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dihydroergotamine - injection, D.H.E.45

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GENERIC NAME: DIHYDROERGOTAMINE - INJECTION (dye-HI-dro-er-GOT-uh-meen)

BRAND NAME(S): D.H.E.45

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: This medication has infrequently caused a lack of blood flow to the hands and feet (peripheral ischemia). It has also rarely caused a lack of blood flow to the brain (cerebral ischemia). The chances of these effects are increased when this medication is taken with certain drugs. Do not take this medication with macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin, troleandomycin, telithromycin), protease inhibitors (e.g., amprenavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir), or azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

USES: Dihydroergotamine is used to treat migraine headaches and cluster headaches. It is not recommended for migraines that affect only one side of the brain (hemiplegic migraine) or the base of the brain/neck area (basilar migraine), or to prevent migraines from occurring.Dihydroergotamine is an ergot medication that helps narrow widened blood vessels in the head, thereby reducing the throbbing effects of these headaches.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using dihydroergotamine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Learn all preparation and usage instructions in the product package. If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Inject this medication into a vein, into a muscle, or under the skin as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Usually, this medication should be used only as needed. It is not meant for long-term daily use. This medication works best if it is taken as the first signs of the headache occur. If you wait until the headache has worsened, the medication may not work as well.If your headache returns or you have no relief from the first dose, you may repeat the dose 1 hour after the first dose, but only if instructed to do so by your doctor.If this medication is given into a muscle or under the skin, a third dose may be given 1 hour after the second dose if needed. Do not use more than 3 milliliters in 24 hours or 6 milliliters in a week.If this medication is given into a vein, do not use more than 2 milliliters in 24 hours or 6 milliliters in a week.Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.Other "ergot" drugs (e.g., ergotamine, methysergide), or "triptan-type" drugs (e.g., sumatriptan) should not be used within 24 hours of this drug.Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.Tell your doctor if you notice increased use of this medication, the medication not working as well, a worsening of headaches, an increase in the number of headaches, or use of this medication for more than 2 headache episodes a week. Your doctor may need to change your medication and/or add a separate medication to prevent the headaches.

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