I am writing to thank readers for taking part in our Count Epilepsy Out campaign earlier this year, which highlighted the potential dangers of prescribing generic anti-epileptic drugs) to people with epilepsy.

The Government has just announced that it will not be making generic substitutions of NHS prescription drugs compulsory – a move that has delighted the National Society for Epilepsy and is good news for anyone with the condition.

Cutting costs by swapping a branded drug to a cheaper generic version of the same drug could provoke seizures or side-effects and actually end up costing the Government more money than it saves.

Just one breakthrough seizure, which is when someone whose seizures are usually controlled by epilepsy drugs has an unexpected seizure, is devastating for the individual and may cause serious injury and harm, rob someone of their driving licence and affect their job.

Support from local people on this issue was vital, with many sending campaign postcards and letters to ministers highlighting the fact that changing drugs could provoke seizures or side-effects. It is a relief to see that patient safety and common sense have prevailed on this occasion.

The National Society for Epilepsy will be keeping a close eye on any future plans for cost cutting of drugs to ensure that people with epilepsy are fully protected.

If you would like further information, please visit our website epilepsysociety.org.uk Once again, I thank your readers for their help and hope they will continue to support us on issues which matter to the 465,000 people in this country who have epilepsy.

Angie King, National Society for Epilepsy Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire