Type of medicine: antimigraine
Generic and brand names: almotriptan maleate, oral; Axert
This medicine is taken by mouth to relieve the pain of acute migraine headaches in adults. It will not prevent migraine headaches or reduce the number you may have. This medicine is not intended to treat other types of headaches. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Talk with your healthcare provider if you have any risk factors for heart disease such as diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, being overweight, or a family history of heart disease or stroke. Women who have had a hysterectomy or are past menopause and men over the age of 40 are also at risk for heart disease.
Do not take this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor antidepressant within the last 14 days.
Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Take 1 dose with water when you start getting a migraine. If approved by your healthcare provider, you may take a second dose at least 2 hours after the first dose if the migraine returns. If the first dose is not effective, DO NOT take a second dose unless your healthcare provider approves. If you are not sure of the directions for taking this medicine, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to explain.
Do not take more than 2 tablets of this medicine within a 24-hour period.
Do not take other migraine medicines within 24 hours of a dose of this medicine. Overuse of migraine headache medicine can make your headaches worse.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: severe headache, chest pain, lightheadedness, irregular heartbeat.
This medicine may cause serious heart problems, stroke, or increased blood pressure. If you develop tightness or pain in your chest, jaw, or neck, contact your healthcare provider right away.
This medicine may cause serotonin syndrome, which can be life-threatening. It may also be caused by taking this medicine in combination with other medicines. These medicines include antidepressants, medicines to treat migraines, pain medicines, some cough medicines, St. John’s wort, and others. Make sure that your providers know ALL of the medicines that you take. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have:
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
Do not smoke while using this medicine. Smoking may increase your risk of side effects.
If you have more than 4 migraine attacks a month, ask your healthcare provider what to do.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening: (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help.): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; chest pain or tightness in your chest; trouble breathing; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat); sudden confusion or severe weakness; sudden or unexplained headache; problems with speech, vision, or balance.
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Jaw or neck tightness; chest pain; irregular or rapid heartbeat; hallucinations; sudden or severe abdominal pain; bloody or severe diarrhea; pale or blue-colored hands or feet; numbness or tingling in hands or feet; severe nausea or vomiting; unexplained fever; unusual sweating; unusual muscle stiffness; severe nervousness; vision changes.
Other: Nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; depression; tiredness; ringing in the ears; nervousness; tremor; mild flushing or tingling sensation; muscle or joint pain; sore throat; dry mouth; constipation; weight gain; ankle swelling; sweating; eye pain; weakness; confusion.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicines in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
