Sumatriptan

About Sumatriptan

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

Sumatriptan is used to treat migraine attacks and cluster headaches.

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

Sumatriptan is available in tablet, nasal spray and injection form.

It is also sometimes known as: Imigran; Imigran Subject; Imigran RADIS. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Sumatriptan

Before taking Sumatriptan make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby, or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from heart, liver, kidney or blood pressure problems
• if you suffer from Prinzmetal's angina, circulatory problems such as Raynaud's disease or if you have recently suffered a heart attack or 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 and complementary medicines

How to Take Sumatriptan

• Take Sumatriptan exactly as directed by your doctor.
• If you have been supplied Sumatriptan tablets: Take one dose, as directed by your doctor, at the onset of your attack. If your migraine returns, one further dose can be taken at least two hours after the initial dose. If your migraine is not eased after the first dose do not take the second dose. No more than two doses to be taken in 24 hours.
• If you have been supplied Sumatriptan injection: Inject one dose, as directed by your doctor, at the onset of your attack. If your migraine returns, one further dose can be administered at least one hour after the initial dose. If your migraine is not eased after the first dose do not use the second dose. No more than two doses to be administered in 24 hours.
• If you have been supplied Sumatriptan nasal spray: Spray one puff into one nostril at onset of attack. If your migraine returns, one further puff can be sprayed into one nostril at least two hours after initial dose. If your migraine is not eased after the first dose do not administer the second dose. No more than two doses to be administered in 24 hours.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Sumatriptan 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.
• Sumatriptan 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

• Sumatriptan can cause drowsiness or dizziness. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside Sumatriptan
• Sumatriptan 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 Sumatriptan. A gap of 24 hours after taking Sumatriptan is also needed before taking ergotamine. If in doubt ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Can Sumatriptan cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted symptoms. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist 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, tinnitus, mood changes, muscle 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 Sumatriptan 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 Sumatriptan

• 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: 24/02/2005