Imitrex
Uses
This medicine is used
to treat acute migraine headache with or without aura
(flashing lights, wavy lines, dark spots) in adults. It should
not be used to prevent migraines or cluster headaches.
How To Use
How much medicine
you take and how often you take it depends on many factors,
including the condition being treated, your age, and weight.
If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of
the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care
provider. Carefully read the information provided with this
medicine and reread it each time you get this prescription
refilled. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your
health care provider. This medicine is intended to relieve
acute migraine headaches. Do not use it to prevent or reduce
the number of attacks you experience. Use this medicine only
to treat an actual migraine attack. Take 1 tablet whole with
fluids as soon as migraine symptoms appear. A second dose may
be taken after the first dose if there is only a partial
response or symptoms of the migraine return. Wait 2 hours
after taking the first does. If your symptoms do not improve
after the first dose, do not take a second dose for the same
attack without contacting your health care provider. Do not
take a second tablet without first talking with your health
care provider. Do not take more than 200 mg in any 24-hour
period. The safety of treating more than 4 headaches in a
30-day period has not been established. Contact your health
care provider at once if you experience pain or tightness in
the chest or throat while using this medicine, or if the pain
or tightness is severe or does not go away. Contact your
health care provider at once if you have sudden or severe
stomach pain while taking this medicine. Contact your health
care provider at once if shortness of breath, wheezing, heart
throbbing, swelling of eyelids, face, or lips, skin rash or
lumps, or hives occur. If you experience tingling, abnormally
high body temperature, redness of the face, heaviness,
pressure, drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, or sickness after
using this medicine, notify your health care provider during
your next visit. Do not use this medicine if you are not using
adequate birth control methods or if you are pregnant or
planning to become pregnant without talking with your health
care provider.a If your medicine has expired, throw it away.
If your health care provider stops treatment, throw away any
leftover medicine unless otherwise advised by your health care
provider.This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Use
caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring
alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity.Diabetes
patients -- This medicine may affect your blood sugar level.
Your doctor may need to change the dose of diabetes medicine
you are taking. Do not take this medicine if you are currently
taking or have taken an MAO inhibitor within the last 2 weeks.
If you are uncertain whether your other medications contain an
MAO inhibitor, check with your health care provider. Patients
with previous medical conditions should talk with their health
care provider before taking this medicine.
Side Effects
Every medicine
can cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor,
side effects. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the
following occurs: Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives;
difficulty breathing; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or
tongue); serious heart problems; chest pain, pressure,
heaviness, or tightness. Common: Abnormal skin sensations;
warm/cold sensations. Other: Nausea; vomiting; migraine;
headache; decreased salivation;
dizziness;drowsiness/sleepiness; chest, jaw, or neck
tightness, pressure, or pain; pain; feeling of a whirling
motion; tiredness.
Precautions
Before using
this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the
following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant,
or breastfeeding; if you are taking any other prescription
medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or
dietary supplement; if you have impaired liver or kidney
function; if you have a history of seizures; if you have a
history brain lesions; if you have high blood pressure; if you
have high cholesterol; if you are overweight; if you have
diabetes; if you smoke; if you have a strong family history of
heart disease; if you are a female past menopause; if you are
a male over the age of 40; if you have any other medical
condition.
Overdose
Contact your doctor
or pharmacist immediately.
Notes
If you have any
questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor,
pharmacist, or health care provider.
Missed Dose
If a dose is
missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have
passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not
double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health
care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your
health care provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Store between 36 and
86 degrees F. Protect from heat and light.
Imitrex