MSN: Study finds cost of brand-name epilepsy drugs nearly triples in eight years

A new study found the cost for a year's supply of brand-name epilepsy drugs increased by 277% from 2010 to 2018, while the cost for a year's supply of generic epilepsy drugs decreased by 42% over the same time period.

Michael Privitera, MD, professor of neurology in the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and director of the Epilepsy Center at the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute, commented on the study for an article published by United Press International and MSN.

Privitera said he and his colleagues have performed "rigorous studies" that found no clinically important differences between generic and name-brand versions of one anti-seizure medication, lamotrigine.

The main approach to lowering prices for patients is to use generic drugs whenever possible, Privitera said, but some patients' seizures are only controlled with particular drugs that do not have generic equivalents.

Read the MSN story, originally published by United Press International.

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