How they happen

"Breakthrough"
convulsive seizures come
with significant risks.

It's time to do more.

WHAT "BREAKTHROUGH"
SEIZURES ARE

Convulsive seizures that continue
to "break through" even while
you're on prescription treatment.4

HOW THEY HAPPEN

Managing epilepsy is an everyday
thing—but lapses can happen.
Although breakthrough seizures
can occur for many reasons, a
significant number of people
reported experiencing
seizures—including convulsive
seizures—after missing a dose.1,2

Nearly 50%
of people with
epilepsy surveyed
reported having
a breakthrough
seizure following
a missed dose.2,*

* A 10-item, nationwide postal survey of 661 patients
conducted between 2001 and 2002.

71% of people with epilepsy surveyed
had missed
at least 1 dose.2,*

In one study, two-thirds of patients missed doses due to "forgetfulness".3

OTHER CAUSES OF BREAKTHROUGH SEIZURES INCLUDE:4

  • The unpredictable nature of epilepsy
  • Insufficient dose of treatment
  • Emotional stress
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Alcohol or other recreational drugs
  • TV or video games

*A 10-item, nationwide postal survey of 661 patients conducted between 2001 and 2002.

SOME CONSEQUENCES

Poor seizure control and breakthrough seizures could lead to:

Fractures, head
injuries, and other
accidents5

Loss of independence,
declining physical health
and social functioning1,6,7

Cognitive
decline8

For children, lower
social competency9

Sudden unexpected death
in epilepsy (SUDEP): More
than 3 convulsive seizures
in a year increases risk of
SUDEP 15 times10

"Controlling
seizures is not
enough. Whenever
possible, we aim
for complete
seizure freedom."

—Imad Najm, MD, Director
of the Epilepsy Center
at Cleveland Clinic

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

  • Not everyone reaches the goal of seizure
    freedom—but it's important to try
  • Even having fewer breakthrough seizures
    may lessen their impact on your life5,8-12

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Breakthrough seizures due to missed doses
are facts of life for many people with
epilepsy1,2, but there are steps you can take:

Speak with your treatment team.

Use the Seizure Risk Assessment Tool
and share the results with your doctor,
nurse, or other healthcare professional. Ask
about strategies for keeping your treatment
on track, including what your medication
options may be.

Talk to friends and family.

The important people in your life can help
you manage your treatment better and avoid
missing a dose.

Use digital tools.

Medication trackers, alarms, and calendar
alerts can help you keep your prescription
treatment regimen on track.

If you're having breakthrough seizures or questioning your prescription treatment regimen

Talk to your doctor about medications that:

  • Are approved for treating convulsive seizures
  • Offer once-daily dosing in the form you prefer (single pill or liquid)
    • Stay in the body longer, which may help you manage your prescription treatment regimen

Let's overcome EPILAPSEY® .

GET RESOURCES

Use these free resources to start an important discussion with your doctor.

KNOW YOUR RISK FOR
BREAKTHROUGH SEIZURES

Use this tool with your doctor to learn your
potential risk for breakthrough seizures—
and make a plan together to help lessen it.

DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD Seizure Risk Assessment Tool

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
BREAKTHROUGH SEIZURES

How do breakthrough seizures happen?
Knowing the basics could help.

DOWNLOADDOWNLOAD WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT BREAKTHROUGH SEIZURES PDF

EPILAPSEY®: ARE YOU AT RISK?

If you answer Yes to any of these questions,
it may be time to talk to your doctor about
your treatment plan.

DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD EPILAPSEY: ARE YOU AT RISK?

MANAGE THE RISK, AVOID THE COST

What can you do to manage the risk of
seizures? Could these ideas help you
avoid the personal and financial costs?

DOWNLOADDOWNLOAD MANAGE THE RISK, AVOID THE COST PDF