LANSING¬ – State Representative John Espinoza (D-Croswell) has introduced a plan to protect the thousands of Michigan residents who have epilepsy by prohibiting pharmacists from changing their medications without obtaining their written permission.
"Even simply changing from a brand name to a generic medication can put a patient at risk of a seizure," Espinoza said. "It is imperative that pharmacists get written permission from people who have epilepsy before altering their medications in any way. This plan will keep thousands of Michigan residents safe and healthy."
More than 100,000 Michigan residents suffer from epilepsy, according to the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan. Once a patient and doctor work together to find the right drug or drug combination to control seizures, the correct dosage must be carefully maintained. The balance is so sensitive that simply changing from a generic drug to a brand-name one or vice-versa can make seizures more likely.
"Epilepsy is a very complex disease, and every patient has their own blood chemistry," Espinoza said. "People with epilepsy often struggle for a long time to find the right medication so they can safely live their everyday lives. Changing their medication without informing them can put them in serious danger."