Ergotamine sublingual tablets

What is this medicine?

ERGOTAMINE (er GOT a meen) is part of a group of medicines known as ergot alkaloids. It is used to treat vascular headaches or migraines.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Place the tablet under the tongue and allow it to completely dissolve. Do NOT chew or swallow the tablet. Follow the directions on the prescription label. For best results take this medicine at the start of a migraine headache. Do not take this medicine every day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• changes in vision

• chest pain

• cold, discolored hands or feet

• confusion

• decrease in the amount of urine passed

• fast or slow heartbeat

• fever

• high blood pressure

• itching

• muscle pains

• numbness, tingling in fingers, toes

• swelling of ankles, feet, hands

• weakness in the legs

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, troleandomycin

• conivaptan

• grapefruit juice

• herbal supplements with Ephedra, Ma huang, feverfew

• isoproterenol

• medicines for colds, congestion

• medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole

• medicines for migraines or nausea like eletriptan, naratriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan

• medicines or herbal products to decrease weight or appetite

• other ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, methylergonovine

• some medicines for HIV

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• clotrimazole

• fluconazole

• fluoxetine

• metronidazole

• nefazodone

• nicotine in chewing tobacco, cigarettes

• propanolol

• zileuton

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply; this medicine is not for regular use.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep in foil package until ready to use. Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• chest pain or difficulty breathing

• heart or blood vessel disease

• high blood pressure

• infection

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• poor circulation

• risk factors for heart disease such as smoking

• an unusual or allergic reaction to ergotamine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Check with your doctor or health care professional if you do not get relief from your headaches after using this medicine. You may need to be changed to a different kind of medicine to treat your headaches.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness, dizziness and flushing. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine decreases the circulation of blood to your skin, fingers, and toes. You may get more sensitive to the cold. Elderly patients are more likely to feel this effect. Dress warmly and avoid long exposure to the cold.

If you take migraine medicines for 10 or more days a month, your migraines may get worse. Keep a diary of headache days and medicine use. Contact your healthcare professional if your migraine attacks occur more frequently.