Product Details: Imitrex (Sumatriptan)

PLEASE NOTE BRAND IMITREX IS ALSO MARKETED INTERNATIONALLY UNDER THE NAME IMIGRAN.

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is a cerebral vasoconstrictor used to relieve migraine headache attacks as they occur. This medicine belongs to a group of medicines also known as "triptans". This medicine will not prevent or reduce the number of attacks you experience. This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. TAKE THIS MEDICINE as soon as you notice symptoms of a migraine attack. If your headache does not improve within 2 hours, do not take additional doses of this medicine. If your headache improves but does not go away completely you may need a second dose. If you need a second dose take it at least 2 hours after the first dose. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.

Cautions

THIS MEDICINE IS NOT INTENDED to prevent or reduce the number of migraine attacks that you experience. IF YOU HAVE A HEADACHE THAT IS DIFFERENT than your usual migraine attacks, check with your doctor before using this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN USING THIS MEDICINE, give your doctor and pharmacist a list of all prescription and non-prescription medicines that you are using to treat and prevent migraine attacks. DO NOT USE ERGOT-CONTAINING MEDICINES within 24 hours of using this medicine. If you have questions about which medicines contain ergot, ask your doctor or pharmacist. BEFORE USING THIS MEDICINE ALSO TELL YOUR DOCTOR if you have chest pains, heart disease, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. Also tell your doctor if you smoke, if you have had a heart attack, if you have liver or kidney disease, are post-menopausal, or have had any seizures. Keep your doctor informed if you develop any of these conditions while you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines can cause dizziness. RARELY, VISION LOSS AND BLINDNESS, sometimes permanent, has been reported with use of this medicine. If you experience unusual vision changes or vision loss, contact your doctor immediately. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, or feeling sick. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience wheezing; tightness in the jaw, neck, or chest; chest pain; heart throbbing; unusual vision changes or loss of vision; severe stomach pain; or bloody diarrhea. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY AND DO NOT USE ANY MORE OF THIS MEDICINE if you experience shortness of breath, swelling of the eyelids, face, or lips, or develop a skin rash or hives. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Sumatriptan