Doctor Discussion Guide



Epilepsy is a complex and challenging condition. Even when patients are on antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), a breakthrough seizure may occur. A Seizure Preparedness Plan can empower you to respond quickly and effectively to treat your loved one's seizure, minimizing his or her health risks and potentially eliminating costly and uncomfortable emergency room visits.

DIASTAT® AcuDial™ (diazepam rectal gel) can be a valuable component in any Seizure Preparedness Plan. DIASTAT AcuDial is FDA-approved to be safe and effective in terminating seizures. With simple training, both medical and nonmedical care providers can easily administer DIASTAT AcuDial in any out-of-hospital setting.

Ask your doctor if DIASTAT AcuDial should be part of your complete Seizure Preparedness Plan.

Questions you may want to raise with the physician include:

  • What is a Seizure Preparedness Plan?
  • Would I benefit from a Seizure Preparedness Plan?
  • What steps should be part of my complete Seizure Preparedness Plan?
  • Whom should I include in my Seizure Preparedness Plan and how should I instruct them?
  • What is DIASTAT AcuDial?
  • Should DIASTAT AcuDial be part of my complete Seizure Preparedness Plan?
  • Am I a good candidate for DIASTAT AcuDial?
  • What is the right dose for me?
  • How do I confirm that my pharmacist has dialed in and locked the DIASTAT AcuDial properly?
  • When is it appropriate for my caregiver to administer DIASTAT AcuDial?
  • How does the caregiver administer DIASTAT AcuDial?
  • How long after it is given should it start to work?
  • What should I expect after DIASTAT AcuDial is administered?*
  • At what point should medical assistance be sought?
  • After using DIASTAT AcuDial, how do I dispose of it?
  • Where should I store DIASTAT AcuDial?
  • For how long can I store it?
  • Any additional questions.
Please Note: If DIASTAT AcuDial is prescribed, the caregiver administering it must speak with the doctor, and the doctor needs to ensure that the caregiver:
  • Can tell the difference between a distinct cluster of seizures from the patient's ordinary seizure activity.
  • Has been instructed and judged to be competent to administer the treatment rectally.
  • Knows the exact conditions that indicate when to treat with DIASTAT AcuDial and which seizures may or may not be treated with DIASTAT AcuDial.
  • Knows how and for how long to check the person after giving DIASTAT AcuDial.
  • Can monitor the clinical response and recognize when the response indicates that immediate professional medical evaluation is necessary.
 
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

DIASTAT® AcuDial™ (diazepam rectal gel) is a gel formulation of diazepam intended for rectal administration in the management of selected, refractory patients with epilepsy, on stable regimens of AEDs, who require intermittent use of diazepam to control bouts of increased seizure activity for patients 2 years and older.

In clinical trials with DIASTAT®, the most frequent side effect was somnolence (23%). Less frequent adverse events reported were dizziness, headache, pain, vasodilation, diarrhea, ataxia, euphoria, incoordination, asthma, rash, abdominal pain, nervousness and rhinitis (1%-5%). Please see full DIASTAT AcuDial Prescribing Information.