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General notes

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) vary considerably in their characteristics, which influences the risk of whether switching between different manufacturers’ products of a particular drug may cause adverse effects or loss of seizure control. AEDs have been divided into three risk-based categories to help healthcare professionals decide whether it is necessary to maintain continuity of supply of a specific manufacturer’s product; see MHRA Drug Safety Update November 2013 for details.

In addition, MHRA Drug Safety Update November 2017 outlines patient-related factors when considering whether to supply a specific manufacturer’s product.

The MHRA Drug Safety Update January 2021 provides advice on AEDs in pregnancy.

Useful link

SIGN Quick Reference Guide 143: Diagnosis and management of epilepsy in adults

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 31/01/2022

Next review date: 31/01/2025

Author(s): NHSL.

Version: Please refer to the introduction section for an explanation of the review dates above.

Approved By: ADTC

Reviewer name(s): ADTC.