- Find
- Manage
- Resources
Q: what happens when you give Imitrex Im instead of Subcu
MUSCOY,
The reason Imitrex is not to be give IV is that it can cause blood vessels in the heart to spasm if injected IV. The STATDose injector has a very short needle for injecting under the skin (subcutaneously).
If you have somehow mistakenly injected Imitrex IV, please call your docotr or the closest emergency room for advice.
Teri
Probably not, but only your doctor can answer this with certainty. Imitrex still should not be injected any way but subcutaneously. If you've accidentally injected it IM, it couldn't hurt to call your doctor or the ER and ask them.
Are you OK?
Teri
I called the ER and they said it would probably cause pain at the injectoin site but I was concerned with what could happen to besides that.
Good. Thanks for getting back to me. I was concerned.
Do you still have the directions from your prescription? One of the sheets should have a diagram of where and how to inject.
Hope you feel better soon!
Teri
Hope you didn't do this! Could cause a heart attack. 
My husband was given Imitrex IV by an emergency room nurse (who was immediately fired). Immediately he thought he was going to die, got all hot and didnt know what was going on. It basically gave him a small stroke. One side of his body was weak for quite a few days afterward. He had to do physical therapy and use a walker for a couple weeks.
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
what If it is given IM in the butt. could it cause the same as if it were given IV