NY A00635

Prohibits pharmacists from substituting anti-epileptic drugs without prior written informed consent from both the prescribing physician and the patient (or patient's parent, legal guardian, or spouse).

Defines "anti-epileptic drug" as any drug prescribed to treat epilepsy or prevent seizures, and "interchange" to include substitutions of generic for brand, brand for generic, different manufacturers' generics, different formulations, or entirely different anti-epileptic drugs.

Creates exception to existing law (Education Law § 6816-a) that allows pharmacists to substitute less expensive drugs with the same active ingredients, dosage form, and strength.

Applies to all anti-epileptic drug substitutions including brand-to-generic, generic-to-brand, and manufacturer-to-manufacturer changes.