About Imitrex

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

Do NOT use Imitrex if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Imitrex

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)

you have uncontrolled high blood pressure or severe liver problems

you have certain types of migraines (eg, hemiplegic, basilar)

you have used certain other migraine medicines within the past 24 hours (eg, an ergot derivative [eg, dihydroergotamine, methysergide], another serotonin 5-HT 1 receptor agonist [eg, eletriptan, rizatriptan])

you are taking sibutramine

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

Before using Imitrex :

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

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

if you have history of liver or kidney problems, seizures (eg epilepsy), or heart problems

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 woman who is past menopause

if you are a man who is more than 40 years old

if you are very overweight

if a family member has had heart disease

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Imitrex . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (eg, 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 's side effects Ergot derivatives (eg, dihydroergotamine, methysergide) or other serotonin 5-HT 1 receptor agonists (eg, eletriptan, rizatriptan) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Imitrex

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Imitrex 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 :

Use Imitrex as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. An extra patient leaflet is available with Imitrex . Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information. A health care provider will teach you how to use Imitrex . Be sure you understand how to use Imitrex . Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.

Do not use Imitrex if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged. Inject Imitrex just under the skin. Do NOT inject Imitrex 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.

Imitrex will relieve migraine pain at any time during an attack. It is best to inject a dose of Imitrex as soon as you notice symptoms of a migraine attack. 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. If your symptoms do not improve after the first injection, do not use a second dose for the same attack. Contact your doctor. 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. Do not throw away the autoinjector.

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 you miss a dose of Imitrex 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 more often than prescribed. Do not use 2 doses at once.

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