Eletriptan (By Mouth)

Eletriptan Hydrobromide (el-e-trip-tan hye-droe-BROE-mide)

Treats migraine headaches.

Brand Name(s):

Relpax
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to eletriptan, or if you have severe liver disease or high blood pressure that is not under control. You should not use this medicine if you have a history of certain heart or blood vessel problems. This includes angina, heart attack, stroke, TIA, or ischemic bowel disease. Do not use this medicine within 24 hours of using a similar medicine such as Imitrex® or an ergotamine medicine such as D.H.E. 45®, Migranal®, Cafergot®, or Wigraine®.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• If your headache improves but then comes back after taking one dose of this medicine, wait at least 2 hours before taking a second dose.
• If your headache does not improve after taking one dose of this medicine, do not take a second dose without asking your doctor.
• Do not take more than 2 doses of this medicine in any 24-hour period.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine is used only when you feel a migraine headache starting. You will not use this medicine on a regular schedule.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using ketoconazole (Nizoral®), itraconazole (Sporanox®), nefazodone (Serzone®), troleandomycin (Tao®), clarithromycin (Biaxin®), ritonavir (Norvir®, Kaletra®), or nelfinavir (Viracept®). You should not use eletriptan within 72 hours of using any of these medicines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, blood circulation problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of heart problems or stroke. Make sure your doctor knows if you are going through or past menopause. Tell your doctor if you smoke.
• This medicine should be used only for classic or common migraine headaches. It will not work for any other kind of headache or pain.
• You might need to use your first dose of this medicine while you are in your doctor's office or clinic. Your doctor might want to do some tests to make sure this medicine does not cause heart problems or other side effects for you. This is more likely if you have risk factors for heart disease. Some risk factors are smoking or being overweight.
• Your doctor may need to check your progress at regular visits if you use this medicine for a long time.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Fast, slow or uneven heartbeat
• Hands or feet feeling cold, numb, or painful
• Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body
• Pain, tightness, or discomfort in your chest, neck, or jaw
• Stomach pain, diarrhea, blood in your stools
• Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking
• Trouble breathing or feeling faint, lightheaded, or dizzy

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Mild nausea, dry mouth
• Sleepiness or tiredness
• Weakness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.