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Bosak M, Woźniak M, Kasprzycki M, Słowik A. Safety of brand name to generic substitution of lacosamide in patients with epilepsy - A prospective single-center observational study. Seizure 2023; 111:203-205. [PMID: 37683453 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Lacosamide is a widely used third-generation antiseizure medication. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the safety of substituting brand-name lacosamide with its generic version. This study aimed to determine the clinical outcomes associated with switching from the brand-name to the generic form of lacosamide (LCM) in patients with epilepsy. METHODS This prospective observational study involved patients undergoing treatment with LCM at the university epilepsy clinic. In 2018, the price of the brand-name LCM in Poland increased up to 110-fold compared to generic products. Anticipating that most patients would opt to switch to the generic formulations due to financial constraints, we chose to follow up them prospectively to assess the safety of transitioning from the brand-name to the generic form of LCM. RESULTS A total of 81 patients, aged 18-62 years, diagnosed with focal epilepsy and undergoing LCM treatment at our institution, decided to switch from the brand-name (Vimpat) to generic variations (Lacosamide TEVA, Lacosamide Glenmark, and Lacosamide Accord). Following the switch, no significant difference was observed in terms of seizure frequency before and after (p = 0.55, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Subsequently, adverse events were recorded in four patients (4.9%) during the initial follow-up visit post-switch, including somnolence (2 patients) and dizziness (2 patients). Notably, all adverse events resolved by the second follow-up visit without necessitating treatment modification. Importantly, no patient switched back to brand-name medication CONCLUSION: The generic substitution of lacosamide was found to be generally safe in our study. Nonetheless, to confirm our findings, larger prospective studies are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Bosak
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland; University Hospital, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Martyna Woźniak
- School of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Poland
| | | | - Agnieszka Słowik
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland; University Hospital, Krakow, Poland
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Tiamkao S, Kanchanauthai N, Sawanyawisuth K, Tiamkao S. Brand-to-generic Levetiracetam Switch in Patients with Epilepsy: Seizure Control and its Predictors in a Real-world Setting. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.8837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is a common neurological disease. Treatment with original antiepileptic drugs may result in high cost. Levetiracetam (LEV) is a broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug. Several studies showed that generic LEV is safe, effective, and saves cost. There are limited data on predictors of seizure control in persons with epilepsy treated with LEV, particularly switch therapy to generic LEV.
METHODS: This study was a comparison study conducted at two tertiary care hospitals. One hospital used an original LEV, while another one switched to generic LEV. The outcomes of the study included seizure control after switching to generic LEV treatment, treatment cost, dosage of LEV, adverse events of LEV, switching therapy to original LEV, emergency room visit, and abnormal laboratory tests. These outcomes were compared between the generic and original LEV. Seizure control defined by free of seizure after switch therapy. Predictors of seizure control were analyzed by multiple logistic regression analysis.
RESULTS: During the study period, there were 96 eligible patients and treated with generic LEV in 61 patients (63.54%). Regarding treatment outcomes, the generic LEV group had significantly higher proportions of seizure control (91.80% vs. 45.71%) than the original LEV group. The original LEV group had significantly higher cost than the generic LEV group (65,250 vs. 9500 Baht; p < 0.001). The final model had two factors remaining: Generic LEV and frequency of seizure before switch therapy. Generic LEV was independently associated with seizure control with adjusted OR of 6.35 (95% CI of 1.73, 23.34).
CONCLUSION: Switch therapy to generic LEV is an alternative therapy with comparable efficacy, lower cost, and safe. Generic LEV and frequency of seizure attack before switch therapy to generic LEV may be related to seizure control.
