DRUG NAME

Imitrex ( Sumatriptan/Imitrex )

WARNINGS/PRECAUTIONS

If you have any of the following conditions you should not take imitrex :

• peripheral vascular disease.
• strokes in the past,
• allergy to Imitrex,
• certain types of heart disease,
• Raynaud syndrome,
• transient ischemic attacks,
• uncontrolled blood pressure,

You should consult your personal doctor before taking this medicine if you

• diabetes.
• smoke,
• have high cholesterole or high blood pressure,

MISSED DOSE

Since sumatriptan/Imitrex is used to treat migraines or cluster headaches, as they occur, and not to prevent them, missing a dose is not a problem. Use only the doses you need, according to your doctor's instructions.

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM

Sumatriptan/Imitrex is an antimigraine medicine. Migraine headaches are believed to result from dilatation of the blood vessels in the head. Sumatriptan/Imitrex causes constriction of the blood vessels, thus relieving migraine headache. While it is very effective in relieving migraine, it does not prevent or reduce the number of attacks of migraine.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

The following side effects can occur when taking imitrex:

• dizziness,
• nausea,
• drowsiness.
• fatigue,

DRUG USES

Imitrex is used to treat migraine headaches.

HOW TAKEN

When you have migraine simptoms, take one dose of imitrex. In some cases two doses, but not more than 200 mg a day, can be taken only if instructed by your personal healthcare practitioner.

MORE INFORMATION

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using sumatriptan/Imitrex and seek emergency medical attention:

• sudden or severe stomach pain;
• problems seeing;
• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• or unusual weakness or numbness.
• chest, jaw, or neck pain or tightness;
• severe or prolonged chest pain or an irregular heartbeat;

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur.

Continue to use sumatriptan/Imitrex and talk to your doctor if you experience

• unpleasant taste in the mouth (nasal spray);
• nasal irritation (nasal spray);
• drowsiness or dizziness;
• tingling, flushing, warmth, redness, or heaviness of a body part;
• nausea;
• or injection site discomfort (injection).

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

STORAGE

Should be stored at room temperature away from heat and light. Keep your medicine away from the reach of children.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.