DIASTAT

Drug Name: DIASTAT

DIASTAT DESCRIPTION:
DIAZEPAM - RECTAL (dye-AZZ-eh-pam)

COMMON DIASTAT BRAND NAME(S):
Diastat

DIASTAT SIDE EFFECTS:
Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, pain, mental changes, diarrhea and unsteadiness. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Very unlikely but report promptly: unusually slow or difficult breathing, rash, itching. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of a reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE DIASTAT:
DIASTAT: DIASTAT is given rectally by a caregiver trained to recognize the symptoms of certain seizures and to correctly administer the product. You and your caregivers are to follow all instructions from your doctor and pharmacist exactly. Review all the administration instructions in the product package and ask questions if you are unclear on any information. The dosage is based on age, medical history and weight. In some cases, a second dose may be prescribed and given 4 to 12 hours after the first dose. It is advised to treat no more than 5 episodes per month and no more than one episode every 5 days with DIASTAT. Do not stop taking your regular seizure control medications when you are given DIASTAT.

DIASTAT USES:
DIASTAT is used to treat certain cases of seizures. This product is only recommended for short-term treatment of actual seizure attacks. It is not for chronic, daily use.

DIASTAT PRECAUTIONS:
Before using DIASTAT, tell your doctor your medical history, including: any allergies (especially drug allergies), glaucoma (narrow angle type), kidney disease, liver disease, lung problems (e.g., asthma, pneumonia), history of substance abuse. Caution is advised when performing tasks requiring mental alertness. Avoid alcohol with DIASTAT, as it may aggravate side effects. Chronic, daily use of DIASTAT could result in the drug not working as well over time. Also, sudden stopping of the drug after chronic use can cause increased seizures or trouble sleeping. DIASTAT is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using DIASTAT. DIASTAT may be excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast- feeding. DIASTAT is not recommended for children under 6 months old. Caution is advised if DIASTAT is used in the elderly.

DIASTAT DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially: MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), protease inhibitors (e.g. ritonavir), cimetidine. Tell your doctor if you take any medications that make you drowsy such as: sedatives, tranquilizers, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), antidepressants, psychiatric drugs, other anti- seizure drugs, certain antihistamines, (e.g., diphenhydramine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

DIASTAT OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include confusion, slow reflexes, clumsiness, deep sleep, and loss of consciousness.

DIASTAT NOTES:
Do not share DIASTAT with others.

MISSED DIASTAT DOSE:
Follow the instructions given by your doctor regarding dose schedule, if an extra dose is prescribed. If this dose is missed, contact the doctor promptly.

DIASTAT STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854-1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.