Skip to content
My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up

Epilepsy Health Center

Font Size

Epilepsy Medications: When Is It Safe to Substitute a Generic?

Potential Problems With Generic Epilepsy Drugs continued...

For instance, in one study, volunteers took brand-name Dilantin or the generic version of Dilantin, which is phenytoin. Those taking generic phenytoin had average drug levels that were 13% lower over time than in those taking brand-name Dilantin. Computer simulations predicted that over time, half of those taking generic phenytoin would have blood levels too low to prevent seizures.

To be sure of their equivalence with brand names, generic drugs are tested only in healthy adults. In real life, people taking epilepsy drugs often have multiple medical problems and take other medications, which could lead to differences:

  • The FDA acknowledges that because a large number of manufacturers make generic drugs, the chance exists that a limited number of epilepsy drugs not truly equivalent to brand-names could reach the market. 
  • Generics aren't tested against each other; each is tested only against the brand name. "One could be slightly lower than the brand, and another slightly higher," says French. "They both meet quality standards, but they could be significantly different from each other."

The variance between generic drugs is a likely cause of any problem that exists, according to French. She believes the biggest problem lies not in the initial switch, but in repeated switching between generic epilepsy drugs made by different manufacturers.

Because generic drugs are often made by multiple manufacturers, says French, "some people are being switched from generic to generic every month. Even if there's a small variation between each generic form, you have no idea what's happening with the person's blood levels."

She's even seen a patient who had a bottle of generic pills with half from one manufacturer and the other half from another manufacturer, when the pharmacy changed suppliers after running out while filling the prescription.

Experts are quick to concede that their collective stories and experience "are cause for concern, but it's not evidence," according to Alan Ettinger, MD, professor of clinical neurology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. "What's needed are well-designed clinical trials to settle the issue."

Studies on switching of epilepsy drugs have so far been limited, but they, too, hint at a possible problem.

  • In a Canadian study from 2007, more than one-quarter of people switching to generic Lamictal switched back to the brand-name drug within three years. People taking generics averaged one more visit to the doctor each year. And among people who were hospitalized, those taking generic epilepsy drugs stayed in the hospital slightly longer. 
  • In a 2008 study of people with breakthrough seizures after a switch to generic drugs, blood levels of epilepsy drugs were compared before and after the switch. Half the people with seizures had lower blood levels of the generic drugs.

But many doctors treating epilepsy today are unwilling to wait years for clinical trials to provide answers. Based on lab studies and their own experience managing epilepsy, they're raising a caution flag over switching to generic drugs.

Today on WebMD

Grand mal seizure
Are You at Risk for Dupuytrens Contracture
Epilepsy Causes
First Aid Seizures

Seizures Driving
Questions for Doctor Epilepsy
Pills spilling from bottle in front of clock
Graces Magic Diet

Pets Improve Your Health
Caring Child Epilepsy
Making Home Safe
Epilepsy Surgery Cure