Before taking sumatriptan

Before taking sumatriptan make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are aged over 65 years or under 18 years old.
• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have heart problems, especially if you have recently had a heart attack.
• If you have high blood pressure.
• If you have liver or kidney problems.
• If you have problems with your circulation.
• If you have ever had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (also referred to as a TIA or 'mini-stroke').
• If you have ever had a fit.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine. It is particularly important that you tell your doctor if you have ever had a bad reaction to a sulfonamide antibacterial (such as co-trimoxazole and sulfadiazine).
• If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take sumatriptan

• Take sumatriptan exactly as your doctor has told you. Make sure you know how to administer the preparation you have been given.
• Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack as well any additional information you have been given by your doctor.
• If you have been supplied the tablets: take one dose as soon as possible at the first sign of an attack, with a drink of water. If your migraine improves but then returns, you may take one further dose, providing it is at least two hours after the initial dose. Do not take more than two doses in 24 hours.
• If you have been supplied the injection: use one dose as soon as possible at the first sign of an attack. If your migraine improves but then returns, you may use one further dose, providing it is at least one hour after the initial dose. Do not administer more than two doses in 24 hours.
• If you have been supplied the nasal spray: spray one puff into one nostril at the first sign of an attack. If your migraine improves but then returns, one further puff can be sprayed into one nostril, providing it is at least two hours after your first dose. Do not administer more than two doses in 24 hours.
• If your migraine is not eased after the first dose of sumatriptan, do not take a second dose for the same attack. You may however take a painkiller such as paracetamol, aspirin, or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory preparation such as ibuprofen.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Sumatriptan is used to treat a migraine once it has started, but there are other medicines that are available that may help prevent you having migraines. If you have migraines frequently, discuss this with your doctor.
• Do not take other migraine treatments (such as other 'triptans' or ergotamine) as well as sumatriptan.
• If you find that sumatriptan does not relieve your migraine, make an appointment to discuss this with your doctor, as an alternative preparation may prove to be more effective for you.
• If you buy any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside sumatriptan.

Can sumatriptan cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

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

How to store sumatriptan

• 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

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Imigran® Tablets 50 mg Imigran® Tablets 100 mg, GlaxoSmithKline UK, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated January 2010.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Imigran® 10 mg and 20 mg Nasal Spray, GlaxoSmithKline UK, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated January 2010.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Imigran® Injection Subject, GlaxoSmithKline UK, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated January 2010.
• British National Formulary; 62nd Edition (Sep 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)