Real concerns over supply of epilepsy medicine

The Epilepsy Society says there is an increase in the number of patients struggling to obtain epilepsy medicine due to the shortage of drugs in our pharmacies, and partly due to Brexit which is still creating uncertainty and disruption in the supply of medicines, medical devices and technology. The society said in a statement: “The anxiety and stress it’s caused is putting people with epilepsy at greater risk of seizures, with the helpline and inquiries desk inundated with worried callers.”
James Spencer, data scientist at GlobalData said: “The shortage of epilepsy drugs has been attributable in part to Brexit worries causing foreign manufacturers imposing higher tariffs on drugs, as the UK is becoming a less desirable market. This means that people with epilepsy are in dire straits right now, as supply simply is not reaching demand. However, this is only one of many drug markets that are being affected. Should Brexit happen, or even worse, a no-deal Brexit, it could prove ruinous for those who are reliant on epilepsy medication to maintain their standards of living. If Brexit is to go through in future, the price of epilepsy medication will likely rise significantly resulting in an increased burden on the NHS. For those who can afford it, patients may be able to get their epilepsy medication from overseas sources. However, this will result in a loss in the quality of life for half a million people across the UK. Not only will this worsen the lives of those with epilepsy, but it will impose additional strain on those supporting and related to these people. A loss of one type of drug doesn’t affect just the patient population, but everyone who knows and cares about them as well.”