What is Imitrex? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Imitrex

• Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin. It is usually given in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm.

• This medicine is available in 3 forms. You may use a single dose vial, prefilled syringe, or a prefilled autoinjector.

• Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

• Injection routeYou may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

• If your headache comes back or you do not get complete relief, wait at least 1 hour before you use another dose. If you feel you need to use the medicine more than 2 times in a day, call your doctor.

• Injection routeYou will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.

• Injection routeUse a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

• Injection routeIf you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Use sumatriptan only when you have a migraine. This medicine is not used on a regular schedule.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Do not use the medicine if it is discolored or cloudy.

• Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

• Injection routeYou may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

• Do not use the medicine if it is discolored or cloudy.

• Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin. It is usually given in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm.

• Injection routeIf you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Injection routeUse a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

• Use sumatriptan only when you have a migraine. This medicine is not used on a regular schedule.

• Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Injection routeYou will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.

• If your headache comes back or you do not get complete relief, wait at least 1 hour before you use another dose. If you feel you need to use the medicine more than 2 times in a day, call your doctor.

• Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

• This medicine is available in 3 forms. You may use a single dose vial, prefilled syringe, or a prefilled autoinjector.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• Swallow the tablet whole with water or other liquids. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

• If this medicine does not help your headache at all, do not take more medicine. Call your doctor.

• If your headache comes back or you do not get complete relief, wait at least 2 hours before you use another dose. If you feel you need to use the medicine more than 2 times in a day, call your doctor.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Use sumatriptan only when you have a migraine. This medicine is not used on a regular schedule.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• If your headache comes back or you do not get complete relief, wait at least 2 hours before you use another dose. If you feel you need to use the medicine more than 2 times in a day, call your doctor.

• If this medicine does not help your headache at all, do not take more medicine. Call your doctor.

• Use sumatriptan only when you have a migraine. This medicine is not used on a regular schedule.

• Swallow the tablet whole with water or other liquids. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Talk with your doctor if you need to treat more than 4 headaches in any 30-day period.

• Nasal routeKeep the bottle tightly closed when not using it. Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not store in the refrigerator or freezer.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. Use sumatriptan only when you have a migraine.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Nasal routeThis medicine is for use only in the nose. Do not get any of it in your eyes or on your skin. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

• Powder: This medicine is given through a nosepiece with the Xsail„¢ breath-powered delivery device. You will throw away each nosepiece after you use it, but you will keep the device to use again.Your healthcare provider will teach you how to use the nosepiece and device.Follow the directions to put the nosepiece into the device until you hear it click.Press the white button all the way down one time, and then release it. This will open the capsule that contains the medicine powder.Insert the nosepiece into your nose, and then rotate the device around to your mouth.Blow into the mouthpiece for 2 or 3 seconds. Your breath will blow the powder up into your nose.Press the clear tab and take the nosepiece out of the device.Repeat the same steps with another nosepiece in your other nostril.

• Spray: Use 1 spray of medicine for 1 dose, unless your doctor tells you to use more.Nasal routeBefore using the medicine, gently blow your nose to clear the nostrils. Gently press one nostril to close it.Hold the device upright between your thumb and first 2 fingers. Insert half of the spray nozzle into the open nostril and angle outward.Tilt your head back slightly.Firmly press the plunger all the way up as you slowly breathe through your nose.Remove the device from your nostril. Keep your head upright and gently breathe in through your nose and breathe out through your mouth. Repeat this for 10 to 20 seconds. You may feel liquid in your nose or at the back of your throat.Do not look down as this may cause the medicine to drip from your nose.

• If your headache improves but then comes back, you may use a second dose. Wait at least 1 hour (Tosymra„¢) or 2 hours (Imitrex® or Onzetra„¢) before you take the second dose. Call your doctor if your headache does not improve at all after the first dose.

• If your headache improves but then comes back, you may use a second dose. Wait at least 1 hour (Tosymra„¢) or 2 hours (Imitrex® or Onzetra„¢) before you take the second dose. Call your doctor if your headache does not improve at all after the first dose.

• Nasal routeThis medicine is for use only in the nose. Do not get any of it in your eyes or on your skin. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

• Talk with your doctor if you need to treat more than 4 headaches in any 30-day period.

• Powder: This medicine is given through a nosepiece with the Xsail„¢ breath-powered delivery device. You will throw away each nosepiece after you use it, but you will keep the device to use again.Your healthcare provider will teach you how to use the nosepiece and device.Follow the directions to put the nosepiece into the device until you hear it click.Press the white button all the way down one time, and then release it. This will open the capsule that contains the medicine powder.Insert the nosepiece into your nose, and then rotate the device around to your mouth.Blow into the mouthpiece for 2 or 3 seconds. Your breath will blow the powder up into your nose.Press the clear tab and take the nosepiece out of the device.Repeat the same steps with another nosepiece in your other nostril.

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed. Use sumatriptan only when you have a migraine.

• Nasal routeKeep the bottle tightly closed when not using it. Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not store in the refrigerator or freezer.

