Download Axert - Pinky S. Tiwari, MD, PA

Pinky S. Tiwari, M.D., P.A.
Diplomate, American Board of Neurology
Diplomate, American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine
St. Luke’s Medical Tower
6624 Fannin, Suite 2190
Houston, TX 77030
Telephone: (713) 790 – 1775
www.texasneuro.com
Fax: (713) 790 – 1605
AXERT
ALMOTRIPTAN - ORAL
Pronunciation: (AL-moe-trip-tan)
BRAND NAME(S):
Axert
USAGE:
Almotriptan is used to treat migraine headache attacks. It does not prevent migraine headaches from occurring and
should not be used for other types of headaches (e.g., cluster headaches, tension headaches).
HOW TO USE
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor for migraine headache.
If the headache returns or you have no relief from the first dose, a second dose of this medication may be taken 2 hours
after the initial dose; but only if instructed to do so by your doctor.
Do not take more than two doses of this medication in a 24-hour time period.
If you have never taken this medication before and you have risk factors for heart disease (see Precautions), you may be
advised to take the very first dose in your doctor's office in order to monitor for rare but serious heart problems (e.g., heart
attack).
SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhea, headache, sweating, or dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects persist or
worsen, notify your doctor.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: tingling or numbness of the hands/feet, chest or
neck pain/pressure.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: rash, muscle pain, heartburn, unusual
swelling, mental/mood changes, eye discomfort, trouble urinating (e.g., pain, discomfort, or frequent urination).
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: unusually fast/slow/irregular
heartbeat, chest pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, one-sided weakness, vision problems, slurred
speech.
If you notice any other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Learn more
PRECAUTIONS:
Before taking almotriptan, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other "triptan" migraine drugs; or if
you have any other allergies.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor
or pharmacist if you have: chest pain (angina), history of heart attack(s) or strokes, other heart or blood vessel disease
(cardiovascular ischemia), uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have risk factors for heart disease including: high
cholesterol level, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking history, family history of heart disease or stroke, obesity.
Caution is also recommended in women after menopause or after removal of the ovaries, and men over 40 years old
because of an increased risk for undiagnosed heart disease.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: certain blood circulation
disorders (e.g. Raynaud's syndrome), intestinal problems/disease, liver problems.
This drug should not be used in people under 18 years of age.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while
using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Certain medications taken with this product could result in serious, even fatal, drug interactions. Do not take MAO
inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) for at least 2 weeks before
or after taking this drug.
Also, do not take other "triptan" migraine drugs (e.g., zolmitriptan, sumatriptan) or ergot-type drugs (e.g.,
dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methysergide) within 24 hours of taking this medicine.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use,
especially of: cimetidine, verapamil, "serotonin-type" medications (e.g., SSRI antidepressants such as fluoxetine,
sertraline), azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin),
protease inhibitors (e.g., nelfinavir, ritonavir), sibutramine.
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. US residents can call
the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, blurred vision, or unusually fast or irregular heartbeat.
NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress and/or your risk of side effects.
MISSED DOSE:
Not applicable.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage temperatures
ranging from 59 to 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) is permitted.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call
MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).