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Evaluating Therapeutic Equivalence of Generic and Original Levetiracetam in Patients with Epilepsy: A Retrospective Study. Neurol Int 2022; 14:271-283. [PMID: 35324578 PMCID: PMC8953522 DOI: 10.3390/neurolint14010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The brand interchangeability of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is a topic of debate, especially regarding their therapeutic equivalence. This study evaluates the efficacy and tolerability of generic levetiracetam compared to the brand-name equivalent in a routine clinical setting. We conducted a retrospective study, examining patients with stable seizure frequency who received generic levetiracetam after the brand-name drug. During the six-month substitution period, changes in seizure frequency, hospitalization due to seizure exacerbation, adverse events, composite outcomes related to adjusting the AED dosage, and switching back to original levetiracetam were analyzed. Seventy-five patients were enrolled; the majority (85.3%) had focal onset seizures, and almost half (49.3%) had refractory epilepsy. Six months after the substitution, the mean seizure frequency per month was not significantly different (3.15 ± 14.47 vs. 2.77 ± 11.41; p = 0.970). In patients with controlled seizures before the change, the seizure frequency increased significantly (0.56 ± 1.83 vs. 0.03 ± 0.16; p = 0.012). Adverse events occurred in six patients. We have observed recurrent seizures or adverse events from 14 days after the transition. The original drug return rates due to recurrent seizures and adverse events were 5.3% and 1.3%, respectively. Generic levetiracetam might not show therapeutic equivalence to the original molecule, especially in patients adequately controlled by the brand-name drug.
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梁 明, 邱 炜, 张 静, 黎 雪, 石 港, 翟 琼, 张 宇, 陈 志. Efficacy and safety of switching from brand-name to domestic generic levetiracetam in children with epilepsy. ZHONGGUO DANG DAI ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS 2022; 24:285-289. [PMID: 35351259 PMCID: PMC8974645 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2111033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To study the efficacy and safety of domestic generic levetiracetam in replacement of brand-name levetiracetam in the treatment of children with epilepsy. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical data of 154 children with epilepsy who received domestic generic levetiracetam in the inpatient or outpatient service of Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from May 2019 to December 2020. Domestic generic levetiracetam and brand-name levetiracetam were compared in terms of efficacy and safety. RESULTS For these 154 children, the epilepsy control rate was 77.3% (119/154) at baseline. At 6 months after switching to domestic generic levetiracetam, the epilepsy control rate reached 83.8% (129/154), which showed a significant increase (P<0.05). There was no significant change in the frequency of seizures from baseline to 6 months after switching (P>0.05). The incidence of refractory epilepsy in children with no response after switching treatment was significantly higher than that in children with response (P<0.05). Before switching, only 1 child (0.6%) experienced somnolence, while after switching, 3 children (1.9%) experienced mild adverse drug reactions, including dizziness, somnolence, irritability, and bad temper. CONCLUSIONS Switching from brand-name to generic levetiracetam is safe and effective and holds promise for clinical application, but more prospective randomized controlled trials are required in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- 明娟 梁
- 广东省人民医院/广东省医学科学院儿科, 广东广州510080
| | - 炜凤 邱
- 广东省人民医院/广东省医学科学院儿科, 广东广州510080
- 汕头大学医学院,广东汕头515041
| | - 静雯 张
- 广东省人民医院/广东省医学科学院儿科, 广东广州510080
| | - 雪萍 黎
- 广东省人民医院/广东省医学科学院儿科, 广东广州510080
- 汕头大学医学院,广东汕头515041
| | - 港安 石
- 广东省人民医院/广东省医学科学院儿科, 广东广州510080
| | - 琼香 翟
- 广东省人民医院/广东省医学科学院儿科, 广东广州510080
| | - 宇昕 张
- 广东省人民医院/广东省医学科学院儿科, 广东广州510080
| | - 志红 陈
- 广东省人民医院/广东省医学科学院儿科, 广东广州510080
- 汕头大学医学院,广东汕头515041
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Olsson P, Freij J, Compagno Strandberg M, Adelöw C, Östlund H, Lindberger M, Källén K. Physicians' attitudes toward generic substitutions of antiseizure drugs in epilepsy. Acta Neurol Scand 2021; 144:600-607. [PMID: 34273105 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The safety of generic substitution of antiseizure drugs (ASDs) has been questioned for many years. This study aimed to identify physicians' attitudes to the generic substitution of ASDs in epilepsy and which factors were of significance when deciding on compound substitutions. MATERIAL AND METHODS A cross-sectional web-based survey was sent to neurologists and neurology residents in public health care and at private practices in two Swedish regions between February and March 2020. The 