• Spray: Use 1 spray of medicine for 1 dose, unless your doctor tells you to use more.Nasal routeBefore using the medicine, gently blow your nose to clear the nostrils. Gently press one nostril to close it.Hold the device upright between your thumb and first 2 fingers. Insert half of the spray nozzle into the open nostril and angle outward.Tilt your head back slightly.Firmly press the plunger all the way up as you slowly breathe through your nose.Remove the device from your nostril. Keep your head upright and gently breathe in through your nose and breathe out through your mouth. Repeat this for 10 to 20 seconds. You may feel liquid in your nose or at the back of your throat.Do not look down as this may cause the medicine to drip from your nose.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What to do if you miss a dose of Imitrex

Imitrex contraindications - Who shouldn't take Imitrex?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to sumatriptan. Tell your doctor if you have severe liver disease, or if you had a heart attack or stroke.

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use if you had an allergic reaction to sumatriptan. Tell your doctor if you have heart or blood vessel problems, such as a history of heart attack, stroke, or heart rhythm problems.

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to sumatriptan. Tell your doctor if you have heart disease or blood circulation problems, including heart rhythm problems, ischemic bowel disease, peripheral vascular disease, or a history of heart attack, angina (chest pain), stroke, or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Imitrex warnings

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased risk for chest pain, heart rhythm problems, heart attack, or strokeTightness, pain, or discomfort in your chest, neck, or jawSpasms in the blood vessels, including Raynaud syndromeSerotonin syndrome (more likely if used with medicine to treat depression)High blood pressureSeizures

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, epilepsy, high blood pressure, eye or vision problems, or high cholesterol. Tell your doctor if you smoke or you have a family history of heart disease.

• Do not breastfeed for 12 hours after you use this medicine.

• Your headaches may become worse if you use headache medicine for 10 or more days per month. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Sudden severe headache (other than the one being treated)

• Vision changes that are not part of a usual migraine

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a history of seizures. Tell your doctor if you have a family history of heart disease, a history of blood circulation problems (such as peripheral vascular disease), or if you smoke.

• Do not breastfeed for at least 12 hours after you take this medicine.

• This medicine should be used only for classic or common migraine headaches. It will not work for any other kind of headache or pain.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Higher risk for abnormal heart rhythm, heart attack, or strokeTightness or discomfort in your chest, neck, or jawSpasms in the blood vessels, including Raynaud syndromeSerotonin syndrome (more likely if used with medicine to treat depression)High blood pressure

• Your headaches may become worse if you use this medicine for 10 or more days per month. Keep a journal and write down how often your headaches occur and how often you take this medicine.

• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Tightness or discomfort in your chest, neck, or jaw

• Vision loss or vision changes that are not part of a usual migraine

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a history of seizures. Tell your doctor if you have a family history of heart disease, a history of blood circulation problems (including peripheral vascular disease), or if you smoke. Also tell your doctor if you have a latex allergy.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased risk for heart rhythm problems, heart attack, or strokeSpasms in the blood vessels, including Raynaud syndromeSerotonin syndrome (more likely if used with medicine to treat depression)High blood pressureIncreased risk of seizures

• Your headaches may become worse if you use headache medicine for 10 or more days per month. Keep a journal and write down how often your headaches occur and how often you use this medicine.

• This medicine may make you dizzy, weak, or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting

• Tightness or discomfort in your chest, neck, or jaw

• Vision loss or vision changes that are not part of a usual migraine

Imitrex interactions & what to avoid when taking Imitrex

• Tell your doctor if you are using medicine to treat depression.

• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

• This medicine may make you dizzy, weak, or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Do not use this medicine if you are using or have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days.

• Do not use this medicine if you have taken another migraine headache medicine in the past 24 hours, including another triptan or ergot medicine. These medicines include almotriptan, dihydroergotamine, eletriptan, ergotamine, frovatriptan, methysergide, rizatriptan, or zolmitriptan.

• Do not use this medicine if you have taken another migraine headache medicine in the past 24 hours, such as another triptan or an ergot medicine. These medicines include almotriptan, dihydroergotamine, eletriptan, ergotamine, frovatriptan, methysergide, rizatriptan, or zolmitriptan.

• Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days.

• Tell your doctor if you are using medicine to treat depression.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Higher risk for abnormal heart rhythm, heart attack, or strokeTightness or discomfort in your chest, neck, or jawSpasms in the blood vessels, including Raynaud syndromeSerotonin syndrome (more likely if used with medicine to treat depression)High blood pressure

• Your headaches may become worse if you use this medicine for 10 or more days per month. Keep a journal and write down how often your headaches occur and how often you take this medicine.

• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Some medicines can affect how sumatriptan works. Tell your doctor if you are using medicine for depression.

• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Your headaches may become worse if you use headache medicine for 10 or more days per month. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 2 weeks.

• Do not use this medicine if you have taken another triptan or ergot medicine in the past 24 hours (including almotriptan, dihydroergotamine, eletriptan, ergotamine, frovatriptan, methysergide, naratriptan, rizatriptan, or zolmitriptan).