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Posted 2/2/2008 5:45 PM (GMT 0)
anybody here having trouble with the new dilantin?
Posted 2/3/2008 1:44 AM (GMT 0)

Jerry,

Welcome to HealingWell.  I have not used this medication.  Hopefully someone will come along who has used it and can share their experiences with you.  We are glad to have you on the site.

Take care!

Carla

Posted 2/3/2008 12:40 PM (GMT 0)

I too, did not know that Dilantin had been re-made. As far as I was aware, Dilantin was a very old fashioned drug which was in the process of being phased out in favour of newer, more effective meds such as Carbamazepine, Lamotrigine etc...

Anyone with experience... please come forth and educate us!

Darren

Posted 2/4/2008 3:58 AM (GMT 0)
Dilantin from Epilepsy.com

VIEW IMAGE
NEW Dilantin above that replaces
the below OLD Dilantin
VIEW IMAGE
Posted 2/4/2008 10:08 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Jerry,

I have deleted the thread you have started regarding the pictures you posted since it is a double post of what is on this thread. Thanks for the information. Having read the page, I now know what the drug is!!! I know Dilantin as Phenytoin as I am from the UK! I know about the effects and its history from what people have said on here but now I know what the other name for it is I know much more! lol

Darren

Posted 2/4/2008 11:42 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Jerry,

I've been on Dilantin since 1979.  I was not aware that there was a "NEW" Dilantin.

It first came out in 1938.  For as long as I can remember, it is marketed under the name "Phenytoin" and (in some cases) has lots of side affects.

Randy

Posted 2/20/2008 11:00 PM (GMT 0)
Jerry, The new Dilantin is only the design of the pill. The medicine itself is still the same. I was sent this information when renewing my medication. The picture was sent out so people wouldn't be confused when they would see the difference and think they received the wrong pill. Take care...Sharon
Posted 2/23/2008 11:57 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, clever is right. Only a design change; to my knowledge (my cousin's a pharmacist so I asked her) no changes were made to the formulation. If you're having trouble, make sure someone didn't give you a generic form by mistake. That has been problematic in the past.

By the way, dilantin is the brand name;phenytoin is the actual name of the drug itself.
Posted 2/24/2008 3:03 PM (GMT 0)
No you are wrong or your source of information is wrong. The inactive ingredients are different which cause an absorption problem for some.

Compare the Kaps to the Caps and you will see for yourself.

Anyone taking the new Dilantin Caps and not having any problems?
Posted 2/24/2008 6:50 PM (GMT 0)
I am taking the "new" dilantin and having no problems. And I was one of the ones who had trouble with the generic, so I'm fairly sensitive to changes in the formulation. That's about all I have to offer, since I and my sources are obviously wrong.
Posted 2/26/2008 7:35 AM (GMT 0)
Dilantin has been on the market since 1938, and generics were used for a brief spell only, due to the increased seizure activity in many who suffered from epilepsy.
Posted 2/26/2008 7:38 AM (GMT 0)
There is no generic dilantin, nor is there a new dilantin. It merely comes in a different container. It continues to be one of the few drugs produced which requires no patent protection. The chemical composition is too basic...
Posted 2/26/2008 7:42 PM (GMT 0)
With all due respect for everyone's opinion, I have to say that it appears Jerry is right about this new Dilantin.  I have been following two other boards since December, and there are quite a few people who are having a problem with the new formulation.  That does not mean that everyone who uses it will have a problem, of course, but several people have reported their blood levels becoming unstable, and others have had seizures while on it even though they have not had seizures in many years.  It might behoove everyone to check out other boards and become aware of the difficulties that other people are having.  It is important to be informed.  Thank you.
Posted 2/26/2008 10:29 PM (GMT 0)

Since this seems to be a very active topic and is relevant to many people, I have done some homework on this.

The long and the short of it is that it depends who you ask as to whether the forumlation has changed. As I understand it, there is a new manufacturer (hence the new appearance). The old manufacturer claims that the forumula has not changed and the new manufacturer claims it has. Given that there seems to be many people suffering instability from the 'new' dilantin, it seems sensible to conclude that it has changed, however I stress that I dont know this for certain.

My recommendation is that if you are at all worried about this or you are having issues regarding the medication (old or new) that you contact your local pharmacist who should be able to tell you about the chemical make up of both versions.

Darren

Posted 2/29/2008 10:21 PM (GMT 0)

Hi, I just want to jump in, for those who say "nothing has changed about the new Dilantin". My levels have jumped from 26 to 36 since I started on the new Dilantin 2-3 months ago. Fortunately, I feel fine, no side effects (never had) and no seizures, either.

But I have heard from many who are not doing so well. Everybody is different, but many of us who took the old Dilantin by necessity, know from experience that the generics DO NOT WORK, and any modification to the real thing is risky too.

 Disclaimer: Some people take the generic and are fine. Some people also liked New Coke.

Posted 3/3/2008 2:06 PM (GMT 0)
 I am glad to hear you having no problems with it.

Yes Ipso there is many generic dilantins on the market.

Yes the formulation has changed. The new Dilantin has different inactive ingredients. Which cause the absorbtion rate to vary.

