The Increasing Consequences of Epilepsy Medication Shortages
Epilepsy medication gives people a chance to live a challenge free life. Without medication this can lead to a multitude of issues such as breakthrough seizures, increased anxiety and injuries. It can even lead to death.
The shortage of medication has been ongoing since around 2023. However, it started to spike with epilepsy medication since around the beginning of 2024. Although some medications are back in stock there is still an ongoing critical issue.
David Crompton
The consequences of shortage of epilepsy medication led to David Crompton’s death on the 13th December 2024.
David Crompton 44, sadly passed away after falling down a flight of stairs. Although his death was caused by the fall it was found that his epilepsy was a contributing factor.
For the second time David Crompton was left with no medication, according to The Guardian. Mr Crompton’s family were told to contact pharmacies to see if any others had “Tegretol” in stock, instead of the pharmacy being the ones to search for the supply themselves.
In April 2024 Mr Crompton was told that the absence of his medication for around ten days will have likely contributed to his seizures.
In response to Mr Crompton’s death Midway Pharmacy said – “We were shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Mr Crompton. The national issue of the ready availability of vital mediation is of ongoing concern to all of us in the pharmacy profession.”
The Department of Health and Social Care further made a statement to say they are sorry for Mr Compton’s death, and they are “aware of Epilepsy Action’s concerns and will respond in due course.”
Peter Clunie, Hannah Hiles, and Charlotte Kelly.
Peter Clunie 69, tried calling five different pharmacies to get his medication but none of them had any available stock.
Mr Clunie worked as a handyman for years and had to retire early due to his epilepsy. It led to him not being able to drive or climb ladders.
Eventually after many phone calls Mr Clunie was able to find his medication.
Similarly, Hannah Hiles who had to travel a 120-mile round trip to get her medication “Tegretol”. The same medication that Mr Crompton struggled to receive.
In 2024 the Nuffield Trust said medicine shortages are a significant issue in the global market. “Tegretol” and “Lamictal” has been consistently affected by the shortages.
Charlotte Kelly, a mother of two, in 2024 had to start rationing her medication. She must take two tablets every day in order to manage her seizures. Consequently, she was forced to ration her medication due to the shortage of supply.
Ms Kelly told Sky news that her not being able to receive more medication when she needs it terrifies her. Due to her not having her medication her chances of seizures increase, and it would lead to her having to rely on her 14-year-old daughter to call 999 for help.
A pharmacist, Ms Dhillon, told Sky news that pharmacies have no indication of when drugs are coming back into stock. It seems they are in the dark just as much as those affected by this medication shortage.
Despite these cases in early 2024 the Department of Health and Social Care had labelled the shortage a “medium impact”.
It has been said that “Last year, nearly 40% of people with epilepsy who had to skip or switch mediation due to shortages had more seizures. Some people started having breakthrough seizures, after long periods seizure-free.”
Why is Medication Shortages Happening?
Medication shortages have increased as it is partly due to Brexit.
The value of the pound weakening due to the Brexit referendum has made it more expensive for the NHS to buy medicines. Brexit has further removed us from the EU supply chains which makes getting hold of medicine supplies a lot more difficult.
The voluntary scheme was introduced in 2019 in an attempt to ensure that the NHS is only spending on branded medicines did not grow by more than 2% in a year. In order for the NHS to deal with supply issues, medicine prices have increased which costs the taxpayer 220 million a year.
This the cost has risen since 2023 and is said to have caused a burden to pharmacists and increased anxiety for people with epilepsy in particular as it takes away their stability.
Tips on How to Deal with the Medication Shortages
Plan Ahead:
It is always wise to plan ahead so you don’t have to suddenly have days without medication. At least allow a few weeks before your medication runs out to get another lot prescribed. If your local pharmacy does not have your medication in stock, you can ask for the prescription back.
Alternatively, you can see if you are able to try different versions of your medication. Taking a different version of medication will prevent running out, stop taking medicine completely or having to ration current medication.
Speak to Someone:
Organisations such as Epilepsy Action recognise that this is an extremely difficult time for those who are affected by the epilepsy medication shortages.
If you are experiencing anxiety and would like to talk to trained advisors, the organisation has a helpline. You can contact them on 0808 800 5050 or via their email campaigns@epilepsy.org.uk as they encourage you to speak out on your experiences with the shortage of medication.
You can also speak to your GP or your epilepsy specialist nurse if you are feeling worried. They will be able to help guide you through this and possibly recommend different medicines that are specifically best for you.
Alternatively, you can also call NHS urgent advice line on 111 if your issues are urgent.
During this hard time, it is not healthy to bottle up your anxieties. Resources are there to help so that you do not feel alone.
Epilepsy Alarms:
If you are worried about your increasing seizures and specifically suffer from tonic-clonic seizures, our new EpiMonitor may give you some ease. The device detects the seizures and alerts your caregivers.
As well as detecting your tonic-clonic seizures this can also benefit your daily health metrics like sleep and psychical activity.
Epilepsy Society:
Epilepsy Society is a reliable resource to get up to date information on your particular medication restock dates. This also gives information on any delays with medication as well.
If you want to learn more about managing your Epilepsy, take a look at our other article:
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