Eletriptan

About eletriptan

This belongs to the group of medicines known as 5-HT1 agonists.

Eletriptan is used to treat migraine attacks.

Research has shown that migraine can be caused by the enlargement of blood vessels around the brain. Eletriptan eases the pain associated with migraine by narrowing these blood vessels.

Eletriptan is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Relpax. You may notice the use of either of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before taking eletriptan

Before taking eletriptan make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby, or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from heart, liver or kidney problems
• if you are under 18 or over 65 years of age
• if you suffer from Prinzmetal's angina, hypertension (high blood pressure) or circulatory problems such as Raynaud's disease
• if you have ever suffered from a heart attack or a stroke
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary such as St John’s Wort.

How to take eletriptan

• Take eletriptan exactly as directed by your doctor. Eletriptan is used to treat migraines once they occur, not to prevent them from happening.
• eletriptan should not be used in combination with migraine treatments containing ergotamine. If you have been taking an ergotamine preparation you must leave a gap of 24 hours before taking eletriptan. A gap of 24 hours after taking eletriptan is also needed before taking ergotamine. If in doubt ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take one dose at the start of the attack. If your migraine comes back, one further dose may be taken two hours after the first dose. If your migraine is not helped by the first dose, do not take a second dose. Do not take more than four tablets in any 24 hours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of eletriptan contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, including herbal or complementary medicines, check with your pharmacist which ones are safe for you to take alongside eletriptan.
• eletriptan can cause dizziness. Make sure you know how you react to eletriptan before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• eletriptan can cause a dry mouth. This can be relieved by sucking sugar-free sweets, pieces of ice or chewing sugar-free gum. If your mouth becomes too dry speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Can eletriptan cause problems?

Along with their desired effects all medicines can cause unwanted symptoms, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor if any of the following symptoms continue or become troublesome.

Flushing (redness in the face), dizziness, feeling of weakness, tiredness, diarrhoea, feeling or being sick, dry mouth, a fast or fluttering heartbeat, problems with eyesight, indigestion, tummy pain, lack of co-ordination, weakness, drowsiness, trembling, feeling agitated, blocked up nose, itching or rash, problems with speech or taste, loss of appetite, loss of voice, swollen tongue, thirst, tinnitus, mood changes, confusion, breathlessness, problems sleeping, passing water more frequently, muscle or joint pain or sweating.

Important: You may also experience sensations of tingling, heat, heaviness, pressure or tightness in any part of the body, including the throat and chest. If this sensation becomes too intense, stop taking eletriptan and contact your doctor as soon as possible.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store eletriptan

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 20/10/2005