30-item survey covered drug- and patient-related factors, as well as considerations relating to practical, cost-related, and pharmacokinetic issues. RESULTS The total response rate was 55.8%. Respondents were generally positive to cutting costs through generic ASD utilization (74%) and prescribing generic compounds when starting a new ASD treatment (84.9%). The most substantial concern was a deterioration in seizure control (17.1%). Physicians refrained from switching if the patient wished to remain on the original compound (76.1%), had a cognitive impairment (52.5%), was on a drug with a narrow therapeutic index (47%), or had shown prior susceptibility to adverse effects (45.6%). Opinions on substitution decisions differed significantly between the Stockholm and Skåne regions. Less than one-third of the respondents were aware of supporting guidelines. CONCLUSIONS Neurologists generally accept the use of generic antiseizure compounds. Patient preference to remain on brand-name drug treatment was the most important factor that led to avoiding a switch. Our results may constitute material for consensus discussions to decide on quality indicators of interest for future research on substitution outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Olsson
- Department of Emergency Medicine Helsingborg General Hospital Helsingborg Sweden
- Division of Clinical Sciences Helsingborg Department of Clinical Sciences Lund Faculty of Medicine Lund University Lund Sweden
| | - Julia Freij
- Department of Specialized Medicine – Neurology Helsingborg General Hospital Helsingborg Sweden
| | - Maria Compagno Strandberg
- Department of Neurology, Rehabilitation Medicine, Memory Disorders and Geriatrics Skåne University Hospital Lund Sweden
- Division of Neurology Department of Clinical Neurosciences Faculty of Medicine Lund University Lund Sweden
| | - Cecilia Adelöw
- Vällingby Neuro Vällingby Medical Centre Stockholm Sweden
| | - Hampus Östlund
- Department of Neurology Danderyd Hospital Stockholm Sweden
| | | | - Kristina Källén
- Division of Clinical Sciences Helsingborg Department of Clinical Sciences Lund Faculty of Medicine Lund University Lund Sweden
- Department of Specialized Medicine – Neurology Helsingborg General Hospital Helsingborg Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Rehabilitation Medicine, Memory Disorders and Geriatrics Skåne University Hospital Lund Sweden
- Division of Neurology Department of Clinical Neurosciences Faculty of Medicine Lund University Lund Sweden
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Giometto S, Baglietto L, Conte M, Vannacci A, Tuccori M, Mugelli A, Gini R, Lucenteforte E. Use of antiseizure medications and safety of branded versus generic formulations: A comparative study on Tuscan administrative databases. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 117:107876. [PMID: 33714929 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.107876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess patterns of use of antiseizure medications (ASMs) and to compare the safety of generic versus branded formulations in terms of admission to hospital or to emergency department (ED). METHODS We conducted a drug utilization study with a propensity score-matched design using the administrative databases of the Italian Tuscany region. New users of ASMs during 2015 with no history of neoplasia were considered and their first prescription was classified as: available only as branded (only-B-ASM); branded with generic available (B-ASM); and generic (G-ASM). Patients with G-ASM first prescription were matched with four patients with B-ASM prescription. Participants were followed up for one year or until the date of death or diagnosis of neoplasia. Cox regression models were fitted to estimate the risk of admission to hospital or ED. RESULTS We identified 36,601 ASM new-users, including 2094 (6.4%) with only-B-ASM as first prescription, 24,588 (74.9%) with B-ASM, and 5788 (17.6%) with G-ASM. We found no differences in the risk of admission to hospital or ED (Hazard Ratio (HR), 0.92; 95% Confidence Interval (CI), 0.85-1.02) among users of generic ASMs compared to those using branded ASMs. CONCLUSIONS In our study population, generic ASMs were used less than branded ones. The similarity in the safety of branded and generic formulations suggests that generic ASMs could be the preferred formulation in current clinical practice resulting in a substantial decrease in the cost of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Giometto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Laura Baglietto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Marco Conte
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alfredo Vannacci
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Marco Tuccori
- Unit of Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mugelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Rosa Gini
- Agenzia regionale di sanità della Toscana, Florence, Italy.
