Imitrex

Imitrex

     * Generic Name: sumatriptan succinate
     * Brand Name: Imitrex


     * What is sumatriptan (Imitrex, Imitrex Nasal, Onzetra Xsail)?
     * What are the possible side effects of sumatriptan (Imitrex,
       Imitrex Nasal, Onzetra Xsail)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       sumatriptan (Imitrex, Imitrex Nasal, Onzetra Xsail)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using
       sumatriptan (Imitrex, Imitrex Nasal, Onzetra Xsail)?
     * How should I use sumatriptan (Imitrex, Imitrex Nasal, Onzetra
       Xsail)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Imitrex, Imitrex Nasal, Onzetra
       Xsail)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Imitrex, Imitrex Nasal, Onzetra
       Xsail)?
     * What should I avoid while using sumatriptan (Imitrex, Imitrex
       Nasal, Onzetra Xsail)?
     * What other drugs will affect sumatriptan (Imitrex, Imitrex
       Nasal, Onzetra Xsail)?
     * Where can I get more information (Imitrex, Imitrex Nasal,
       Onzetra Xsail)?

What is sumatriptan (Imitrex, Imitrex Nasal, Onzetra Xsail)?

   Sumatriptan is a headache medicine that narrows blood vessels
   around the brain. Sumatriptan also reduces substances in the body that
   can trigger headache pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound,
   and other migraine symptoms.

   Sumatriptan is used to treat migraine headaches in adults. Sumatriptan
   will only treat a headache. This medicine will not prevent headaches or
   reduce the number of attacks.

   Sumatriptan should not be used to treat a common tension headache
   or a headache that causes loss of movement on one side of your body.
   Use this medicine only if your condition has been confirmed by a doctor
   as migraine headaches.

   Sumatriptan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of sumatriptan (Imitrex, Imitrex Nasal,
Onzetra Xsail)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
   throat.

   Stop using sumatriptan and call your doctor at once if you have:
     * sudden and severe stomach pain and bloody diarrhea;
     * severe chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats;
     * a seizure (convulsions);
     * blood circulation problems in your legs or feet--cramps, tight or
       heavy feeling, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, burning
       pain, cold feeling, color changes (pale or blue), hip pain;
     * heart attack symptoms--chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to
       your jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;
     * high levels of serotonin in the body--agitation,
       hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, overactive reflexes,
       nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, fainting;
     * increased blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding
       in your neck or ears, anxiety, nosebleed; or
     * signs of a stroke--sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one
       side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems
       with vision or balance.

   Common side effects may include:
     * pain or tight feeling in your chest, throat, or jaw;
     * pressure or heavy feeling in any part of your body;
     * numbness or tingling, feeling hot or cold;
     * dizziness, drowsiness, weakness;
     * unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth after using the nasal
       medicine;
     * pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in your nose or throat after
       using the nasal medicine; or
     * runny or stuffy nose after using the nasal medicine.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about sumatriptan
(Imitrex, Imitrex Nasal, Onzetra Xsail)?

   You should not use this medicine if you have uncontrolled high
   blood pressure, heart problems, certain heart rhythm disorders, a
   history of heart attack or stroke, or circulation problems
   that cause a lack of blood supply within the body.

   Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past
   14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue
   injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

   Do not use sumatriptan within 24 hours before or after using any other
   migraine headache medicine.

   Imitrex Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Migraine Headaches:Symptoms, Triggers and Treatment

   A Visual Guide to Migraine Headaches Slideshow
   Headaches & Migraines: Surprising Headache & Migraine Triggers

   Headache and Migraine Triggers Slideshow
   RxList

   Take the Headaches Quiz

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using sumatriptan
(Imitrex, Imitrex Nasal, Onzetra Xsail)?

