IMITREX DRUG INFO

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

SUMATRIPTAN - ORAL TABLET (sue-muh-TRIP-tan)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Imitrex

USES: This medication is used to treat migraine headache attacks once they occur. It is not effective in preventing migraines. This medication is not to be used for other types of headaches.

HOW TO USE: One dose is taken by mouth at the first signs of a migraine attack. If you must take a second dose, do so exactly as instructed by your doctor. Do not take more than 200mg in a 24 hour period. Tablets are to be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew them.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may initially cause flushing, dizziness, weakness, nausea, drowsiness, stiffness, or feelings of tingling, heat, fatigue. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: heart disease, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, stroke, kidney disease, liver disease, allergies (especially drug allergies). There have been rare reports of those with sulfa drug allergies having allergic reactions to sumatriptan. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Since this medication may cause drowsiness, use caution operating machinery or engaging in activities requiring alertness and avoid alcohol because it may increase drowsiness/dizziness effects. The manufacturer does not recommend use of sumatriptan in the elderly, because they may be more sensitive to its side effects. Sumatriptan should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication is excreted into breast milk. The effects on nursing infants are unknown at this time. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter and prescription medication you take, especially of: ergotamine- containing medication, all headache drugs, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine). Do not take MAO inhibitors with sumatriptan or use sumatriptan within 2 weeks of stopping use of MAO inhibitors. Do not take any ergotamine-containing medication and sumatriptan within 24 hours of each other. Also, report the use of all antidepressants or any medications used for weight control. If you are unsure about the types of medications you take, ask your care provider or pharmacist. It is recommended to avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medication. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include tremor, chest pain, slowed breathing, and seizures.

NOTES: This medication is used to relieve a migraine attack in progress. It is not effective in preventing migraine attacks.

MISSED DOSE: Take this medication only when a migraine attack occurs as directed. This is not taken routinely. Never "double-up" the dose.

STORAGE: Store this medication at 15 to 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.

FIORICET DRUG INFO

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

BUTALBITAL/ACETAMINOPHEN/CAFFEINE - ORAL (byou-TAL-bih-tall/uh-seet-uh-MEE-no-fen/kaff-EEN)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Esgic, Fioricet

USES: This medication is a pain reliever and sedative. It is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and tension headaches.

HOW TO USE: To prevent upset stomach, take this medication with food or milk. Pain medications work best in preventing pain before it occurs. Once the pain becomes intense, the medication is not as effective in relieving it. Take this as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take it more frequently without your doctor's approval.

SIDE EFFECTS: May cause lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, stomach upset, nausea, and sleeping disturbances the first few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop: a rapid/ irregular heartbeat. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: serious liver disease, alcohol or narcotic dependence, emotional/mental conditions, heart disease (arrhythmias, recent MI), stomach/intestinal ulcers, any allergies. Acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with acetaminophen, may increase your risk for liver damage. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. To prevent oversedation, avoid using alcohol and other sedative type medications while taking this. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. This medication contains caffeine. Avoid drinking large amounts of caffeinated beverages while taking this medication as excessive nervousness and irritability can occur. This medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Small amounts of this medication appear in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" Tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine). Because this medication contains acetaminophen, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medications containing acetaminophen which is commonly found in nonprescription pain relievers and cough-and-cold products. Read labels carefully to check ingredients. This drug may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Discuss using other methods of birth control with your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include vomiting, unusual drowsiness, lack of feeling alert, slow or shallow breathing, cold or clammy skin, loss of consciousness, dark urine, stomach pain, and extreme fatigue.

NOTES: Do not share this product with others.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.