Sumatriptan

• For migraine headache
• Tablet for oral use
• Starts to work after about 30 minutes
• Take as soon as possible after onset of migraine attack

Sumatriptan is a painkiller that is specifically used for migraine attacks. It helps to take away the headache and relieve other symptoms of a migraine attack. Symptoms of migraine headache include:

• Severe headache, usually to one side of the head.
• Nausea, vomiting.
• Hypersensitivity to light or sound.
• The onset of a migraine may be preceded by an aura: visual disturbances such as zigzag patterns, flashing lights or colours.

Sumatriptan works only when a migraine attack has started. It will not stop you from getting an attack.

Sumatriptan should be taken as soon as possible after onset of the migraine attack. The tablet should be swallowed whole with plenty of water. Sumatriptan takes about 30 minutes to become effective.

• If symptoms are not reduced after the first dose, do NOT take a second dose for the same attack.
• If, after the first dose, your symptoms are reduced, but then return, you may take a second dose, provided you wait at least two hours between doses.

Dosage

Dosage should be determined by a doctor. The general dosage guidelines are as follows:

• Adults: The recommended starting dose is one 50mg tablet. If the symptoms return after the first dose, you may take another tablet (provided you wait at least two hours between doses). The maximum dose is 300 mg in a 24-hour period.

Sumatriptan is not recommended in children and adolescents under the age of 18 and in people above 65 years of age. The doctor may adjust the dose for patients with renal impairment.

Alcohol/driving

This medicine does not interact with alcohol.

Either the symptoms of migraine or your medicine may make you drowsy. You should avoid driving until the symptoms have passed if you are affected.

If you use more/forget to use Sumatriptan

If you take more Sumatriptan than you were told to, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you forget to take a dose of Sumatriptan, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for the forgotten one.

Sumatriptan is not suitable for everyone. Do not use this medicine if:

• You are allergic to sumatriptan or any of the other ingredients in this medicine (see section 'What Sumatriptan contains').
• You are allergic to antibiotics called sulphonamides.
• You have, or have had, heart problems, such as a heart attack, angina pectoris (chest pain upon physical activity or exertion), Prinzmetal’s angina (chest pain at rest), or heartrelated problems such as shortness of breath or chest tightness.
• You have circulation problems in your hands or feet.
• You have had a stroke or heart attack.
• You have had a stroke or a ministroke: a brief episode during which parts of the brain do not receive enough blood (also called a transient ischaemic attack or TIA).
• You have severe liver function problems.
• You have high blood pressure.
• You are taking medicines which contain ergotamine, or similar medicines such as methysergide or any triptan/5HT1 receptor agonist (medicines which are also used for treating migraine). You should not mix these medicines with Sumatriptan (see also section 'Other medicines and Sumatriptan').
• You are currently taking antidepressants called MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), or if you have taken these medicines in the last two weeks. See also section 'Other medicines and Sumatriptan'.

When should this medicine be used with caution?

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Sumatriptan if you have any extra risk factors:

• If you are a heavy smoker, or are using nicotine replacement therapy, especially if you are a woman who has been through the menopause or a man aged over 40.
• If you have a decreased liver or kidney function.
• If you have a history of fits (seizures) or if you have other conditions which might make it more likely that you’ll have a fit.
• If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to antibiotics called sulphonamides.

You should only use Sumatriptan if you have been diagnosed with migraine and if the above risk factors have been excluded.

You may feel pain or tightness in your chest after you use Sumatriptan. These effects can be intense and affect the throat, but they usually pass quickly. In very rare cases, people have developed serious heart conditions after using Sumatriptan. Therefore, if the symptoms don’t pass quickly, or they become severe, you should get medical help immediately.

Using Sumatriptan too often may make your headaches worse. Tell your doctor if this applies to you. Your doctor may recommend that you stop using Sumatriptan.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not use Sumatriptan if you are pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting a doctor first.

Other medicines and Sumatriptan

Tell your doctor if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. This includes medicines obtained without a prescription and herbal medicines. Some medicines must not be taken with Sumatriptan and others may cause adverse effects if they’re taken with Sumatriptan. You must tell your doctor if you are taking:

• Medicines which contain ergotamine and triptans/5HT receptor agonists. Don’t use Sumatriptan at the same time as these medicines. Follow the instructions in the package leaflet if you are using any of these medicines.
• MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors). Don’t use Sumatriptan if you have taken these in the last two weeks.
• SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake inhibitors) or SNRIs (Serotonin Noradrenaline Reuptake inhibitors) used to treat depression, lithium, or St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum).

Check with your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines. For more information, see the package leaflet.

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although some people may not experience any. Side effects that are known to be associated with Sumatriptan include:

Common (may affect up to 10 in 100 people):

• Dizziness.
• Sleepiness.
• Feeling of unusual sensations, including numbness or tingling.
• Temporary increase in blood pressure after administration.
• Hot flashes.
• Shortness of breath.
• Nausea or vomiting (can also be caused by the migraine attack itself).
• Heaviness, pressure, warmth or cold, tightness or pain in the chest, throat or other parts of the body. These effects may be intense but generally pass quickly.
• Aching muscles.
• Pain.
• Mild or moderate sense of weakness or tiredness (temporary).

For a complete list of side effects, see the package leaflet. Consult a doctor if the side effects are severe or if you experience side effects that are not listed in the package leaflet.

The active substance is sumatriptan. Each tablet of Sumatriptan 50 mg contains 50 mg sumatriptan (as sumatriptan succinate). Each tablet of Sumatriptan 100 mg contains 100 mg sumatriptan (as sumatriptan succinate).

Read the package leaflet before use.