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Imitrex

(sumatriptan)

In this factsheet:
• How does Imitrex work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Imitrex?
• What form(s) does Imitrex come in?
• Who should NOT take Imitrex?
• What side effects are possible with Imitrex?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Imitrex?
• What other drugs could interact with Imitrex?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Imitrex work? What will it do for me?

Sumatriptan belongs to a class of medications known as 5-hydroxytryptamine agonists (also called triptans). It is used to treat migraine headaches with or without aura (warning signs that occur prior to the onset of a migraine). The pain of migraine headaches is thought to be caused by dilated blood vessels inside the head. Sumatriptan relieves migraine headaches by constricting these blood vessels.

Sumatriptan is not recommended for other types of headache or for headache prevention.

In most people, sumatriptan eliminates or reduces the symptoms of migraine, including headache, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Significant relief of migraine pain is usually experienced by about 10 to 15 minutes after using the injection, 15 minutes after using the nasal spray, and about 30 minutes after taking the oral tablets.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Imitrex?

Injection: The recommended adult dose of sumatriptan injection is a single 6 mg subcutaneous (under the skin) injection into the outside of the thigh or in the upper arm at the first sign of a headache. If the headache returns, or if there is partial but not total relief, the dose may be repeated after one hour. If a dose has not helped your headache at all, do not take a second dose without first consulting a doctor. No more than 2 injections should be taken during any 24-hour period. Follow the instructions in the patient leaflet to safely dispose of the syringes. Sumatriptan injection should never be injected intravenously (into a vein).

Nasal spray: Each spray delivers 5 mg sumatriptan. The minimum effective dose is 1 spray, while the maximum recommended dose is 4 sprays (20 mg). The nasal spray device is designed for a single use. Do not "prime" it by pumping the spray, because part of the dose could be lost. If the migraine headache returns, or if there is partial but not total relief, the dose may be repeated after 2 hours. No more than 40 mg (8 sprays) should be taken during any 24-hour period If a dose has not helped your headache at all, do not take a second dose without first consulting a doctor. The nasal spray should be used in one nostril only.

It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Imitrex come in?

Injection

Each prefilled syringe contains sumatriptan (base) 6 mg as the succinate salt; total volume=0.5 mL. Syringes are placed in a tamper-evident carrying/disposal case.

Nasal Spray

5 mg
Each unit dose spray contains sumatriptan (base) as the hemisulfate salt 5 mg in an aqueous buffered solution. Nonmedicinal ingredients: anhydrous dibasic sodium phosphate, monobasic potassium phosphate, purified water, sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid.

20 mg
Each unit dose spray contains sumatriptan (base) as the hemisulfate salt 20 mg in an aqueous buffered solution. Nonmedicinal ingredients: anhydrous dibasic sodium phosphate, monobasic potassium phosphate, purified water, sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid.

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Who should NOT take Imitrex?

This medication should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to sumatriptan or any ingredients of the medication
• is taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine) or has taken them within the past 2 weeks
• does not have a clear diagnosis of migraine
• has angina (chest pain), including Prinzmetal's angina (coronary vasospasm)
• has blood vessel disease (e.g., ischemic bowel disease, Raynaud's syndrome, stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs))
• has certain types of migraine headaches (including hemiplegic, basilar, or ophthalmoplegic migraine)
• has had a heart attack
• has heart disease (e.g., heart valve disease, ischemic heart disease, abnormal heart rhythms, congenital heart disease)
• has high blood pressure that is severe or not under control
• has severely reduced kidney function
• has severely reduced liver function
• has taken another 5-hydroxytryptamine agonist (i.e., naratriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan) in the previous 24 hours
• has taken ergotamine-containing or ergot-type medications (such as dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, or methysergide) in the previous 24 hours

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