| | - Ersilia Lucenteforte
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
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Roberti R, Casarella A, Iudice A, La Neve A, Beghi E, Capovilla G, Di Bonaventura C, Giorgi FS, Grosso S, Iannone LF, Romigi A, Specchio LM, Zaccara G, Mecarelli O, Russo E. Appropriate use of generic and branded antiseizure medications in epilepsy: Updated recommendations from the Italian League Against Epilepsy (LICE). Epilepsy Behav 2021; 116:107804. [PMID: 33581599 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.107804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Generic drugs are increasingly used to treat many diseases including epilepsy. The growing importance of generic antiseizure medications (ASMs) has led the ASMs commission of the Italian League Against Epilepsy (LICE) to review current evidence in the literature about efficacy and safety of these products. Recommendations from other scientific organizations have also been considered to provide an update of the LICE position about their utilization (List of Recommendations). Compared with the previous literature review, randomized controlled trials assessing bioequivalence among branded drugs and generics are currently available. Although some contrasting results have been reported, brand-to-generic switching was effective and tolerable in real-life settings, with similar adverse event ratios. Based on these findings, LICE concluded that, conforming to the rigorous regulation of USA and EU markets, generic ASMs are not inferior to the respective branded, providing a cost advantage for patients starting or replacing monotherapy or add-on, and for those with incomplete seizure control. Branded-to-generic (and vice versa) switching is not recommended (although applicable) during seizure remission, as well as the generic-to-other generic switching. Other recommendations focus on the appropriateness of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) when switching is required, paying attention to avoiding the erroneous switch between modified and immediate-release formulations during dispensation. Finally, to support patients' compliance, they should be assured of generics' safety and efficacy and carefully informed with practical advice, particularly when the switching is associated with aspect modifications (e.g. color and shape changes) of the pill or the packaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Roberti
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alessandro Casarella
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alfonso Iudice
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Neurology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Angela La Neve
- Department of Neurological and Psychiatric Sciences, Centre for Epilepsy, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Ettore Beghi
- Laboratory of Neurological Disorders, Department of Neuroscience, Institute for Pharmacological Research, IRCCS-Mario Negri Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Capovilla
- Department of Mental Health, Epilepsy Center, C. Poma Hospital, Mantua, Italy and Fondazione Poliambulanza, Brescia, Italy
| | - Carlo Di Bonaventura
- Neurology Unit, Department of Human Neurosciences, "Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo S Giorgi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; Neurology, Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | - Salvatore Grosso
- Clinical Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Siena
| | - Luigi F Iannone
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Andrea Romigi
- Department of Neurology, Mediterranean Neurological Institute, Pozzilli, Italy
| | | | | | - Oriano Mecarelli
- Neurology Unit, Human Neurosciences Department, Sapienza University, Umberto 1 Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Emilio Russo
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Italy.
