Dilantin Kapseal 100 mg users

[milehi60]

30mg Kapseal Dilantin has been discontinued just as they did with 100mg Kapseals in 2007. New formulation is now 30mg Capsule. Fortunately my pharmacist was able to find me a 6 month supply of the old 30mg stuff. Next spring I'll have to find a generic. Probably back to TARO, but will have to up the dose for it to be effective. New Dilantin dnd Keppra don't work-too many side effects. I have called Phizer, FDA, Epileptic Society and written to Legislators with no positive responses. I just keep trying, but I think it is a done deal.

[Paul]

nitelite wrote:

I found this article on the new dilantin capsule. I was unable to post the entire article due to character limitation. But you can go to the link and read the entire article.
http://www.epilepsy.com/articles/ar_119393345...
Dilantin 100 mg capsules are undergoing a transformation. According to Pfizer, the Food and Drug Administration approved manufacturing changes for Dilantin®(phenytoin sodium). Given this change, which was noted in a September 23, 2007, letter to some pharmacists at the corporate level, we have compiled the following information about:
The product itself
The new Dilantin
Dilantin® 100 mg extended oral capsules (half orange and half white) are now being manufactured and will replace Dilantin Kapseal® 100 mg.– white with an orange band in the center — which are being discontinued.
The notice from Pfizer can be viewed at http://professionals.epilepsy.com/pdfs/PFZ_DI...
“As for how the ‘old’ Dilantin and the ‘new’
Dilantin compare with respect to absorption; there is again very little information available from Pfizer. The information that is available suggests that the two formulations are bioequivalent according to FDA standards, with perhaps the new formulation actually being slightly better absorbed, at least when taken on an empty stomach.”
He added,“Until we know more specifics, it would seem prudent that patients note when they begin taking the new formulation, and if they experience any change in either side effects or seizure frequency they should contact their physician.”
Edited by Steven C. Schachter, MD
Submitted: 11/01/07

Reply....I went thru this over a year ago....I found that the Dilantin Extended (100mg)did not produce the same results as the Dilantin Kapseal (100 mg)..as a result I had an increase in dosage to keep my DL accepteble, that includes adding Dilantin Kaseal (30mg) to my daily meds....NOW as you will find, Dilantin Kapseal (30 mg) are NO LONGER produces and is being replaces with Dilantin Extended Caps (30 md) I suspect that my DL will also reflect the medication change.......I do not appriciate the casual cavalier medtality of Phizer/Park-Davis to push over changes to such a drug used by so many, and tell them it is the
look same thing... that's BS.....I have been thru this, and do not look forward to going through weekly blood tests and regulate my DL to maintain the same quality of life...