ERGOTAMINE WITH CAFFEINE - RECTAL (Cafergot, Migergot) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

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GENERIC NAME: ERGOTAMINE WITH CAFFEINE - RECTAL (er-GOT-uh-meen WITH kaff-EEN)

BRAND NAME(S): Cafergot, Migergot

WARNING: Infrequently, a very serious, life-threatening decrease in the amount of blood supply to the hands and feet (peripheral ischemia) and rarely to the brain can occur when this medication is taken with drugs that affect liver metabolism (e.g., potent CYP 3A4 enzyme inhibitors). Do not take this medication with macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin, troleandomycin), protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, nelfinavir, indinavir, amprenavir, saquinavir), azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole).

USES: Ergotamine acts to reduce pulsing of migraine headaches. Caffeine is added to enhance the effects of ergotamine. The combination is used to treat migraine and cluster headaches.

HOW TO USE: It is best to use this medication at the first sign of a headache. It will take longer to work if taken when the headache has already become severe. After using this, lie down in a quiet, dark room for an hour or two. Do not use more than 2 suppositories per attack or more than 5 suppositories in a week. Do not use daily on a regular basis. Review your dosing directions with your doctor or pharmacist. To use suppositories, unwrap it and moisten it slightly with water. Lie on your left side with your right knee bent. Push the suppository well into the rectum with your finger. Try to avoid having a bowel movement for at least one hour to allow the medication to be absorbed. Insert a second suppository if headache is not relieved after one hour.

SIDE EFFECTS: May cause dizziness, drowsiness, stomach upset, anxiety, tremor. These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. Avoid activities requiring alertness if dizziness or drowsiness occurs. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: chest pain, irregular heartbeat, vomiting, muscle pain or numbness, pain/tingling or coldness in the hands or feet, bluish discoloration of the fingers and toes. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.