Unlike other diseases and disorders, one seizure caused by a change in medication or medication dosage can be damaging to a patient’s quality of life and self esteem. One seizure can cause the loss of a driver's license, job loss, injury, and even death from injury.

The medical community at large strongly opposes automatic substitution of generic Keppra.

In November 2009, the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), representing more than 19,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, issued a position statement for anticonvulsant drugs for the treatment of epilepsy. Their position is:

The American Academy of Neurology opposes generic substitution of anticonvulsant drugs for the treatment of epilepsy without the attending physician’s approval.

The Food & Drug Administration has allowed for significant differences between name brand and generic drugs. This variation can be highly problematic for patients with epilepsy. Even minor differences in the composition of generic and name brand anticonvulsant drugs for the treatment of epilepsy can result in breakthrough seizures.

For anticonvulsant drugs, small variations in concentrations between name brands and their generic equivalents can cause seizures when taken by patents with epilepsy.

Arbitrary Switching Among Anticonvulsants

The American Academy of Neurology opposes policies that would result in arbitrary switching among anticonvulsants. Therefore, AAN opposes generic substitution of anticonvulsants for patients with epilepsy at the point of sale (such as in the pharmacy), without prior consent of the physician and the patient.

Frequently, patients are unaware of the switch from name brand Keppra to Mylan generic Keppra and suffer horrible side effects and more seizures. Physicians may also be unaware of the pharmacy switch and prescribe more medication further exacerbating the problem.

Mylan Generic Epileptic Drug Side Effects

New Jersey—Have you or a family member suffered serious Mylan generic epileptic drug side effects or injuries? If the answer is yes, please take action today by contacting the New Jersey personal injury and unsafe drug law firm. Find out how they can help you take action against the generic drug company and pharmacy.