Tablet maker change

[annaje]

Has anyone had their tablet manufacturer changed with side effects?

[sporan]

Hi annaje,

I've not had a manufacturer change to a seizure control drug but a year ago one of my blood pressure meds was changed from branded (Amlostin) to a generic. Within four hour of the first tablet I'd had a momentary blackoout and 2 complex partial seizures!

The active ingredient, amlodipine, was the same, the only difference was the 'salts' used to present it, besilate as apossed to the maleate previusly used in branded product. Amlostin no longer being supplied because of NICE funding restrictions the manufacturer of Amlostin seaced production. My phamacist located a generic source that used maleate salts and hey presto no problem since.

Apparently there had been no other reported reactions and so may have been co-incidental but the timing from dosing to reation suggest not especially as took several days to recover to previus control level and without taking the blood pressure meds and since the later change to the maleate based product had no adverse affect.

So my guess would be to be wary of a change, checking the make up ingredients are as close as possible to the original and try them with caution noting any reaction or possible symptome with timing of taking the meds.

Discussion with your pharmacist is always useful, I always use the same phamacy because then they are fully aware of all your meds and any possible interactions or side effects.

If you're worried speak to the pharmacist who may tell you to see your Doctor or consultant although sometimes they can resolve the issue for you over the phone with your doctor, at least mine has.

Hope this rather long ramble is of some help but as with all these things advice from medical proffessional (I'm not one) is always the best course.

Kindest regards

Sporan

[Dietwine in reply to sporan]

I am aware this thread is old , but are you still able to get the maleate version of amlodipine? I'm struggling to find a pharmacist that has it.

[sporan in reply to Dietwine]

Yes, I get mine from Lloyds Pharmacy, however since a change in one of my epilepsy control medications it is no longer an issue for me fortunately. It is strange how the interaction of medications works. It wasn't actually the amlodipine but the salts with which it was presented.

I am not sure where you are based but I am UK based.

Kind regards

Sporan

[Dietwine in reply to sporan]

Thanks Sporan.

I am in London. Been struggling finding the Maleate version of amlodipine, I am actually considering travelling to the continent with a cross border prescription to get it. As you may know, the pharmacist in the UK tend to stock the Besiliate/Besylate version, which I do not really get on with.

I have been in touch with the main supplier of Amlodipine Maleate ( Dr Reddy) and they say they may have it in April/May. I am hopeful but not optimistic.

Finally, I wonder if pharmacy in the UK can source it on behalf of a customer abroad or anywhere in fact, they are probably better placed to find it than me.

Once again thanks for responding.

[Hidden]

Are you referring to 'changed' or 'charged' . It could apply to both!

[happy48]

Hi

Yes. I have every time my epilepsy medication is substituted for a generic version. It also occurs with a parallel import. (This means the same manufacturer has the medication made in a different factory).

Regards

Happy48

[meandme]

I had the same problem once.It is quite common because different manufacturers use different "fillers".One hospital I know keeps a register of adverse reactions of its patients.

[Hidden]

I remain on original medication always and nothing has changed yet (41 years later).

Les

[sporan]

My generic maleate version of amlodipine id produced by 'Dr Reddy' spelling may be wrong but thats the product I now have.

Regards

Sporan