or generic to generic) for patients with epilepsy at the point-of-sale without the express consent of the prescribing physician and notification of the patient in writing.

According to PA Code 28, 25.55, Pharmacists cannot substitute a drug if being refilled from generic to brand or vice versa, nor substitute the same drug by a different manufacturer or distributor.

VIOLATIONS:

If you believe a violation occurred due to drug substitution, or that a medication prescribes as “brand necessary” is changed to generic without authorization, please report this to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.  Click here to report a violation.

Where applicable, please also send copies of your complaints via email to: email@pns.aan.com.

Disciplinary actions are published monthly under Health Licensing Boards Actions.

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FDA REPORTING:

To report an adverse drug reaction, or a concern that generic substitution affected your patient’s clinical status, please report this to the Food and Drug Administration.  For information, call 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit the web site at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.