Epilepsy drug switch can have dangerous results

MICHIGAN (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - Many of us opt for generic alternatives when we go to get our prescriptions filled. The generics are typically cheaper, and sometimes the only thing insurance plans will cover, but switching drugs doesn't work for everyone. In fact, a simple switch could be fatal.

For many of us, it doesn't matter who makes our medicine, as long as it treats our ailments, but for the 200,000 epilepsy sufferers in Michigan, even the slightest switch, could have dangerous results.

For six-year-old Alexandra Clinger playtime could be tough if she didn't have her epilepsy under control.

"We have over the past two years gone through seven different medications," said Alexandra's mother Tammy. "Fortunately we have been seizure free for six months now."

For parents of epileptic children, and adults with epilepsy, there is a worry that sometimes, their seizure-controlling medicines could be unknowingly switched to something slightly different at the pharmacy.

"The active drug is the same," said Arlene Gorelick, president of the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan. "What's different is the delivery system. It's those other ingredients that make up the pill, they do not have to be the same."

Gorelick says sometimes those differences can have frightening consequences.

"We've had cases of people who called us, who have had breakthrough seizures, who haven't had seizures in ten years, and realize they could have been behind the wheel with their children," said Gorelick.

After years of trying to get Alexandra's medicine just right, Tammy Clinger wants to make sure families are informed, so they can decide for themselves if they want to make a switch in medications.

"We have worked so hard to keep her seizure free," said Tammy.

Right now there is legislation being considered in Lansing that would require pharmacies to get consent from both physicians and patients before switching from one epilepsy drug to another.