IMITREX

Imitrex contains the active ingredient sumatriptan succinate. It belongs to a class of medications known as selective serotonin (5-HT1B/1D) receptor agonists, commonly called triptans.

Imitrex tablets are used for the acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults. They treat an attack that has already started but do not prevent migraines or reduce how often they occur.

Imitrex may be prescribed for:

Adults with a clearly established diagnosis of migraine with or without aura

Imitrex tablets are not indicated for migraine prevention or for the treatment of cluster headache.

Use this medication only as directed by a licensed healthcare professional.

Important: IMITREX CAN CAUSE SERIOUS HEART, BLOOD VESSEL, OR CEREBROVASCULAR PROBLEMS. IT MUST NOT BE USED BY PATIENTS WITH CERTAIN CARDIOVASCULAR OR CIRCULATORY CONDITIONS.

Do not take Imitrex within 24 hours of another triptan or an ergot-type medication, or during treatment with or within 2 weeks after stopping a monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) inhibitor.

Seek immediate medical attention for chest pain, shortness of breath, an irregular heartbeat, weakness on one side, slurred speech, severe abdominal pain with bloody diarrhea, a seizure, or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

Do not stop, start, or change the dose of this medication without consulting your healthcare provider unless instructed otherwise.

Rare but serious reactions include myocardial infarction, coronary artery spasm, life-threatening arrhythmias, stroke, hypertensive crisis, serotonin syndrome, seizures, ischemic bowel disease, and anaphylaxis. Patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors may need a cardiovascular evaluation before their first dose.

Using triptans or other acute migraine medicines for 10 or more days per month can cause medication-overuse headache and make headaches more frequent.

Take Imitrex exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

General administration information:

Route: Oral

With food: With or without food

Typical administration: Take one prescribed dose after a migraine begins

Special instructions: If the migraine improves but later returns, a second dose may be taken at least 2 hours after the first dose. Do not exceed 200 mg in 24 hours.

The recommended single dose is 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg. The 50-mg and 100-mg doses may provide a greater effect than 25 mg, but 100 mg may not provide a greater effect than 50 mg and may cause more adverse reactions.

If the first dose does not improve the migraine at all, do not take a second dose for the same attack without contacting your healthcare provider. The safety of treating an average of more than 4 headaches in 30 days has not been established.

Your individual dose may depend on your medical condition, age, kidney or liver function, other medications, and your healthcare provider’s instructions.

Do not use Imitrex if:

Have ischemic coronary artery disease, a history of heart attack, silent cardiac ischemia, or coronary artery vasospasm such as Prinzmetal's angina

Have Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome or an arrhythmia associated with another cardiac accessory conduction pathway disorder

Have a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), or hemiplegic or basilar migraine

Have peripheral vascular disease or ischemic bowel disease

Have uncontrolled high blood pressure

Have taken another triptan or an ergotamine-containing or ergot-type medication within the past 24 hours

Are taking an MAO-A inhibitor or stopped one within the past 2 weeks

Have severe liver impairment

You have had a serious allergic reaction to sumatriptan or any ingredient in the product.

Consult your healthcare provider before taking this medication if you are unsure whether any of these conditions apply to you.

Before taking Imitrex, tell your healthcare provider if you:

Have heart disease, chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, or a strong family history of coronary artery disease

Smoke or have gone through menopause

Have circulation problems, Raynaud's syndrome, or a history of blood clots

Have had a stroke, TIA, or unusual migraine symptoms

Have epilepsy, seizures, or another condition that lowers the seizure threshold

Have kidney problems

Have liver problems

Are scheduled for surgery or a medical procedure

Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant

Are breastfeeding

Take other prescription or nonprescription medications

Common side effects

Common side effects may include:

Tingling, numbness, or other unusual sensations

Feeling warm or cold

Pressure, tightness, heaviness, or pain in the chest, throat, neck, jaw, or another location

Dizziness or vertigo

Drowsiness, tiredness, weakness, or fatigue

Flushing

Nausea, upset stomach, or diarrhea

Muscle cramps

Serious side effects — seek immediate medical attention if these occur.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

Chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, sweating, or a fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat

Weakness or numbness on one side, difficulty speaking, confusion, or other possible signs of stroke

Sudden or severe abdominal pain or bloody diarrhea

Pale or blue fingers or toes, severe limb pain, or other signs of reduced circulation

Serotonin syndrome symptoms such as agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, fast heartbeat, unstable blood pressure, muscle stiffness, poor coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

A seizure, a significant change in vision, or a severe increase in blood pressure

Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat or difficulty breathing

Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat or difficulty breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects.

Imitrex may interact with certain prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, or herbal products.

Important interactions may include:

Other triptans, including almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, and zolmitriptan: do not use within 24 hours of Imitrex

Ergotamine-containing or ergot-type medicines, including dihydroergotamine and methysergide: do not use within 24 hours of Imitrex

MAO-A inhibitors: contraindicated during treatment and for 2 weeks after the inhibitor is stopped

SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, and other serotonergic drugs: may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome

Tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all medications and supplements you take.

Available registry and epidemiologic data have not identified an increased frequency or consistent pattern of birth defects in pregnancies exposed to sumatriptan compared with the general population. However, animal studies found developmental toxicity at certain exposures, and human data remain limited.

Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.

Sumatriptan is excreted into human milk after subcutaneous administration. Data are unavailable on milk concentrations after Imitrex tablets or on effects on a breastfed infant or milk production.

Infant exposure can be reduced by avoiding breastfeeding for 12 hours after taking Imitrex tablets.

Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before breastfeeding while taking this medication.

The safety and effectiveness of Imitrex tablets have not been established in pediatric patients, and the tablets are not recommended for patients younger than 18 years.

Clinical trials did not include enough adults aged 65 years and older to determine whether they respond differently. Dose selection should generally begin at the lower end of the dosing range because older adults are more likely to have reduced liver, kidney, or heart function and other conditions or medications.

Older adults may require additional monitoring depending on kidney function, other medical conditions, and other medications being taken.

Kidney impairment

The current manufacturer's labeling does not provide a specific Imitrex tablet dose adjustment for kidney impairment. Tell your healthcare provider about kidney disease so treatment can be individualized.

Liver impairment

For mild to moderate liver impairment, the maximum single dose should not exceed 50 mg. Imitrex tablets are contraindicated in severe liver impairment.

Imitrex is taken as needed for a migraine attack rather than on a regular dosing schedule, so a missed dose is unlikely.

Do not take extra medication to make up for a missed dose unless specifically instructed by your healthcare provider.

If you believe you have taken too much Imitrex, contact a healthcare professional or Poison Control promptly. Call emergency services if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or cannot be awakened.

Store Imitrex:

Between 2°C and 30°C (36°F and 86°F)

Protect from light

Protect from moisture

In the original, tightly closed container or package

Away from children and pets

Do not use medication that is expired, damaged, or stored improperly.