The Difference Between Generic And Brand Name Anti-Epileptic Drugs

It’s no secret that there are many anti-seizure medications (ASMs) out there. Many of which I’ve covered on this blog. But what people who are new to the topic of epilepsy are often confused by, is the difference between name brand and generic medications.

So to clear things up, I thought I’d write this post…

What is the difference between generic and brand name anti-epileptic drugs?

The most basic difference between generic and brand name anti-seizure medication is the price tag. Generic drugs are much cheaper than those with brand names attached, and thus, most people are prescribed generic meds nowadays.

And as you may have guessed, the entire reason that generic drugs were created in the first place was to create a cheaper alternative to name brand options. In fact, since generic medications have become so prevalent, new medication brands have actually started filing special patents that keep generic versions of their medicine from being produced.

As far as the actual composition of the medicine goes, generic and brand name drugs are required to be bioequivalent by the FDA. So they’re essentially created to be as close to the name brand medication as possible.

Are generic medications as effective as name brand ones?

Despite the fact that generic medications are bioequivalent to their name brand counterparts, and are required by the FDA to be equally as effective… Many people have reported lessened seizure control after switching from name brand to generic. 

But this could be due to the drugs not being absorbed into the body in the same way, or at the same rate. Because quite a few variables can cause this to happen. For instance, even something as simple as something being added for color can change how the body reacts to the medication. Which is why some people even notice varying seizure control when they switch between generic drug brands.

So in summary, people might have various reactions to even the smallest of differences with medication. And therefore some might find that name brand is more effective for them, and others might find that generic meds are more effective! But both must adhere to a certain level of effectiveness and safety. (As long as we’re discussing a generic mediation that’s been approved by the FDA.)

Examples of generic versus brand name anti-seizure medication…

And, in case you’d like some examples of name brand ASMs versus generic ones, here’s a quick list of some popular ones…

• Keppra, a commonly prescribed anti-seizure medication, has a generic counterpart named Levetiracetam

• The generic version of Depakote is divalproex sodium

• And Valium’s generic name is diazepam

If switching versions is the problem, how do you avoid it?

Now, as we covered earlier, the main issue with generic versus name brand drugs tends to arise when the versions are switched. And this issue can be more or less severe, depending on what type of medication it is.

So the MHRA actually divides each anti-seizure medication into one of three groups. Category one, which is a group of ASMs that should never be swapped. Category two, which is a group that can sometimes be swapped depending on the case. And category three, which is obviously the group of ASMs that is safest to interchange.

• A few examples of medications that are in the first category would be primidone, carbamazepine, and phenytoin.

• And in the second category… We have familiar names like clonazepam, topiramate, and sodium valproate.

• Finally, the third category includes drugs like levetiracetam, gabapentin, and pregabalin.

How can you get brand name anti-epileptic drugs?

Unfortunately, it isn’t always in your control which medication you get. Especially if you need to rely on insurance to pay for it, like most people do. Because in many cases, insurance won’t cover a more expensive alternative to a medication unless it’s proven to be necessary on a medical level. Which is why my daughter has only ever been on generic ASMs, despite me asking to try name brand drugs.

So, if you want to try a brand name anti-epileptic drug to see if it would control your seizures more effectively, you’ll likely have to pay for it yourself. And that could cost you a pretty penny, since many brand name drugs are estimated to be about 85% more expensive than generic ones.

Bottom Line

The bottom line here is that according to the FDA… generic and name brand anti-epileptic drugs are bioequivalent. And each one that is approved by the FDA, has to meet certain standards; regardless of which category it falls in. So if, like most people, you are prescribed a generic ASM… it’s probably nothing to worry about!

The only reason you’d need to be wary, is if you’re being switched to different versions. As this change in medication could cause a loss of seizure control.

Sources

And as always, here’s a list of some of my sources in case you want to check them out for yourself…

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3056509/

https://epilepsysociety.org.uk/about-epilepsy/anti-seizure-medication/generic-branded

https://www.epilepsy.com/stories/summary-anti-seizure-medications#valproic