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Olsson P, Pearson K, Reimers A, Källén K. Widespread skeptic attitudes among people with epilepsy toward generic antiseizure drugs - A Swedish survey study. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 114:107554. [PMID: 33303376 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore associations between the characteristics of people with epilepsy (PWE) and their attitudes toward generic substitution of antiseizure drugs (ASDs) in epilepsy. METHODS This was a cross-sectional survey study directed at adults with epilepsy using selected brand drugs: Keppra®, Lamictal®, Lyrica® or Topimax®. Symptoms of anxiety and depression, sense of self-efficacy, and beliefs about medicines were assessed. Caregivers were asked to answer for persons with intellectual or communicative difficulties. RESULTS The total response rate was 41% (n = 178). Almost half (46%) of subjects stated that they would oppose generic substitution (Gen-NEG) if suggested by their neurologist, while 71% would worry about adverse effects and/or increased seizure frequency after a putative switch. Age ≥50 increased the odds of being Gen-NEG (adjusted OR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.18-4.11). Negative associations with both Gen-NEG and worriers were found for education level of high-school diploma or above, employment/studies, and prior experience of generic ASD switch. The proportion of worriers was much higher among caregivers (21/22) compared to subjects with epilepsy (106/156). CONCLUSION High proportions of PWE express concerns regarding generic substitution of ASDs. The elderly and caregivers seem to express particular concerns. Identifying ways to diminish negative outcomes and worries in connection with a switch is an important future field of research in order to ensure high quality, cost-effective health care for the most vulnerable people in our societies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Olsson
- Dept. of Emergency Medicine, Helsingborg General Hospital, Helsingborg, Sweden; Dept. of Clinical Sciences Lund, Clinical Sciences Helsingborg, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Kevin Pearson
- Dept. of Clinical Sciences Lund, Clinical Sciences Helsingborg, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Arne Reimers
- Dept. of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Division of Laboratory Medicine, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Kristina Källén
- Dept. of Clinical Sciences Lund, Clinical Sciences Helsingborg, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Dept. of Specialized Medicine, Helsingborg General Hospital, Helsingborg, Sweden; Dept. of Neurology, Rehabilitation Medicine, Memory Disorders and Geriatrics, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.
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Effects of generic exchange of solid oral dosage forms in neurological disorders: a systematic review. Int J Clin Pharm 2020; 42:393-417. [PMID: 32274633 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-020-01023-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Generic drug exchange is common practice in most healthcare systems. While generics certainly contribute to economic savings, the altered drug formulation might be associated with potential therapeutic problems. Given the narrow therapeutic windows in neurologic indications, any detrimental effect on the therapy can lead to significant consequences. Aim of the review This review aims to investigate potential problems related to a switch from brand-name to generic or from generic to generic drug products in patients with neurologic diseases. Method The review was conducted following the PICO framework and the PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE and Scopus databases were searched for articles published in English and German language between January 1, 1995 and October 17, 2018. Studies included in this review were randomized controlled studies, reviews, systematic reviews, overviews, cohort studies and case-control studies. Studies excluded were letters, comments, authors view, congress or seminar papers and studies with a focus on economic impact or costs. Results were synthesized qualitatively. The primary outcomes were pharmacokinetic parameters such as the area under the curve (AUC), the peak serum concentration (cmax) or the time at which cmax is observed (tmax). Results The search identified 67 studies with a great variety of endpoints and study designs. The leading indication was epilepsy. Two small RCTs were found on lamotrigine switch. Analysis of the other studies found no significant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters when switching to generic drugs. A more heterogeneous picture was revealed regarding hospitalizations, breakthrough seizures, failure of therapy, adherence and patient concerns. Conclusion While most reports were of poor quality, lamotrigine was the drug with the best available data. Summarizing the results of the available studies, pharmacokinetic parameters of antiepileptic drugs show low deviation. In contrast, data on clinical parameters are less consistent. Some studies found increased seizure frequencies and adverse-drug events, while others showed no complications. Adherence and patient satisfaction seemed to be impaired. In daily practice, generic exchange in epilepsy should be a carefully balanced decision, conducted with great caution. Further research is needed, especially regarding neurologic indications other than epilepsy.
