SCOTLAND’S thousands of adults aged 16 and over with uncontrolled partial onset seizures may be helped following an approval today of the anti-epileptic drug, Brivaracetam (Briviac®), as an add-on treatment by the Scottish Medicines Consortium.
Epilepsy Scotland chief executive, Lesslie Young, said: “Seizures can have a significant impact on people’s lives and wellbeing. Therefore, the importance of those with epilepsy being able to access the best possible treatment cannot be overstated.
“Achieving good seizure control leads to a better quality of life. It is always encouraging to see the creation of new medicines for people with epilepsy affording them another opportunity for seizure control.
“Brivaracetam could be an effective treatment for those people with epilepsy who have so far struggled to become seizure free.”
ENDS
Notes to editor:
1. Epilepsy Scotland works with people affected by epilepsy to ensure that their voice is heard. We campaign for improved healthcare, better information provision and an end to stigma. This common serious neurological condition affects one in 97 people. We represent the 55,000 people with epilepsy, their families and carers. Our freephone Helpline (0808 800 2200) offers support and information. People can email (enquiries@epilepsyscotland.org.uk), text 07786 209501, find us on facebook, use twitter @epilepsy_scot or visit: www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk.
2. Around three in ten people with epilepsy remain drug resistant. Medical practitioners know that careful adjustments of anti-epileptic drugs for those with uncontrolled epilepsy can bring some people improved seizure control and/or quality of life.
3. Briviact® (brivaracetam) is a new adjunct treatment for adults with epilepsy (aged 16 years and older) with partial–onset seizures, with or without any secondary generalised seizures. The drug is produced by UCB Pharma and has been given restricted approval on 11 July 2016 by the Scottish Medicines Consortium for use within NHS Scotland. Read more, here. It is expected that this new treatment could be of benefit to thousands of people.
4. For more details, please contact:
* Allana Parker, public affairs officer on: 0141 427 4911 or 07884 012147.
* Avril O’Connor, UCB brand communications manager on 07736 120044.
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Epilepsy Scotland contact details…
Contact: Allana Parker
Phone: 07884012147
Email: aparker@epilepsyscotland.org.uk
Website: http://www.epilepsyscotland.org.uk
