Methylergonovine Maleate (By Mouth)

Methylergonovine Maleate (meth-il-er-goe-NOE-veen MAL-ee-ate)

Prevents bleeding from the uterus that can happen after childbirth or after an abortion. Belongs to a class of drugs called ergot alkaloids.

Brand Name(s):

Methergine
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 methylergonovine, or to related medicines such as ergonovine or ergotamine (Cafergot®, Bellergal®). Patients who are pregnant or have toxemia should not take methylergonovine.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take this medicine exactly as your doctor ordered.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose of methylergonovine, You should not use the missed dose at all, just return to your regular dosing schedule.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines: bromocriptine (Parlodel®), or other ergot alkaloids such as Hydergine®, Sansert®, or Cafergot®.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Check with your doctor before taking if you have heart, kidney, or liver disease, high blood pressure, an infection, Raynaud's syndrome, or have had a stroke.
• Talk with your doctor before use if you are breastfeeding.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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

• Irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Trouble breathing
• Severe headache, blurred vision
• Tingling of the fingers, toes, or feet

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

• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea or stomach pain
• Headache
• Sweating

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