Drugs & Vitamins

Imitrex Injection Active Ingredients: Sumatriptan Injection   Representative Names: Imitrex Injection Available Product Images: What is sumatriptan injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with sumatriptan? What side effects may I notice from receiving sumatriptan? What should I watch for while taking sumatriptan? Where can I keep my medicine? What is sumatriptan injection? (Back to top) SUMATRIPTAN (Imitrex®) helps to relieve a migraine attack that starts with or without aura (a peculiar feeling or visual disturbance that warns you of an attack). Sumatriptan is not used to prevent migraine attacks. Generic sumatriptan injection is not yet available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •bowel disease or colitis •diabetes •headaches that are different from your usual migraine •heart or blood vessel disease, angina (chest pain), or previous heart attack •family history of heart disease •fast or irregular heartbeat •high blood pressure •high cholesterol •history of stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs or "mini-strokes"), or intracranial bleeding •postmenopausal or surgical removal of uterus and ovaries •liver disease •overweight •poor circulation •Raynaud's disease •seizure disorder •shortness of breath •tobacco smoker •an unusual or allergic reaction to sumatriptan, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Sumatriptan is for injection under the skin. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Only use sumatriptan at the first symptoms of a migraine attack; it is not for everyday use. If you are using an autoinjector, read the instruction leaflet carefully. Use the injection at the first signs of a migraine attack. For adults a single injection is given just under the skin. If your symptoms return you can use a second injection. If there is no improvement at all in your symptoms after the first injection, call your prescriber or health care professional. Wait at least 1 hour between doses and do not use more than 6 mg as a single dose. Do not use more than 12 mg total in any 24 hour period. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) This does not apply, sumatriptan is not for regular use. What drug(s) may interact with sumatriptan? (Back to top) Do not take sumatriptan with any of the following medicines: •amphetamine or cocaine •dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, eroloid mesylates, methysergide, or ergot-type medication - do not take within 24 hours of taking sumatriptan. •almotriptan, eletriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan - do not take within 24 hours of taking sumatriptan. •medicines for weight loss such as dexfenfluramine, dextroamphetamine, fenfluramine, or sibutramine •monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®), and selegiline (Carbex®, Eldepryl®) - do not take sumatriptan within 2 weeks of stopping MAOI therapy. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any of these medications: •cough syrup or other products containing dextromethorphan •feverfew •lithium •medicines for mental depression, anxiety or mood problems such as buspirone, citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, mirtazapine, nefazodone, paroxetine, sertraline, trazodone, tricyclic antidepressants, or venlafaxine •meperidine •propranolol •St. John's wort •tryptophan Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving sumatriptan? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: Rare or uncommon: •chest or throat pain, tightness •dizziness or faintness •fast, slow, or irregular heart beat •feeling of chest heaviness or pressure •increased or decreased blood pressure •loss of vision or vision changes •palpitations •seizures (convulsions) •severe stomach pain and cramping, bloody diarrhea •shortness of breath, wheezing, or difficulty breathing •tingling, pain, or numbness in the face, hands or feet •unusual reaction or swelling of the skin, eyelids, face, or lips Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •change in taste •diarrhea •drowsiness •feeling warm, flushing, or redness of the face •mild injection site reaction •muscle pain or cramps •nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset •tiredness or weakness What should I watch for while taking sumatriptan? (Back to top) Only use sumatriptan for a migraine headache. Use it if you get warning symptoms or at the start of a migraine attack. Sumatriptan is not for regular use to prevent migraine attacks. Before you make an injection, clean and examine your skin. Do not inject at a place where the skin is damaged or infected. Do not take migraine products that contain ergotamine while you are using sumatriptan; this combination can affect your heart. You may get drowsy, dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how sumatriptan affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness, dizziness and flushing. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Smoking cigarettes may increase the risk of heart-related side effects from using sumatriptan. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in the original case provided. Store at room temperature between 2 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Make sure you receive a puncture-resistant container to dispose of the needles and syringes once you have finished with them. Do not reuse these items. Return the container to your health care professional for proper disposal. Keep the autoinjector device. Last Updated:09/30/2004 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.