change of brand name

[Oscar2022]

I have been on Accord brand of lamotrogine but having trouble getting my pharmacist has given me the brand gilpharm and wondering if anyone has had any side effects when changing brand names?

[happy48]

I always have breakthrough seizures if the brand is changed. To make sure you get the same brand each time tell your GP to put the brand name on your prescription where the Pharmacist will know which to use everytime.

[Angie140720]

Hi, when I was on lamotrigine they told me it was ok to change brands, but I also had a seizure when the brand was changed. It depends how sensitive and responsive you are to the medication. I hope you will be ok.

[EpilepsyAction1 Partner Epilepsy Action]

Hi Oscar2022

Thank you for your post.

We're aware of problems with the supply of Accord Lamotrigine, so you're certainly not alone here. It's always concerning to see these stock problems.

Lamotrigine is a category 2 medicine, which means that doctors should use their clinical judgement on if you need to stay on the same version. We have more information about this on our website - epilepsy.org.uk/info/treatm...

Accord told us that supplies of all strengths of Accord lamotrigine are very limited and stock is currently only available to hospitals and hospital outpatient pharmacies.

Accord said that supply of Accord lamotrigine tablets will not be available to community pharmacies and they haven’t been able to tell us when they expect stock to return to normal.

As your pharmacist has done here, they may offer a different version of lamotrigine. For most people it’s safer to take a different version of their medicine than to run out and stop taking medicine suddenly.

If you have any concerns about switching to a different version of your medicine, please speak to your pharmacist, GP or specialist for advice.

We will be asking Accord for further updates on this. We will keep our drugwatch news up to date with any changes - epilepsy.org.uk/accord-lamo...

Best wishes

David

Epilepsy Action Helpline Team

[car67]

I have lots of problems when they change my brand names, my neurologist has specifically told my gp not to change my brand on prescription as it def affects my seizures, topiramate has to be accord and my other ones have to be same brands too, it really stresses me if they change brands. I’m very lucky that I have an excellent pharmacist.