More than seven in 10 people with epilepsy in the UK experienced difficulty getting their prescribed epilepsy medication in the past year, according to a new study published in the journal Pharmacy.
Researchers Eric Kyeremaa and colleagues set out to explore the impact of anti-seizure medication (ASMs) shortages on people with epilepsy and their caregivers.
Eric said: “We knew this was important because people with epilepsy were increasingly reporting shortages of their epilepsy medications through epilepsy charity helplines.
“These reports showed a real worry within the community, so it was felt to be essential to carry out a survey to understand how widespread the problem was and what impact it might have on people with epilepsy and their caregivers.”
Two in five people (40.4%) reported stress, anxiety or both caused by the medication shortages.
The researchers warned that medication shortages could mean people miss doses or receive a different brand or form of their medication that may not work in the same way for them.
Tom Shillito, health improvement and research manager at Epilepsy Action, Said: “We know from our own helpline that medicine shortages leave people feeling frightened about what might happen if they can’t get the treatment they rely on.
“Recent inquest findings have shown just how serious the consequences can be when someone is left without their usual medication and nobody should ever be put in that position.
Epilepsy Action has more information on medication switching and you can download the Don’t Sub My Drug leaflet from the website with more information.
Support Dogs, the UK charity providing specially trained seizure-alert dogs, continues to offer vital support and reassurance to people with epilepsy alongside this work.
Katie Williamson, Community fundraising assistant at Support Dogs, said: “The fear of an oncoming seizure, which can occur at any time, severely restricts people’s independence and ability to do simple things safely.
“Seizure alert dogs provide a 100% reliable alert in advance of every seizure, meaning our clients can live safely without the fear of injury and regain their independence.”
For more information on Support Dogs, visit here.
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