Sumatriptan Injection

What is this medication?

SUMATRIPTAN (soo ma TRIP tan) treats migraines and cluster headaches. It works by blocking pain signals and narrowing blood vessels in the brain. It belongs to a group of medications called triptans. It is not used to prevent headaches or migraines.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Alsuma, Imitrex, Imitrex STAT dose, Sumavel DosePro System, ZEMBRACE

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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

• Cigarette smoker
• 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
• Stomach or intestine problems
• An unusual or allergic reaction to sumatriptan, latex, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for injection under the skin. You will be taught how to prepare and give this medication. Use exactly as directed. Do not take your medication more often than directed.

Talk to your care team regarding the use of this medication 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 medication is not for regular use.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Certain medications for migraine headache like almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan
• Ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disorders

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 medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand up 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 medication.

Tell your care team right away if you have any change in your eyesight.

If you take migraine medications for 10 or more days a month, your migraines may get worse. Keep a diary of headache days and medication use. Contact your care team if your migraine attacks occur more frequently.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Burning, pain, tingling, or color changes in the legs or feet
• Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
• Increase in blood pressure
• Raynaud's—cool, numb, or painful fingers or toes that may change color from pale, to blue, to red
• Seizures
• Serotonin syndrome—irritability, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, twitching muscles, sweating, high fever, seizure, chills, vomiting, diarrhea
• Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
• Sudden or severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, or bloody diarrhea
• Vision loss

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

• Dizziness
• Facial flushing, redness
• General discomfort or fatigue

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 medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

You will be instructed on how to store this medication. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date on the label.

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.