Ergotamine and Caffeine are combined in this medicine.
Ergotamine + Caffeine is used to treat migraine (severe throbbing pain or pulsating sensation usually affecting one side of the head and is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound).
Use Ergotamine + Caffeine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Ergotamine + Caffeine suppository is to be inserted into the rectum. Do not eat, chew, or swallow it. Do not use it in any other way. Try to go to the toilet before you insert the suppository.
To use the suppository, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Remove the suppository from the foil wrapper.
- If you are right-handed, lie on your left side and pull your right knee up towards your chest.
- Gently insert the suppository with the pointed end first into your rectum. Gently push the suppository as far as it would go.
- Remain lying in this position for a few minutes to allow the suppository to melt. If you feel that the suppository is slipping out, press your buttocks together. The suppository must remain in the rectum so that the medicine can be absorbed.
Use Ergotamine + Caffeine only when you have a migraine attack.
This medicine should be used at the first sign of a migraine. If your migraine does not go away after the first dose, do not use a second dose without first asking your doctor. If your doctor says that you can use a second dose, wait for at least 1 hour from the time you administered the first dose before using a second dose.
Inform your doctor if Ergotamine + Caffeine does not give you any relief.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- coronary heart disease (narrowing of the blood vessels of the heart)
- high blood pressure
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- peripheral vascular disease (narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels outside of the heart and brain causing poor blood circulation to the arms and legs)
- certain types of headaches known as hemiplegic or basilar migraines
- temporal arteritis (inflammation of the blood vessels located at the temples or the side of the head)
as Ergotamine + Caffeine may not be suitable for you.
Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or if you are of childbearing potential. If you become pregnant while being treated with Ergotamine + Caffeine, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.
Do not use this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
Do not use Ergotamine + Caffeine with other medicines for migraine, certain medicines to treat fungal infection, certain medicines for HIV infection, and certain antibiotics. Please see the section "Can I use this with other medicines?" below for more information.
Notify your doctor if you smoke or a chain smoker.
Avoid long-term use of Ergotamine + Caffeine.
Ergotamine + Caffeine should not be used to prevent or reduce the number of migraine attacks.
Your doctor may need to do a medical examination and various tests before starting you on this medicine. You will also be required to have regular heart check-ups while being treated with this medicine.
Ergotamine + Caffeine is not a painkiller. Do not use it for any other purpose other than to relieve a migraine.
Ergotamine + Caffeine may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea, and pain or weakness in the extremities.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- numbness, coldness, redness, or swelling of the legs or feet
- chest pain, tightness or pressure, pain that may spread to the arms, jaw, neck, shoulder or back, shortness of breath, lightheadedness
- pain in the rectal area, pass out bloody stool
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not use Ergotamine + Caffeine with the following medicines:
- other medicines for migraine e.g. sumatriptan
- certain medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole
- certain antibiotics e.g. erythromycin, clarithromycin, troleandomycin
- certain medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, delavirdine
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- certain medicines for high blood pressure or heart disease e.g. propranolol, metoprolol
- medicines to treat depression e.g. amitriptyline, nefazodone, fluoxetine
- zileuton (asthma medicine)
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [an infection known as tuberculosis])
- certain antibiotics e.g. ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, enoxacin
- mexiletine (medicine for irregular heartbeat)
- birth control pills
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Ergotamine + Caffeine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice (more than 1 litre a day).
Certain types of food and food additives such as chocolate, cheese, coffee, and monosodium glutamate (MSG) may trigger a migraine attack. You may want to keep a food diary to help you identify possible foods that trigger off your attacks.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C.
Keep away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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