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Diazepam Buccal Film (DIAZEPAM FILM - BUCCAL)

For seizures.

Brand Name(s): Libervant

Generic Name: Diazepam

Instructions

Remove medicine from the foil just before using. Use a clean, dry finger to place the medicine inside your mouth against one cheek. The medicine should stay in place by itself. Let the medicine dissolve completely.

Do not cut the sheet.

Do not swallow, chew, touch, or move the medicine after placing it on your cheek.

This medicine may be taken with or without food.

Do not drink any liquids as you take this medicine.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

This medicine should only be used by a person who has been trained to recognize when and how it should be used.

If you need to use a second dose, wait at least 4 hours after using your first dose.

Do not use more than 2 doses to treat a seizure episode. If the seizure continues, get medical help right away.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Contact your doctor if your seizures do not improve or worsen while on this medicine.

Cautions

This medicine is not approved for use by adults.

Though it helps many people, this medicine may sometimes cause addiction, especially if it is used for a long time. This risk for addiction may be higher if you have a substance use disorder - such as overuse of or addiction to drugs or alcohol. Speak with your doctor about the benefits and risks of using this medicine.

If you stop this medicine suddenly, after using it regularly for a long time, you may have withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may ask you to slowly reduce your dose before stopping it. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any symptoms of withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms can include headaches, restlessness, hallucinations, confusion, depression, nausea, or seizures.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

If possible, avoid using with alcohol, marijuana, or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Family should check on the patient often. Call the doctor if patient becomes more depressed, has thoughts of suicide, or shows changes in behavior.

Always carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet indicating your medical condition.

Use medicine with caution if you have breathing problems. Get help right away for slow or shallow breathing.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Always refill this medicine before it runs out.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • drowsiness or sedation
  • headaches

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
  • decreased awareness or responsiveness
  • slow or shallow breathing
  • confusion
  • depression or feeling sad
  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
  • mood changes
  • shakiness
  • suicidal thoughts

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

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