Information About Amerge

Common uses
Amerge is a cerebral vasoconstrictor used to relieve migraine headache attacks as they occur. Amerge belongs to a group of medicines also known as "triptans". Amerge will not prevent or reduce the number of attacks you experience. Your physician may determine that Amerge could be used to treat other conditions.

Prior to Use
Be aware that pre-existing medical conditions, or taking additional medications could interfere with the effectiveness of this one. Let your physician or pharmacist know about any other medications -- prescription or over-the-counter -- that you are using. If you are taking any of the following, do not use Amerge: monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). If you are taking any of the following, your dose or condition may need regular supervision: ergot alkaloids. Inform your physician of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. You should not take Amerge if you have a history of high blood pressure, angina, arrhythmias, heart conditions, or stroke. Contact your physician or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using Amerge.

Instructions for Use
Follow your physician's instructions for taking Amerge. Amerge comes with a patient information leaflet Read it carefully. Ask your physician, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about Amerge. Swallow whole Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. It is best to take a dose of Amerge as soon as you notice headache symptoms of a migraine attack. If your headache returns or you get partial relief, you may take another dose. Allow at least 4 hours between doses of Amerge. If you do not get a response from the first dose, do not take additional doses without checking with your physician. Do not use more than 2 tablets in a 24 hour period. Store Amerge at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.

Warnings
Do not exceed the recommended dose without checking with your physician. Amerge is not intended to prevent or reduce the number of migraine attacks that you experience. If you have a headache that is different than your usual migraine attacks, check with your physician before using Amerge. Before you begin using Amerge, give your physician and pharmacist a list of all prescription and non-prescription medicines that you are using to treat and prevent migraine attacks. Do not use ergot-containing medicines or other migraine headache medicines within 24 hours of using Amerge. If you have questions about which medicines contain ergot, ask your physician or pharmacist. Before using Amerge, tell your physician if you have had chest pains, heart disease, shortness of breath, fast or irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. Also tell your physician if you smoke, have had a heart attack or stroke, have liver or kidney disease, are post-menopausal, or have had any seizures. If you develop any of these conditions while you are taking Amerge, notify your physician. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Amerge. Using Amerge alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Women, if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your physician the benefits and risks of using Amerge during pregnancy. The effects of Amerge on breast milk is not known. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Amerge, consult your pharmacist or physician to discuss the risks to your baby.

Potential Side Effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include numbness or tingling of skin, nausea, dizziness, or drowsiness. Consult your physician if they do not go away or if they bring you difficulties. Check with your physician before using additional doses if you experience wheezing; tightness in the jaw, neck, or chest; or heart pounding. Contact your physician immediately and do not use any more of Amerge if you experience shortness of breath; swelling of the eyelids, face, or lips; chest pain; sudden or severe stomach pain; or develop a skin rash or hives. Let your physician, pharmacist, or nurse know if you experience any side-effects not listed here.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.

In Case of Overdose
Contact a poison control center or visit an emergency room immediately, if you think you have overdosed. Indications of an overdose are severe drowsiness.

Additional information
If Amerge does not stop or decrease the severity of your migraine attack or if your symptoms become worse, check with your physician. Do not let anyone else use Amerge. Do not take Amerge to treat health conditions other than what it was prescribed for. Store this and all medication away from the reach of children and pets. If using Amerge for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.