Ergotamine sublingual tablets

What are ergotamine sublingual tablets?

ERGOTAMINE (Ergomar® and others) is a medicine known as an ergot alkaloid. Ergotamine helps to treat certain kinds of migraine and cluster headaches. This medication should only be used as soon as you know a headache is starting, to help stop the acute attack. Generic ergotamine sublingual tablets are available.

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

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

• blood clots

• chest pain

• history of heart attacks

• heart or blood vessel disease

• high blood pressure

• high cholesterol

• infection

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• lung disease

• poor circulation

• tobacco smoker

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

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take ergotamine sublingual tablets by mouth. Place the tablet under the tongue. Allow the tablet to completely dissolve under the tongue. Do NOT chew or swallow the tablet. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply since you only take ergotamine when you actually have a headache. Do not take double or extra doses. Do not exceed the daily or weekly limits on the product label. Ask your prescriber if you are uncertain what these limits are.

What drug(s) may interact with ergotamine?

Do not use any of the following migraine drugs within 24 hours of this medicine: almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, or zolmitriptan. Also, do not use this drug with caffeine-ergotamine combinations (example: Cafergot® or Wigraine®); dihydroergotamine (DHE®, Migranal®); methysergide (Sansert®); ergonovine; or methylergonovine (Methergine®).

Ergotamine may also interact with:

• antibiotics such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, and troleandomycin

• antifungal drugs like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole or voriconazole

• aprepitant

• bromocriptine

• cabergoline

• cocaine

• danazol

• ergoloid mesylates (Hydergine®)

• herbal products like feverfew or guarana

• fluoxetine

• fluvoxamine

• grapefruit juice

• imatinib, STI-571

• medicines for colds, flu, or breathing difficulties

• medicines for high blood pressure

• medicines or herbal products to decrease weight or appetite

• metronidazole

• nefazodone

• nicotine

• some medications for the treatment of HIV infection or AIDS

• zileuton

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking ergotamine?

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

It is important to tell your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible if you get any of the following side effects: cold, numb, or painful hands or feet; leg cramps when walking; any type of pain around your chest; swelling; itching.

Ergotamine tablets decrease 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.

Alcohol can make headaches worse or bring on a new headache. Therefore, you should avoid alcoholic drinks. Because smoking can increase side effects of ergotamine, you should avoid smoking.

If you are going to have any type of surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking ergotamine.

What side effects may I notice from taking ergotamine?

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

• blurred vision

• chest pain or tightness

• cold hands or feet

• confusion

• decrease in the amount of urine passed

• difficulty breathing

• fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat

• fever or chills

• itching

• leg or arm pain or cramps

• seizures

• stomach pain

• swelling of hands, ankles, or feet

• tingling, pain or numbness in feet or hands

• vomiting

• weakness

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

• nausea

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

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. Keep container tightly closed.