Concerns have been raised in the media in recent weeks regarding possible interruptions to the supply of essential medications in Ireland that might occur in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Currently, about 60% of all medications used in Ireland are imported from or pass through Britain.
The HSE, Epilepsy Ireland, OACS Ireland, FACS Forum and Trinity College Dublin have come together to organise the first National Conference on The Consequences of Sodium Valproate (Epilim) in Trinity College on March 22nd 2019.
Support Epilepsy Ireland by getting involved in ‘Purple Day 2019’ and hosting a purple themed event such as a Coffee Morning, Wear Purple to Work/School, Purple Run or create your own event. You could also ask your local town hall to light up purple to raise awareness about epilepsy. To find out more, contact our Purple Day Coordinator Luke Meany on 01 4557500 or lmeany@epilepsy.ie.
Drug repositioning is the act of taking an established drug and analysing its ability to treat other conditions. It is highly attractive and it is a much faster testing process as the drug has already went through the regulation process.
Perhaps best-known as the patron saint of love and lovers, St Valentine is also the patron saint of epilepsy.
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) are advising of an expected shortage of Epilim 100mg Tablets in the coming weeks.
The shortage is caused by a manufacturing delay and is not related to concerns over Brexit.
The shortage is expected to last approximately two weeks, with resupply envisaged for 15th February 2019.
A collaborative paper led by the Neurological Alliance of Ireland has been published in the European Journal of Neuroscience. “Building a Supportive Framework for Brain Research in Ireland” was developed by a project team led by the Neurological Alliance Executive Director Mags Rogers.
A study which focused on patients with intellectual disabilities who reside in care homes found that seizures marked with convulsions that occur at night are more likely to be associated with sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).
A group of scientists based in the Netherlands have developed a new watch like bracelet that will possibly be saving lives in the future.
This new bracelet, called the Nightwatch was first unveiled in the Neurology journal. It is reported that it has the capability to detect 85% of seizures at night. This is a much higher detection rate than other similar technology.
GPs and pharmacists in the UK are being warned to review all female patient cases that are taking the epilepsy medication sodium valproate. This comes from data showing that there is a wide variation in prescription practices in the UK.