James welcomes delay on generic substitution of medicines

Thursday, 26, Nov 2009 12:00

James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East, has welcomed the Government’s pledge to launch a consultation on the generic substitution of medicines, which is particularly opposed by epilepsy patients and groups.

In the House of Commons, James asked the Minister of State for Health Services, Mike O’Brien MP what decisions had been made on whether epilepsy medicines should be excluded from the Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme.

The Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme, includes proposals to substitute a generic version of a prescribed drug where a branded is named on the prescription.

James is pleased that the Department of Health have said they will launch a consultation into this issue, which has caused great concern with many patients who have a regular prescription, but particularly those who rely on epilepsy medication.

The Minister, Mike O’Brien said that the consultation meant that the department do not expect to implement the scheme until “next year”.

James said:

“Patient safety is essential and many people who use regular medication are understandably concerned about this scheme but those who use epilepsy medication are particularly anxious about the implications that generic substitution could have on their treatment.”

“I am pleased that the Government are going to let patients and healthcare professionals have their say about this scheme and that they will examine excluding certain drugs from the scheme as part of this consultation.”

James has also written to the Minister asking for more information about the details and timings for this consultation.