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Hernández-Mitre MP, Medellín-Garibay SE, Rodríguez-Leyva I, Rodríguez-Pinal CJ, Zarazúa S, Jung-Cook HH, Roberts JA, Romano-Moreno S, Milán-Segovia RDC. Population Pharmacokinetics and Dosing Recommendations of Levetiracetam in Adult and Elderly Patients With Epilepsy. J Pharm Sci 2020; 109:2070-2078. [PMID: 32113977 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2020.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to develop and externally validate a population pharmacokinetic model of levetiracetam in adult and elderly patients with epilepsy, and to perform dosing simulations to propose individualized dosing regimens more likely to achieve therapeutic concentrations. This prospective study included 367 plasma samples from 107 patients receiving oral levetiracetam. Samples were analyzed by HPLC-UV. Pharmacokinetic data, as well as patient demographic, clinical characteristics, other drug therapy, and the use of innovator or generic products of levetiracetam, were collected. Population modeling was performed with NONMEM and included internal and external validations of the final model. Simulations were used to propose optimized dosing regimens. The pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam was described by a one-compartment model with first-order absorption and linear elimination. Body surface area had a significant effect on the apparent volume of distribution, as did creatinine clearance (CrCL) over the drug clearance (p < 0.01). The final model performed adequately during external validation testing. The final model showed a better predictive performance. Dosing simulations support 1000 mg 12-hourly dosing of levetiracetam for patients with CrCL ~60-75 mL/min with higher dose needed for higher values (1500 mg 12-hourly for CrCL ~93-111 mL/min). Dosing regimens should be personalized to the patient's CrCL to maximize the likelihood of therapeutic concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Patricia Hernández-Mitre
- Laboratorio de Biofarmacia y Farmacocinética, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, México
| | - Susanna Edith Medellín-Garibay
- Laboratorio de Biofarmacia y Farmacocinética, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, México
| | | | - Cristian Jazmín Rodríguez-Pinal
- Laboratorio de Biofarmacia y Farmacocinética, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, México
| | - Sergio Zarazúa
- Laboratorio de Biofarmacia y Farmacocinética, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, México
| | - Helgi Helene Jung-Cook
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Jason A Roberts
- University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine & Centre for Translational Anti-Infective Pharmacodynamics, School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Departments of Pharmacy and Intensive Care Medicine, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia; Division of Anaesthesiology Critical Care Emergency and Pain Medicine, Nîmes University Hospital, University of Montpellier, Nîmes, France
| | - Silvia Romano-Moreno
- Laboratorio de Biofarmacia y Farmacocinética, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, México
| | - Rosa Del Carmen Milán-Segovia
- Laboratorio de Biofarmacia y Farmacocinética, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, México.
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Spanou I, Mavridis T, Mitsikostas DD. Nocebo in Biosimilars and Generics in Neurology: A Systematic Review. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:809. [PMID: 31396084 PMCID: PMC6667943 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Nocebo refers to adverse events related to patients’ negative expectations and previous experiences, mediated by several neurobiological pathways within the brain. It is common among neurological patients and affects adherence and treatment outcomes, representing a real clinical challenge. Methods: We conducted a systematic search based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines in MEDLINE database, using several keywords for studies that can be processed to investigate the magnitude of nocebo in generics and biosimilars used in the most common neurological diseases. The aim was to estimate its size and suggest strategies to minimize its prevalence in clinical trials and practice. Results: Of a total of 2,606 identified articles, after criteria-based selection, 35 studies were included for analysis. Overall, there was vast heterogeneity across the studies concerning population, study design, and outcomes. Nocebo response could be estimated only in one double-blind randomized trial of generic glatiramer acetate in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis that included a placebo arm. In this trial, no significant differences observed between the three arms (innovator, bioequivalent, and placebo) in favorable and unfavorable outcomes. In the open-label phase of the trial, an increased withdrawal rate was recorded in patients switched from placebo to bioequivalent (8.4%) that may be related to nocebo. In other open-label and real-world studies evaluating biosimilars or generics for brain disorders, a similar indirect nocebo effect is assuming by several investigators. Also, knowledge gaps between health-care providers and patients exist towards generics and biosimilars. Conclusions: Despite its presence, the true burden of the nocebo response and effect cannot be accurately estimated in existing studies with generics and biosimilars in neurological diseases. Targeted strategies for clinical trials’ design are needed in order to measure the exact nocebo’s size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Spanou
