DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Sumatriptan

March 21, 2017

Sumatriptan Nasal spray, solution

What is this medicine?

SUMATRIPTAN (soo ma TRIP tan) is used to treat migraines with or without aura. An aura is a strange feeling or visual disturbance that warns you of an attack. It is not used to prevent migraines.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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

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

  • circulation problems in fingers and toes

  • diabetes

  • heart disease

  • high blood pressure

  • high cholesterol

  • history of irregular heartbeat

  • history of stroke

  • kidney disease

  • liver disease

  • postmenopausal or surgical removal of uterus and ovaries

  • seizures

  • smoke tobacco

  • stomach or intestine problems

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

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for use in the nose. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine is taken at the first symptoms of a migraine. It is not for everyday use. 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.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

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

What may interact with this medicine?

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

  • cocaine

  • ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine

  • feverfew

  • MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

  • other medicines for migraine headache like almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan

  • tryptophan

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Only take this medicine for a migraine headache. Take it if you get warning symptoms or at the start of a migraine attack. It is not for regular use to prevent migraine attacks.

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.

Smoking cigarettes may increase the risk of heart-related side effects from using this medicine.

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.

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

  • bloody or watery diarrhea

  • hallucination, loss of contact with reality

  • pain, tingling, numbness in the face, hands, or feet

  • seizures

  • signs and symptoms of a blood clot such as breathing problems; changes in vision; chest pain; severe, sudden headache; pain, swelling, warmth in the leg; trouble speaking; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg

  • signs and symptoms of a dangerous change in heartbeat or heart rhythm like chest pain; dizziness; fast or irregular heartbeat; palpitations, feeling faint or lightheaded; falls; breathing problems

  • signs and symptoms of a stroke like changes in vision; confusion; trouble speaking or understanding; severe headaches; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg; trouble walking; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination

  • stomach pain

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

  • changes in taste

  • facial flushing

  • headache

  • muscle cramps

  • muscle pain

  • nausea, vomiting

  • weak or tired

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 2 and 30 degrees C (36 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Sumatriptan Succinate Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

SUMATRIPTAN (soo ma TRIP tan) is used to treat migraines with or without aura. An aura is a strange feeling or visual disturbance that warns you of an attack. It is not used to prevent migraines.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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

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

  • circulation problems in fingers and toes

  • diabetes

  • heart disease

  • high blood pressure

  • high cholesterol

  • history of irregular heartbeat

  • history of stroke

  • kidney disease

  • liver disease

  • postmenopausal or surgical removal of uterus and ovaries

  • seizures

  • smoke tobacco

  • stomach or intestine problems

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

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine is taken at the first symptoms of a migraine. It is not for everyday use. If your migraine headache returns after one dose, you can take another dose as directed. You must leave at least 2 hours between doses, and do not take more than 100 mg as a single dose. Do not take more than 200 mg total in any 24 hour period. If there is no improvement at all after the first dose, do not take a second dose without talking to your doctor or health care professional. 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.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

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

What may interact with this medicine?

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

  • cocaine

  • ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine

  • feverfew

  • MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

  • other medicines for migraine headache like almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan

  • tryptophan

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Only take this medicine for a migraine headache. Take it if you get warning symptoms or at the start of a migraine attack. It is not for regular use to prevent migraine attacks.

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.

Smoking cigarettes may increase the risk of heart-related side effects from using this medicine.

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.

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

  • bloody or watery diarrhea

  • hallucination, loss of contact with reality

  • pain, tingling, numbness in the face, hands, or feet

  • seizures

  • signs and symptoms of a blood clot such as breathing problems; changes in vision; chest pain; severe, sudden headache; pain, swelling, warmth in the leg; trouble speaking; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg

  • signs and symptoms of a dangerous change in heartbeat or heart rhythm like chest pain; dizziness; fast or irregular heartbeat; palpitations, feeling faint or lightheaded; falls; breathing problems

  • signs and symptoms of a stroke like changes in vision; confusion; trouble speaking or understanding; severe headaches; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg; trouble walking; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination

  • stomach pain

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

  • changes in taste

  • facial flushing

  • headache

  • muscle cramps

  • muscle pain

  • nausea, vomiting

  • weak or tired

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 2 and 30 degrees C (36 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Sumatriptan Succinate Solution for injection

What is this medicine?

SUMATRIPTAN (soo ma TRIP tan) is used to treat migraines with or without aura. An aura is a strange feeling or visual disturbance that warns you of an attack. It is not used to prevent migraines.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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

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

  • circulation problems in fingers and toes

  • diabetes

  • heart disease

  • high blood pressure

  • high cholesterol

  • history of irregular heartbeat

  • history of stroke

  • kidney disease

  • liver disease

  • postmenopausal or surgical removal of uterus and ovaries

  • seizures

  • smoke tobacco

  • stomach or intestine problems

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

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection under the skin. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Only use this medicine at the first symptoms of a migraine. It is not for everyday use. If you are using an autoinjector, read the instruction leaflet carefully. A single injection is given just under the skin. Before you make an injection, clean and examine your skin. Do not inject at a place where the skin is damaged or infected. If your symptoms return you can use a second injection. If there is no improvement at all in your symptoms after the first injection, call your doctor or health care professional. Wait at least 1 hour between doses and do not use more than 6 mg as a single dose. Do not use more than 12 mg total in any 24 hour period. Do not use your medicine more often than directed.