   You should not use sumatriptan if you are allergic to it, or if you
   have ever had:
     * heart problems, or a stroke (including "mini-stroke");
     * coronary artery disease, angina (chest pain), blood
       circulation problems, lack of blood supply to the heart;
     * circulation problems affecting your legs, arms, stomach,
       intestines, or kidneys;
     * a heart disorder called Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome;
     * uncontrolled high blood pressure;
     * severe liver disease; or
     * a headache that seems different from your usual migraine headaches.

   Do not use sumatriptan if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14
   days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include
   isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine,
   rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

   Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
     * liver or kidney disease;
     * epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
     * high blood pressure, a heart rhythm disorder; or
     * risk factors for coronary artery disease (such as diabetes,
       menopause, smoking, being overweight, having high blood
       pressure or high cholesterol, having a family history of
       coronary artery disease, or being older than 40 and a man).

   It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell
   your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

   Sumatriptan can pass into breast milk. Do not breast-feed within 12
   hours after using sumatriptan. If you use a breast pump during this
   time, throw out any milk you collect. Do not feed it to your baby.

   Sumatriptan is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years
   old.

How should I use sumatriptan (Imitrex, Imitrex Nasal, Onzetra Xsail)?

   Use sumatriptan as soon as you notice headache symptoms. Follow all
   directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or
   instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

   You may receive your first dose in a hospital or clinic setting to
   quickly treat any serious side effects.

   Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your
   medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these
   instructions.

   Take a sumatriptan tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not
   split the tablet.

   Do not take a sumatriptan nosepiece capsule by mouth. It is for use
   only in the nasal inhaler device provided with this medicine.

   After using sumatriptan: If your headache does not completely go away,
   or goes away and comes back, use a second dose if it has been at least
   2 hours since your first dose.

   Never use more than your recommended dose. Overuse of migraine
   headache medicine can make headaches worse. Tell your doctor if the
   medicine seems to stop working as well in treating your migraine
   attacks.

   Do not take more than 200 milligrams of oral sumatriptan within 24
   hours.

   Do not use more than 40 milligrams of sumatriptan nasal spray or 44
   milligrams of sumatriptan nosepiece capsules within 24 hours.

   Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if you have more
   than 4 headaches in one month (30 days).

   Store sumatriptan at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and
   light.

   Imitrex Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Migraine Headaches:Symptoms, Triggers and Treatment

   A Visual Guide to Migraine Headaches Slideshow
   Headaches & Migraines: Surprising Headache & Migraine Triggers

   Headache and Migraine Triggers Slideshow
   RxList

   Take the Headaches Quiz

What happens if I miss a dose (Imitrex, Imitrex Nasal, Onzetra Xsail)?

   Since sumatriptan is used when needed, it does not have a daily dosing
   schedule. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after using
   this medicine.

What happens if I overdose (Imitrex, Imitrex Nasal, Onzetra Xsail)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

   Overdose symptoms may include tremors, skin redness in your arms or
   legs, weakness, loss of coordination, breathing problems, blue-colored
   lips or fingernails, vision problems, or a seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while using sumatriptan (Imitrex, Imitrex Nasal, Onzetra
Xsail)?

   Do not use sumatriptan within 24 hours before or after using another
   migraine headache medicine, including:
     * sumatriptan injection, almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan,
       naratriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan; or
     * ergot medicine such as dihydroergotamine, ergotamine,
       ergonovine, or methylergonovine.

   Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine
   will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

What other drugs will affect sumatriptan (Imitrex, Imitrex Nasal, Onzetra
Xsail)?

   Using sumatriptan while you are using certain other medicines can cause
   high levels of serotonin to build up in your body, a condition called
   "serotonin syndrome," which can be fatal. Tell your doctor if you also
   use:
     * medicine to treat depression or a psychiatric disorder;
     * medicine for Parkinson's disease;
     * medicine for serious infections;
     * herbal products;
     * stimulant medicine;
     * opioid medicine; or
     * medicine to prevent nausea and vomiting.

   This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect sumatriptan,
   including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
   herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information (Imitrex, Imitrex Nasal, Onzetra Xsail)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about sumatriptan.
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