Imitrex/Sumatriptan IS USED FOR:

The treatment of migraine headaches with or without aura (eg, flashing lights, wavy lines, dark spots). It is also used to treat cluster headaches.

Imitrex/Sumatriptan is a serotonin 5-HT receptor agonist ("triptan"). It works by narrowing blood vessels in the brain, which helps to relieve migraine and cluster headaches. ₁

DO NOT USE Imitrex/Sumatriptan IF:

• you are taking sibutramine
• you have used certain other migraine medicines within the past 24 hours. These include an ergot derivative (eg, dihydroergotamine, methysergide) or another serotonin 5-HT receptor agonist (eg, eletriptan, Maxalt/rizatriptan) ₁
• you have uncontrolled high blood pressure or severe liver problems
• you have certain types of migraines (eg, hemiplegic, basilar)
• you are allergic to any ingredient in Imitrex/Sumatriptan
• you have a history of ischemic heart disease (eg, angina, heart attack), coronary artery disease (CAD), other moderate to severe heart problems, brain blood vessel disease (eg, stroke, transient ischemic attack), or other blood vessel disease (eg, Raynaud syndrome, ischemic bowel disease)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF Imitrex/Sumatriptan :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Burning, numbness, or tingling of the skin; dizziness; drowsiness; feeling of heaviness, pressure, or tightness; feeling strange; mild, temporary flushing; muscle aches; nausea; neck stiffness; pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site; sick feeling; throat or sinus discomfort; tight feeling in the head; tingling; tiredness; vomiting; warm/hot sensation; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody diarrhea; chest pain; confusion; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; hearing problems; numbness or tingling of an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; pain, tightness, or pressure in the jaw, neck, or chest; seizures; severe headache, dizziness, or vomiting; severe or prolonged flushing; severe stomach pain; shortness of breath; speech changes; very cold or blue fingers or toes; vision changes or loss of vision; wheezing.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:

• Imitrex/Sumatriptan may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Imitrex/Sumatriptan with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Rarely, serious heart problems (eg, heart attack, irregular heartbeat) have been reported within a few hours of using Imitrex/Sumatriptan. Contact your doctor at once if fast or irregular heartbeat; chest, jaw, or neck pain or numbness; numbness of an arm or leg; severe stomach pain, dizziness, or vomiting; fainting; or vision changes occur. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
• Imitrex/Sumatriptan should not be used to prevent or reduce the number of migraine headaches you have. If you have a headache that is different than your usual migraine headaches, check with your doctor before using Imitrex/Sumatriptan.
• Imitrex/Sumatriptan should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 18 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: It is not known if Imitrex/Sumatriptan can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Imitrex/Sumatriptan while you are pregnant. Imitrex/Sumatriptan is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Imitrex/Sumatriptan , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
• Imitrex/Sumatriptan should not be used in the ELDERLY; the risk of serious side heart and blood pressure side effects may be increased.
• Lab tests, including heart function tests, may be performed while you use Imitrex/Sumatriptan. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Do NOT use more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.

BEFORE USING Imitrex/Sumatriptan :

Some medical conditions may interact with Imitrex/Sumatriptan. Tell your health care provider if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if a family member has had heart disease
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have shortness of breath, chest pain, or a history of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, high cholesterol, diabetes, or smoking
• if you are a man who is older than 40 years of age
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are very overweight
• if you are a woman who is past menopause
• if you have history of liver or kidney problems, seizures (eg epilepsy), or heart problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Imitrex/Sumatriptan. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Ergot derivatives (eg, dihydroergotamine, methysergide) or other serotonin 5-HT receptor agonists (eg, eletriptan, Maxalt/rizatriptan) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Imitrex/Sumatriptan ₁
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, Sarafem/fluoxetine), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (eg, Cymbalta/duloxetine), orsibutramine because the risk of a serious side effect called serotonin syndrome may be increased. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include mental or mood changes, hallucinations, fast heartbeat, fever, loss of coordination, muscle spasms, increased sweating, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (eg, phenelzine) because they may increase the risk of Imitrex/Sumatriptan 's side effects

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Imitrex/Sumatriptan may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

HOW TO USE Imitrex/Sumatriptan :

Use Imitrex/Sumatriptan as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Do not use more than 2 doses in a 24-hour period or treat more than 4 headaches within 30 days without checking with your doctor.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
• If your symptoms do not improve after the first injection, do not use a second dose for the same attack. Contact your doctor.
• Inject Imitrex/Sumatriptan just under the skin. Do NOT inject Imitrex/Sumatriptan into a muscle or a blood vessel. Talk with your health care provider about suitable injection sites, how to load an autoinjector device, and how to give an injection.
• If your migraine symptoms go away and then come back, you may use a second dose as directed by your doctor. Wait at least 1 hour between doses.
• Do not use Imitrex/Sumatriptan if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
• An extra patient leaflet is available with Imitrex/Sumatriptan. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
• Imitrex/Sumatriptan will relieve migraine pain at any time during an attack. It is best to inject a dose of Imitrex/Sumatriptan as soon as you notice symptoms of a migraine attack.
• If you miss a dose of Imitrex/Sumatriptan and you still have a headache, follow your doctor's dosing instructions. Contact your doctor if you are unsure of what to do if you miss a dose. Do not use Imitrex/Sumatriptan more often than prescribed. Do not use 2 doses at once.
• A health care provider will teach you how to use Imitrex/Sumatriptan. Be sure you understand how to use Imitrex/Sumatriptan. Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
• Do not throw away the autoinjector.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Imitrex/Sumatriptan.

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.