Potiga

Indicated For

Partial-onset seizures, refractory epilepsy

About This Medication

# Potiga (Ezogabine) Patient Guide: Important Update on Availability **Potiga (ezogabine) is no longer available in the United States.** The medication was discontinued after June 30, 2017, and there is no active prescription assistance program (PAP) from the manufacturer or other sources.[6][7] This guide explains why, provides background on the drug, and offers alternatives to help manage partial-onset seizures at low or no cost. ## About Potiga (Ezogabine) Potiga, also known as ezogabine, was an oral tablet approved by the FDA as an adjunctive treatment for partial-onset seizures in adults aged 18 years and older who had not responded adequately to several other treatments.[2][3][5] It worked as a potassium channel opener to help control seizures when added to other anti-seizure medications.[4][8] **Key facts:** - **Dosage:** Started at 100 mg three times daily (300 mg/day), titrated up weekly to a maintenance dose of 600-1200 mg/day.[2] - **How to take:** With or without food, swallowed whole three times a day.[2][7] - **Risks:** Required regular eye exams due to risk of retinal abnormalities and vision loss. Discontinue if issues detected unless benefits outweigh risks.[2] It was a Schedule V controlled substance due to misuse potential.[6] The manufacturer (initially GlaxoSmithKline and Valeant, now Bausch Health) voluntarily withdrew Potiga from the market in 2017 because benefits no longer outweighed risks like vision problems.[6][7] No new supplies have been made since.[7] ## Who Qualifies for Assistance? Since Potiga is discontinued, no one qualifies for a specific PAP for this drug. General patient assistance programs from pharma companies or nonprofits target uninsured or low-income patients but exclude discontinued medications.[8] Medicare Part D enrollees were often ineligible for brand-name PAPs anyway.[1][8] **Income eligibility:** Not applicable for Potiga. For other epilepsy drugs, PAPs typically require household income at or below 400-500% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Example thresholds for similar programs (hypothetical based on common PAPs): | Household Size | Annual Income Limit (e.g., 400% FPL) | |----------------|-------------------------------------| | 1 | $60,240 | | 2 | $81,760 | | 3 | $103,280 | | 4 | $124,800 | | +1 person | +$21,520 | Always check current FPL guidelines at benefits.gov. ## Insurance Requirements Potiga is unavailable, so insurance coverage is irrelevant. Previously, Medicare Part D plans might have covered it with copays, but many PAPs excluded Medicare patients.[1][8] Consider the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan for other seizure meds, which spreads out-of-pocket costs with no premiums or deductibles for Part D.[1] Opt for 90-day supplies to lower copays on alternatives.[1] ## Step-by-Step: What to Do Instead of Applying for Potiga PAP 1. **Talk to your doctor immediately:** If you're on Potiga or need it, discuss switching. It may take weeks for full benefits from new meds, so start early.[7] 2. **Explore alternatives:** Your doctor may try other anti-epileptics like lamotrigine, levetiracetam, or topiramate (often required before Potiga).[4] 3. **Check general assistance:** - **NeedyMeds.org or RxAssist.org:** Search for epilepsy drug PAPs. - **State programs:** Contact your state Department of Aging for Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs.[9] - **Medicaid/Medicare Extra Help:** Low-income seniors may qualify for $0 premiums/copays. 4. **Get 90-day prescriptions:** Reduces costs via mail-order pharmacies.[1] 5. **GoodRx or discount cards:** For cash-pay alternatives. ## Timeline and Delivery No processing for Potiga PAPs. For other PAPs: Expect 2-4 weeks for approval, then meds shipped directly (never pick up).[8] Refills auto-ship monthly/quarterly. ## Alternatives if Denied or Unavailable - **Generic anti-epileptics:** Cheaper options for partial seizures. - **Biosimilars:** None specific, but new seizure drugs may have them. - **Non-profits:** Epilepsy Foundation (epilepsy.com) offers resources.[2] - **Clinical trials:** Search clinicaltrials.gov for new therapies. - **Lifestyle/OTC:** Not substitutes, but doctor-guided plans help. ## Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Potiga's discontinuation means no PAP exists.[6][7] Consult your healthcare provider for personalized treatment. Eligibility/rules change; verify with sources. Not affiliated with manufacturers or insurers. Word count: 912.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026