Sign inBefore taking ergotamine
Before taking ergotamine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you suffer from kidney, liver or thyroid problems.
- If you suffer from Raynaud's syndrome.
- If you suffer from heart or blood circulation problems.
- If you suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure) or porphyria (a rare blood disorder).
- If you smoke.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.
How to take ergotamine
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor. Never take more than your prescribed dose of ergotamine.
If you have been given ergotamine tablets:
- As soon as you feel you are getting a migraine, take 1 or 2 tablets as directed by your doctor.
- Do not take more than 4 tablets in 24 hours and leave at least 4 days before taking any more tablets, if required.
- Never take more than 8 tablets in one week.
If you have been given ergotamine suppositories:
- Wash your hands before and after using the suppositories.
- As soon as you feel you are getting a migraine, insert 1 suppository into the back passage (rectum) as directed by your doctor. If this provides no relief, 1 further suppository may be inserted into the rectum.
- Do not use more than 2 suppositories in 24 hours and leave at least 4 days before using any more suppositories, if required.
- Never use more than 4 suppositories in one week.
Getting the most from your treatment
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
- Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
- Ergotamine must not be taken on a daily basis to prevent migraine.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Can ergotamine cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Dizziness | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert |
| Stomach pain, feeling or being sick | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store ergotamine
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Cafergot® Tablets, Alliance Pharmaceuticals, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated March 2009, accessed October 2010.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Cafergot® Suppositories, Alliance Pharmaceuticals, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated March 2009, accessed October 2010.
- British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)