Release date: January 1, 2007
Available for credit through: December 31, 2008
Program Description
The issue of generic drug substitution is complex and often poorly understood by physicians and pharmacists. Although the FDA requires that two drugs are similar as demonstrated by bioequivalence data, therapeutic equivalence (or therapeutic effectiveness) and bioequivalence are not necessarily the same. In the case of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), the therapeutic range over which they are effective may be narrow and, although generic substitution of AEDs may be appropriate for some patients with epilepsy, it may represent suboptimal care for others. There may be seizure recurrence or an increase in side effects with the use of generic drugs. In these patients, potential cost savings of generic AEDs must be weighed carefully against potential additional medical costs, such as extra office visits, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations. This program will give an overview of these and other important issues associated with generic substitution of AEDs.
Target Audience
This program is designed specifically for Pharmacists, Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, and Registered Nurses who treat patients with epilepsy.
Educational Objectives
At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to:
(Neurologists, Pharmacists, Physician Assistants and Nurses)
Describe evidence that generic and proprietary antiepileptic drugs may differ in therapeutic effectiveness
(Neurologist, Physician Assistants and Nurses)
Evaluate factors, including overall cost burden, that influence treatment choices in managing patients with epilepsy
Identify patients with epilepsy who may not be appropriate candidates for treatment with generic antiepileptic drugs
(Pharmacists)
Identify potential additional medical costs associated with generic antiepileptic drugs
Compare potential cost savings of generic antiepileptic drugs to potential additional medical costs
There are no fees to participate in this activity. A certificate of completion for physicians and a statement of credit for pharmacists may be printed out after viewing the program and submitting your post-test and evaluation form.
The views and opinions expressed in this activity are those of the faculty. They do not reflect the views of Abbott Laboratories Inc., any other manufacturer of pharmaceuticals, or ArcMesa Educators.
The recommendations made in this program are based upon a combination of randomized clinical trials, current guidelines, and the clinical practice experience of the participating panelists. Any medications, diagnostic procedures or treatments discussed by the panelists should not be utilized without evaluation of their patient's conditions. Participants are urged to consult the full prescribing information on any drug mentioned in this activity for recommended dosage, indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and adverse effects before prescribing any medication.
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