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

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

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

What may interact with this medicine?

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

  • cocaine

  • ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine

  • feverfew

  • MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

  • other medicines for migraine headache like almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan

  • tryptophan

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Only take this medicine for a migraine headache. Take it if you get warning symptoms or at the start of a migraine attack. It is not for regular use to prevent migraine attacks.

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. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Smoking cigarettes may increase the risk of heart-related side effects from using this medicine.

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.

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

  • bloody or watery diarrhea

  • hallucination, loss of contact with reality

  • pain, tingling, numbness in the face, hands, or feet

  • seizures

  • signs and symptoms of a blood clot such as breathing problems; changes in vision; chest pain; severe, sudden headache; pain, swelling, warmth in the leg; trouble speaking; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg

  • signs and symptoms of a dangerous change in heartbeat or heart rhythm like chest pain; dizziness; fast or irregular heartbeat; palpitations, feeling faint or lightheaded; falls; breathing problems

  • signs and symptoms of a stroke like changes in vision; confusion; trouble speaking or understanding; severe headaches; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg; trouble walking; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination

  • stomach pain

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

  • changes in taste

  • facial flushing

  • headache

  • muscle cramps

  • muscle pain

  • nausea, vomiting

  • pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected

  • weak or tired

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 2 and 30 degrees C (36 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Make sure you receive a puncture-resistant container to dispose of the needles and syringes once you have finished with them. Do not reuse these items. Return the container to your health care professional for proper disposal. Keep the autoinjector device.

Sumatriptan Transdermal patch - iontophorectic

What is this medicine?

SUMATRIPTAN (soo ma TRIP tan) is used to treat migraines with or without aura. An aura is a strange feeling or visual disturbance that warns you of an attack. It is not used to prevent migraines.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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

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

  • circulation problems in fingers and toes

  • diabetes

  • have or have had any side effects caused by the use of medical electronic devices

  • heart disease

  • high blood pressure

  • high cholesterol

  • history of irregular heartbeat

  • history of stroke

  • kidney disease

  • liver disease

  • postmenopausal or surgical removal of uterus and ovaries

  • seizures

  • skin conditions or sensitivity

  • smoke tobacco

  • stomach or intestine problems

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

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for external use only. Only use this medicine at the first symptoms of a migraine. It is not for everyday use. Do not cut the patch. Apply to an area of the upper arm or thigh that is clean and relatively hairless. Do not apply to other areas of the body. Follow the directions in the instructions for use booklet that comes with your medicine. The patch must be activated within 15 minutes of starting step one (pull tabs) in the instructions for use. You may tape down the patch with medical tape if it starts to peel off. Keep the patch dry. Do not bathe, shower, or swim while wearing the patch. If your headache comes back or you only get some relief from your headache, you may apply a second patch to your other arm or thigh, at least 2 hours after the activation of the first patch. Do not apply any more than 2 patches in 24 hours.

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

Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

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

What may interact with this medicine?

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

  • cocaine

  • ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine

  • feverfew

  • MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

  • other medicines for migraine headache like almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan

  • tryptophan

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Only take this medicine for a migraine headache. Take it if you get warning symptoms or at the start of a migraine attack. It is not for regular use to prevent migraine attacks.

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.

Smoking cigarettes may increase the risk of heart-related side effects from using this medicine.

If you are going to have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedure, tell your MRI technician if you have this patch on your body. This patch must be removed before a MRI.

If you experience moderate or severe pain at the patch site, immediately remove the patch and contact your health care professional.

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.

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

  • bloody or watery diarrhea

  • hallucination, loss of contact with reality

  • pain, tingling, itching, warmth, discomfort, or a change in skin color at the site where patch worn

  • pain, tingling, numbness in the face, hands, or feet

  • seizures

  • signs and symptoms of a blood clot such as breathing problems; changes in vision; chest pain; severe, sudden headache; pain, swelling, warmth in the leg; trouble speaking; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg

  • signs and symptoms of a dangerous change in heartbeat or heart rhythm like chest pain; dizziness; fast or irregular heartbeat; palpitations, feeling faint or lightheaded; falls; breathing problems

  • signs and symptoms of a stroke like changes in vision; confusion; trouble speaking or understanding; severe headaches; sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg; trouble walking; dizziness; loss of balance or coordination

  • stomach pain

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

  • changes in taste

  • facial flushing

  • headache

  • muscle cramps

  • muscle pain

  • nausea, vomiting

  • weak or tired

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Fold the used patch so the sticky side sticks to itself and safely throw it away. The patch contains lithium-manganese dioxide batteries. Talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider about how to follow state and local regulations when throwing away.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert