Posted by Michael Wonder on 07 Jun 2020
Kiwis affected by epilepsy drug switch feel let down by PHARMAC review
6 June 2020 - A woman whose son died of a seizure after his epilepsy medication was switched says findings into a review of PHARMAC's processes were disappointing.
Last year, about 11,000 Kiwis with epilepsy switched medication to a generic form of lamotrigine called Logem, following a PHARMAC drive to save $30 million over five years.
An independent review of PHARMAC's decision, released on Friday, found its processes were of "appropriate, evidence based and robust" – but stated the drug buying agency should have consulted its consumer advisory group before the change.