I have talked to many pharmist and none knew about the new dilantin. I do not believe they know there is a new formulation. At least the ones I talked to.

Post Edited (jerry1967) : 3/3/2008 7:27:57 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 3/3/2008 2:26 PM (GMT 0)
A 51-year-old female enrollee has requested brand name Dilantin for the treatment of her seizures. Findings: The physician reviewer found that Dilantin is now reformulated, and the pharmacokinetics are not identical to the “old” Dilantin (Dilantin Kapseal 100 mg) in terms of bioavailability. The Taro generic sustained release phenytoin does provide similar bioequivalence studies. Also, the patient’s treating neurologist believes the generic is as good as or better than the “new” Dilantin (Dilantin 100 mg extended oral capsules).





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Posted 3/3/2008 6:14 PM (GMT 0)
jerry--where did you get the information on the "51-year-old female enrollee"?



I guess I don't care if the new Dilantin is effectively "stronger"--I can always take less, which is a good thing anyway--AS LONG AS IT'S CONSISTENT!!!

-D
Posted 3/3/2008 7:35 PM (GMT 0)
That is the problem it is not consistent. Some of the people I have talked with, have their levels rise and then it will drop . Very inconsistent.
Posted 3/3/2008 7:42 PM (GMT 0)
Home MINCEP Making An Appointment Treatment Programs Treatment Staff Epilepsy Information Provider Services Contact Us


Dilantin® : Warning!

If you have had good seizure control with Dilantin capsules and suddenly experience seizures, make sure that you have not been switched to one of the generic products including Mylan or the new Dilantin capsules. Discuss the problem with your doctor immediately.

The original Park Davis (later Pfizer) Dilantin capsules with the orange band is no longer made.

There have been scattered reports of a lack of equivalence. At MINCEP, we have encountered several patients who did not sustain the blood levels they had on Dilantin when they were switched to the new products. Although the data is as yet incomplete, it appears that part of the problem relates to interface with absorption of the medicine when taken with food. Since phenytoin is irritating to the stomach, most patients take the medicine with food.

If you are a MINCEP patient taking Dilantin, look for a letter about our efforts in studying this further.
Posted 5/22/2008 1:40 PM (GMT 0)
http://www.pharmalot.com/

go here and read about the troubles people are having on the new dilantin

go to the bottom of the page to get the information.

Posted 7/28/2008 5:45 PM (GMT 0)
Is the generic a solid white capsule? That is what I was given recently from the Pharmacy. I am now realizing that since I started on that new one is when I had a seizure after over thirty years of being seizure free. I will be asking for no generic in the future.
Posted 10/28/2008 1:36 PM (GMT 0)
I had a toxic reaction on the new dilantin and now am adjusting my dose with my doctor.
In July of 2007, I had a gran mal on the "old dilantin". It took me by complete surprise because
my levels and control have been stable for over 10 years. When I switched lot numbers, my level
climbed to normal and had no problems until starting the new formula.
The timing of the events is too much of a coincidence to me - I had a seizure using the end supplies of the old meds and then became toxic after starting the new.
Posted 1/25/2011 6:05 PM (GMT 0)
I've been on Dilantin for over 10 years, so many years that I really can't explain without some research. I will tell you that some where around 2007-2008 I started having complications with Dilantin. I went off of the drug due to weight gain, joint pain, skin irritation and gum infection. I did although return to Dilantin because I didn't have much luck with other medication. Right now I'm having several complications, vitamin D def, skin discoloration, gum disease, skin is itchy and red in color, joint pain, weight gain, edema and many more symptoms. I believe honestly that the new Dilantin that came out on September 23, 2007, is causing the symptoms that I've been having. When I initially went back on Dilantin after a brief change of 4 months, I got a rash all over my body which never fully went away. My eye sight seems to have gotten worse on this Dilantin and my mood swings are horrible, I don't even like myself sometimes!!! I also have bouts of depressed episodes and I become extremely tired and could sleep the day away. My main concern is if this dose is strong enough for people like me who have seizures???? My thoughts are, that I won't be on Dilantin for much longer. I didn't know that Phizer switched up Dilantin but I'm so greatful that I ran into some information that's extremely helpful to me and many other's...I can now no longer wonder why I'm having dizzy spells, heart palpitations, chest discomfort and skin irritation's. If I were any of you that were prescribed this drug, I would do research before considering long term treatment with Dilantin. By the way, my hair's been brittle and falling out since I've taken the new drug and I forgot to mention that I have an issue with lactating that not one Dr. can find the reason why!!! I hear this can cause certain lymphatic diseases and I'm just praying to god that I'm not one of them...Thank you Phizer for making my life so splendid!!!
Posted 8/2/2011 9:29 PM (GMT 0)
I was taking Dilantin for many years and with the new one I have had to deal with daytime anxiety (it feels like my insides rev up and I need to run for miles) (if I don't calm down it feels like I'm going to die) This is the most awful feeling to get at work or in public. I also have had daytime panic attacks too. I am taking the old 30mgs now just a ton of them because I can't take the effects of the NEW DILANTIN. I hate that they changed it. I know it is different and they try to say it only looks different. It IS. If a med works why won't they just leave it alone?
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