- 1st Department of Neurology, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros Mavridis
- 1st Department of Neurology, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimos D Mitsikostas
- 1st Department of Neurology, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Olsson P, Reimers A, Källén K. Quality of life after switching to generic levetiracetam - A prospective comparative study. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 96:169-174. [PMID: 31150996 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improved quality of life (QoL) is one of the most important objectives in the treatment of epilepsy. Recent prospective, clinical studies proved no significant differences between brand antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and their generic equivalents in terms of seizure control, pharmacokinetics, or safety. In this study, we focused on possible changes in QoL and adverse events in connection with generic substitution of levetiracetam (LEV). METHODS This was a prospective, naturalistic, two-cohort, twin-center study. After a baseline period of 10 weeks, outpatients with epilepsy on stable treatment with Keppra® either continued on this brand (reference group, n = 16) or switched to generic LEV (1A Pharma®) (study group, n = 16) for an eight-week study period. The Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-31 (QOLIE-31) and an adverse events' questionnaire were administered at inclusion, after baseline, and at the end of the study period. The study protocol included a close clinical follow-up with repeated LEV serum concentration measurements and nurse-led outpatient visits. RESULTS Clinically relevant improvements in overall QOLIE-31 scores according to minimally important change (MIC) estimates were seen in both groups. QOLIE-31 subscales in both groups showed significantly less worry about seizures at the end of the study compared to scores at inclusion (study group: p = 0.01; reference group: p = 0.02). No significant deterioration in QoL or adverse events were observed following generic substitution. No switchbacks occurred. CONCLUSIONS We found reduced seizure worries over time among people with epilepsy allocated to either generic switch or continued treatment with brand LEV. We hypothesize that the nurse-led structured follow-up had an impact on seizure worries and switchback rates because of reduced nocebo effects. Further studies on generic AED substitution, focusing on psychological outcome measures, are warranted to test this supposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Olsson
- Helsingborg General Hospital, Dept. of Emergency Medicine and Prehospital Care, Helsingborg, Sweden; Lund University, Dept. of Clinical Sciences Lund, Clinical Sciences Helsingborg, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Arne Reimers
- Dept. of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Division of Laboratory Medicine, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kristina Källén
- Lund University, Dept. of Clinical Sciences Lund, Clinical Sciences Helsingborg, Lund, Sweden; Helsingborg General Hospital, Dept. of Specialized Medicine, Helsingborg, Sweden; Skåne University Hospital, Dept. of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, Lund, Sweden
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Bosak M, Słowik A, Dziedzic T. Brand-to-generic oxcarbazepine switch – A prospective observational study. Epilepsy Res 2019; 151:75-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2019.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Jacob L, Bohlken J, Kostev K. Is There an Association Between Antiepileptic Drug Use and Dementia Risk? A Case-Control Study. J Alzheimers Dis 2019; 68:97-103. [PMID: 30714965 DOI: 10.3233/jad-181194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has found a positive association between the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and dementia. However, there have been some concerns about the generalizability of its findings. OBJECTIVE The goal of this case-control study was to analyze the association between AED use and dementia risk in Germany. METHODS This study included patients who had received a first dementia diagnosis from one of 1,203 general practitioners or 202 neuropsychiatrists between 2013 and 2017 (index date). Controls without dementia were matched (1:1) to dementia cases by age, gender, physician, diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, and observation time prior to the index date. Two regression models were used to analyze the association between AED use and dementia risk after adjusting for comorbidities and co-prescribed drugs. AEDs were included as a dichotomous variable in Model 1 (ever versus never use) and as a continuous variable in Model 2 (duration of treatment in years). RESULTS A total of 50,575 cases with dementia and 50,575 controls without dementia were included in this study. Model 1 (odds-ratio [OR] = 0.99) and Model 2 (OR = 1.00) showed no significant association between AED use and dementia risk. However, prescriptions for levetiracetam generic brands (Model 1: OR = 1.70; Model 2: OR = 1.36) were associated with an increased dementia risk. CONCLUSIONS Overall, AED use was not significantly associated with dementia risk in patients followed by general practitioners and neuropsychiatrists in Germany between 2013 and 2017. Nonetheless, the potential deleterious effects of levetiracetam generic brands on cognition deserve further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Jacob
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Jens Bohlken
- Praxis für Neurologie und Psychiatrie, Berlin, Germany
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