Type of medicine: antimigraine
Generic and brand names: sumatriptan succinate, injection; Sumavel DosePro; sumatriptan, injection; Alsuma; Imitrex Injection
This medicine is given by injection (shots) to relieve the pain of acute migraine headaches and cluster 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, past menopause, or if you have a family history of heart disease or stroke.
Do not take this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor antidepressant in the past 2 weeks.
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.
It is best to use this medicine as soon as your symptoms of a migraine or cluster headache start, but it may be given at any time during an attack.
If you do not feel better after the first injection, do not give a second injection for the same attack without talking with your healthcare provider. You may be told to give a second injection at least 1 hour after your first dose. Do not take more than two doses of this medicine in 24 hours.
The shots are given just under the skin. Your healthcare provider will determine the exact dosage.
You can give yourself these shots or have someone at home give them to you. Be sure you know how and when to have shots. Read the Patient Instructions for Use that come with the medicine before you start using it and each time you get a refill. There may be new information.
Use each injection device only once and dispose of it safely, following your healthcare provider's instructions.
Carefully read and follow the directions that come in the package of medicine for preparing the shots. Wash your hands before using this medicine.
Do not take other migraine medicines within 24 hours of a dose of this medicine.
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: tremors, skin redness, trouble breathing, slow breathing, blue-colored lips or fingernails, large pupils, weakness, lack of coordination, being unable to move, seizures.
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; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Jaw or neck tightness, chest pain, irregular or rapid heartbeat, severe headache, sudden or severe abdominal pain, vision changes.
Other: Bleeding, swelling, redness, bruising and pain at the injection site; mild nausea or vomiting; dizziness; drowsiness; tiredness; mild flushing or tingling sensation; muscle pain; nose or throat discomfort; sweating weakness.
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 medicine in its original containers. 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 medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
