Generic Name: SUMATRIPTAN TABLET - ORAL
Pronounced: (sue-muh-TRIP-tan)

Imitrex Oral Precautions

See also How to Use section.

Before using sumatriptan, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other triptan drugs (e.g., zolmitriptan, rizatriptan); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be taken if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have a history of:

• heart disease (e.g., chest pain, heart attack)
• decreased blood flow in the brain (e.g., stroke, transient ischemic attack)
• blood circulation disease (e.g., ischemic bowel disease)
• uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension)
• certain types of headaches (hemiplegic or basilar migraine)
• liver disease

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• certain blood circulation disorders (e.g., Raynaud's disease)
• seizures

Tell your doctor if you have the following risk factors for heart disease:

• diabetes
• family history of heart disease
• high blood pressure (controlled)
• high cholesterol
• overweight
• smoker
• female after menopause
• male over age 40

If you are at high risk for heart disease, your doctor may want to check your heart before prescribing sumatriptan.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

The risk of heart disease, liver disease, and high blood pressure increases with age. The manufacturer does not recommend the use of sumatriptan in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the side effects, including an increase in blood pressure.

This medication should be taken only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Avoid breastfeeding for at least 12 hours after taking sumatriptan. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Imitrex Oral Side Effects

Flushing, sensations of tingling/numbness/prickling/heat, weakness, drowsiness, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Chest/jaw/neck tightness can commonly occur shortly after using sumatriptan. Only rarely are these signs of a serious condition. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a serious reaction related to a lack of blood flow to the heart, brain or other parts of the body. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these unlikely but very serious (rarely fatal) side effects occur:

---