Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. Using too much sumatriptan may increase the chance of side effects.

This medicine is for use only in the nose. Do not get any of it into your eyes or on your skin. If it does get on these areas, rinse it off right away.

Do not use this medicine for a headache that is different from your usual migraines. Instead, check with your doctor.

To relieve your migraine as soon as possible, use this medicine as soon as the headache pain begins. Even if you get warning signals of a coming migraine (an aura), you should wait until the headache pain starts before using sumatriptan.

Ask your doctor ahead of time about any other medicine you might take if sumatriptan does not work. After you take the other medicine, check with your doctor right away. Headaches that are not relieved by sumatriptan are sometimes caused by conditions that need other treatments.

If you feel much better after a dose of sumatriptan, but your headache comes back or gets worse after a while, you may use one additional dose of sumatriptan at least 1 hour (Tosymra™) or 2 hours (Imitrex® or Onzetra™) after the first dose. Do not use more than 3 doses in any 24-hour period.

This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet and patient instructions. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

To use the nasal powder:

  • This medicine is given through the Xsail™ breath-powered delivery device.
  • Remove the disposable nosepiece from its foil pouch, then remove the clear device cap from the reusable delivery device, and click the nosepiece into the device body. Use the nosepiece immediately after removing from the foil pouch.
  • Fully press and release the white piercing button on the device body to pierce the capsule inside the nosepiece. Press it only once.
  • Insert the nosepiece into the nostril so that it makes a tight seal. The device is then rotated and the mouthpiece inserted between the lips.
  • Blow forcefully through the mouthpiece to deliver the medicine into the nasal cavity. Do not press the white button while blowing.
  • Press the clear tab to remove the first nosepiece. Throw the used nosepiece in the trash can.
  • Repeat the same steps using a second nosepiece into the other nostril to complete the recommended dose.

To use the nasal spray:

  • Gently blow your nose to clear the nostrils before you use this medicine.
  • Gently press one nostril to close it.
  • Hold the device upright between your thumb and first 2 fingers. Insert half of the spray nozzle into the open nostril and angle outward.
  • Tilt your head back slightly.
  • Firmly press the plunger all the way up as you slowly breathe through your nose.
  • Remove the device from your nostril. Keep your head upright and gently breathe in through your nose and breathe out through your mouth. Repeat this for 10 to 20 seconds. You may feel liquid in your nose or at the back of your throat.
  • Do not look down as this may cause the medicine to drip from your nose.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For nasal dosage form (nasal powder):
    • For migraine headaches:
      • Adults—22 milligrams (mg) (1 nosepiece in each nostril, total of 2 nosepieces) per day. Another dose (22 mg) may be used as long as it has been at least 2 hours since the last spray. Do not use more than 44 mg (4 nosepieces) in a 24-hour period (one day).
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For nasal dosage form (nasal solution):
    • For migraine headaches:
      • Imitrex®:
        • Adults—5 milligrams (mg) (1 spray into one nostril) or 10 mg (2 sprays in one nostril or 1 spray in each nostril) or 20 mg (1 spray into one nostril). Another spray (5 mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg) may be used as long as it has been at least 2 hours since the last spray. Do not use more than 40 mg in a 24-hour period (one day).
        • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • Tosymra™:
        • Adults—10 mg given as 1 spray in one nostril. Another spray may be used as long as it has been at least 1 hour since the last spray. Do not use more than 30 mg in a 24-hour period (one day).
        • Children—Use is not recommended.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Do not store in the refrigerator or freezer.

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Portions of this document last updated: May 01, 2024

Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.