Zomig - (Zolmitriptan)

Before taking Zomig

You should not take Zomig if you are allergic to zolmitriptan, or if you have:

• coronary heart disease, angina (chest pain), blood circulation problems, lack of blood supply to the heart;
• a history of heart disease, heart attack, or stroke, including "mini-stroke";
• severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
• ischemic bowel disease; or
• a headache that seems different from your usual migraine headaches.

Do not use Zomig if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone, isocarboxazid, phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline, or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days.

To make sure you can safely take Zomig, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• high blood pressure, a heart rhythm disorder: or
• coronary heart disease (or risk factors such as diabetes, menopause, smoking,being overweight, having high cholesterol, having a family history of coronary artery disease, being older than 40 and a man, or being a woman who has had a hysterectomy).

It is not known whether Zomig will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Zomig.

Zomig disintegrating tablets may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of zolmitriptan if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

It is not known whether zolmitriptan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take Zomig without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 18 years old.

How to take zomig

• Take zolmitriptan exactly as your doctor has told you.
• Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
• Make sure you know how to administer the preparation you have been given.
• If you have been supplied tablets: take one dose as soon as possible at the first sign of an attack. If your migraine improves but then returns, you may take one further dose, providing it is at least two hours after the initial dose. Do not take more than two doses in any 24-hour period.
• To use Zomig® Rapimelt tablets, peel open the foil blister and remove the tablet. Place it on your tongue and allow it to dissolve before you swallow.
• If you have been supplied a nasal spray: spray one puff into one nostril at the first sign of an attack. If your migraine improves but then returns, one further spray can be used in one nostril, providing it is at least two hours after your first dose. Do not administer more than two sprays in any 24-hour period.
• To use the nasal spray, remove the protective cover and block one nostril by pressing on it with your finger. Insert the spray into the other nostril and breathe in through your nose as you squeeze the plunger to release one dose.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Since Zomig is used as needed, it does not have a daily dosing schedule. Call your doctor promptly if your symptoms do not improve after taking Zomig.
• After taking a Zomig tablet, you must wait two (2) hours before taking a second tablet. Do not take more than 10 mg of zolmitriptan in 24 hours.

What should I avoid while taking Zomig?

Do not take Zomig within 24 hours before or after using another migraine headache medicine, including:

• zolmitriptan nasal spray, almotriptan, eletriptan (Relpax), frovatriptan (Frova), naratriptan, rizatriptan, or sumatriptan; or
• ergot medicine such as ergotamine, dihydroergotamine , or methylergonovine.
• Zomig may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Zomig side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Zomig: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Zomig and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• feeling of pain or tightness in your jaw, neck, or throat;
• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• sudden severe headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• fast or pounding heartbeats, dizziness;
• sudden and severe stomach pain and bloody diarrhoea;
• numbness or tingling and a pale or blue-colored appearance in your fingers or toes; or
• (if you are also taking an antidepressant) -- agitation, hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of coordination, fainting.

Less serious Zomig side effects may include:

• pressure or heavy feeling in any part of your body;
• dry mouth, upset stomach;
• feeling of pain or pressure in your neck or throat;
• drowsiness, weakness; or
• warmth, redness, or mild tingling under your skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

What other drugs will affect Zomig?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• cimetidine (Tagamet); or an antidepressant such as citalopram, desvenlafaxine, duloxetine (Cymbalta), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, or venlafaxine (Effexor).

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Zomig. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

How to store zomig

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

If you have any more questions please ask your Pharmacist.

Remember to keep all medicines out of reach of children

Please Note: We have made every effort to ensure that the content of this information sheet is correct at time of publish, but remember that information about drugs may change. This sheet does not list all the uses and side-effects associated with this drug. For full details please see the drug information leaflet which comes with your medicine. Your doctor will assess your medical circumstances and draw your attention to any information or side-effects which may be relevant in your particular case.

References:

http://www.patient.co.uk/medicine/Zolmitriptan.htm

http://www.zomig.com

http://www.rxlist.com/zomig-drug.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zolmitriptan

http://www.zomig.net

http://www.drugs.com/zomig.html

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-5400-Zomig+Oral.aspx?drugid=5400&drugname=Zomig+Oral