Almotriptan (By mouth)

Introduction:

Almotriptan (al-moe-TRIP-tan)

Treats migraine headaches.

Brand Name(s):

Axert

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to almotriptan, or if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, a history of heart attack or stroke, or certain heart problems. Talk with your doctor about what these heart problems are. Do not take almotriptan within 24 hours after taking another migraine headache medicine such as dihydroergotamine (DHE 45®, Migranal®), ergotamine (Cafergot®, Ergomar®, Wigraine®), methysergide (Sansert®), naratriptan (Amerge®), rizatriptan (Maxalt®), sumatriptan (Imitrex®), or zolmitriptan (Zomig®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • You may take this medicine with or without food.
  • When you feel a migraine headache starting, take 1 dose of this medicine.
  • If your headache comes back, you may take a second dose of medicine. Wait at least 2 hours after the first dose before taking this second dose.
  • If your headache does not improve at all after the first dose of medicine, do not take a second dose. Call your doctor. You may not have a migraine type of headache if the medicine does not help after 1 dose.
  • Do not use more than 2 doses in any 24-hour period. Do not use this medicine for more than 4 headaches in any 30-day period, unless your doctor tells you to.
  • This medicine should be used to treat only migraine headaches that have already started. Do not use this medicine to prevent migraine headaches, and do not use it to treat any other type of headache. If you have a severe headache and do not know the cause, call your doctor.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using medicine to treat fungal infections (such as fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, Diflucan®, Nizoral®, Sporanox®), medicine for depression (such as trazodone, Celexa®, Effexor®, Luvox®, Paxil®, Prozac®, Serzone®, Zoloft®), medicines to treat HIV/AIDS (Agenerase®, Crixivan®, Invirase®, Kalitra®, Norvir®, Sustiva®, Viracept®), or antibiotics (such as erythromycin, Biaxin®), or an MAO inhibitor (Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or liver disease.
  • This medicine may cause problems if you have heart disease. If your doctor thinks you might have a problem with this medicine, he or she may want you to take your first dose in the doctor's office or clinic.
  • You may have a higher risk of heart disease if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, or if you smoke, are overweight, have a family history of heart disease, are a man over 40 years old, or are a woman who has had a hysterectomy or has gone through menopause. Make sure your doctor knows if you have any of these risk factors before you begin using almotriptan.
  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
  • Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
  • Pain, tightness, or pressure in your chest, throat, neck, or jaw area
  • Pale, cool, or blotchy skin, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
  • Severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea
  • Sudden severe headache (other than the one being treated)
  • Trouble seeing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Dry mouth
  • Mild nausea
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