Patient and physician reactions to generic antiepileptic substitution in the treatment of epilepsy.
BACKGROUND
The clinical and economic consequences of generic antiepileptic drug (AED) substitution are not yet fully understood. This article provides a broad perspective of generic AED substitution in five countries.


METHODS
Two cross-sectional telephone-based surveys (patient and physician) were undertaken in Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Spain. A total of 1409 interviews, 974 patients and 435 physicians, were completed.


RESULTS
Across all countries studied, patients and physicians alike have elevated concerns about the safety and efficacy of generic AEDs as compared with drugs for acute care.


CONCLUSIONS
There is an opposition to generic substitution by both patients and physicians, especially with concern over increased breakthrough seizure risk. Further evidence is required to understand how costs and effects of generic AED substitution affect patient welfare.
Haskins
Lisa S
LS
Harris Interactive Health Care Division, Rochester, NY, USA.
Tomaszewski
Kenneth J
KJ
Crawford
Pamela
P
D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D016568:Drugs, Generic / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000145:classification / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010819:Physician's Role; D010820:Physicians; D013810:Therapeutic Equivalency
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D016568:Drugs, Generic