Scots ministers’ fears over supply of epilepsy drugs after no-deal Brexit

Patients with epilepsy fear a shortage of vital medication if the UK edges out of Europe with a no-deal Brexit.

The Government’s Yellowhammer document revealed worries over significant disruption of the supply of prescription medicines lasting up to six months.

Parents of young people with epilepsy say they already struggle with shortages of seizure preventing drugs. Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan was diagnosed with epilepsy when he was 17 and is the Deputy Convener of the Cross Party Group on Epilepsy in the Scottish Parliament.

“We don’t want to spread alarm but are at the same time realistic and see the threat of shortages of prescription drugs indicated by the UK government’s Operation Yellowhammer,” he said.

“The Scottish Government is working hard to ensure there is an adequate supply of vital medication for everyone who needs it.”

Tracey Davidson, from Auchinleck, Ayrshire, says she waits for up to a fortnight to have prescriptions for her son David, 18, fully dispensed.

“We are always running to catch up,” said Tracey, a nurse.

“Like most parents and patients, I fear that there will be a shortage if the prescription drugs are held up coming into the country. We have been told the government has stockpiled but there are already shortages of some medication.

“The doses have to be juggled about.

“Most patients with epilepsy have had to try several anti-convulsants to get drugs which control seizures.

“A lot of fine-tuning goes on.

“We have been reassured by the Scottish Government that it is working to import any shortages. We just hope this goes smoothly.”

Epilepsy Scotland revealed it has been in talks with the Scottish Government over contingency plans to import drugs from Europe if supplies run out.

“We are concerned by the reports of possible shortages from Yellowhammer,” said a spokesman.

“However, we have faith in the Scottish Government’s back-up plans.”