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ergotamine/caffeine - rectal, Cafergot, Migergot

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GENERIC NAME: ERGOTAMINE/CAFFEINE - RECTAL (er-GOT-uh-meen/KAF-een)

BRAND NAME(S): Cafergot, Migergot

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 used with certain drugs. Do not use 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: This combination medication is used to treat or prevent a certain type of headache (vascular headaches such as migraine headaches and cluster headaches). Ergotamine helps narrow widened blood vessels in the head, which reduces the throbbing effects of vascular headaches. Caffeine increases the effects of ergotamine by also narrowing the widened blood vessels in the head.The suppository form is used when medications cannot be taken by mouth (e.g., due to nausea and vomiting).

HOW TO USE: Unwrap and insert one suppository rectally as directed by your doctor. Remain lying down for a few minutes, and avoid having a bowel movement for an hour or longer so the drug will be absorbed. The suppository is for rectal use only.If the suppository is exposed to heat and softens, chill in ice-cold water before unwrapping and using the suppository.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. This medication works best if it is used as the first signs of the headache occur. If you wait until the headache has worsened, the medication may not work as well.This medication usually should be used only as needed. It is not meant for long-term daily use. The maximum dose is 2 suppositories for a single headache attack and 5 suppositories in any 7-day period.This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time (more than a few weeks) or in high doses. In such cases, rebound headaches may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. This headache may be different from your original headache and may last a few days. Report any such headaches to your doctor immediately. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit can increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.Inform 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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