One of our forum members asked today if Stadol Masal Spray has been discontinued because her pharmacist had notified her that it was and he couldn't get it. Yes, according to the FDA, the brand name Stadol Nasal Spray has been discontinued. However, the generic, butorphanol tartrate nasal spray, is still being produced and distributed by three manufacturers -- Novex, Mylan, and Roxane. If your pharmacist says he or she cannot get Stadol or the generics, having this information could be helpful.

While we're on the subject, just what is Stadol / butorphanol?

Butorphanol is an opioid analgesic (pain killer). It is administered through injection or nasal spray. For Migraine, it is sometimes prescribed as a rescue medication for times when abortives don't work or in place of abortives for Migraineurs who cannot take them. (See Preventive, Abortive, and Rescue Medications - What's the Difference?)

Care should be taken not to use butorphanol very often as it often causes medication overuse headache, aka rebound. (See Medication Overuse Headache: When the Remedy Backfires.)

For more complete information about Stadol, see THIS PROFILE.