Sumatriptan (Injection)

Sumatriptan (soo-ma-TRIP-tan)

Treats migraine and cluster headaches.

Brand Name(s):

Imitrex
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to sumatriptan, or if you have a history of certain heart or blood vessel disorders, stroke, ischemic bowel disease, or severe liver disease. You should not receive this medicine if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, or if you are also using any ergotamine medicine (such as D.H.E. 45®, Migranal®, Cafergot®) or an MAO inhibitor (Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• If your headache does not go away after using this medicine, do not use a second dose. Call your doctor for instructions.
• If your headache goes away but comes back, a second dose may be needed. Wait at least 1 hour has passed since your first dose. If you feel you need to use the medicine more than 2 times in one day, call your doctor.
• You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.
• Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
• Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• 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.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using medicine for depression (such as trazodone, Celexa®, Effexor®, Luvox®, Paxil®, Prozac®, Serzone®, Zoloft®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney disease, diabetes, epilepsy, or a family history of coronary artery disease.
• Tell your doctor if you smoke, if you are over 40, or if you have gone through menopause.
• This medicine may make you dizzy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

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 face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Numbness or tingling in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
• Stomach pain, diarrhea, blood in stools
• Tightness or discomfort in your chest, neck, or jaw

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

• Discomfort in the nose or throat
• Feeling of warmth or being too hot
• Muscle weakness

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