Methylergonovine tablets

What is this medicine?

METHYLERGONOVINE (meth il er goe NOE veen) is one of a group of medicines known as ergot alkaloids. It used to prevent or to treat excessive bleeding after child birth.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

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

• chest pain or tightness

• confusion

• fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat

• fever or chills

• hallucinations

• increased bleeding

• leg or arm pain or cramps

• passing tissue or large clots

• seizures

• swelling of hands, ankles, or feet

• tingling, pain or numbness in feet or hands

• unusually weak or tired

• vomiting

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

• change in taste

• diarrhea

• headache

• nausea

• stomach cramps

• temporary ringing of ears

What may interact with this medicine?

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

• certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, or troleandomycin

• cocaine

• grapefruit juice

• imatinib

• medicines for colds, flu, or breathing difficulties

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

• medicines used to induce labor

• medicines used to treat migraines like almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, or zolmitriptan

• midodrine

• nefazodone

• other ergot alkaloids like ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, or methysergide

• some medicines for high blood pressure or chest pain

• some medicines for the treatment of HIV infection or AIDS

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• clotrimazole

• fluconazole

• fluoxetine

• fluvoxamine

• zileuton

What if I miss a dose?

Do not take the missed dose. Take only the next dose according to your normal schedule. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store tablets at room temperature below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. 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:

• high blood pressure

• infection

• kidney or liver disease

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

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding (this medicine may be used with care for up to 7 days without interfering with breast-feeding)

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Do not use tampons, have sex, or use douches until the bleeding has stopped and your doctor allows return to normal activities. Follow the instructions for your condition.