What is this medication?

ERGOTAMINE (er GOT a meen) treats migraines. It works by blocking pain signals and narrowing blood vessels in the brain. It belongs to a group of medications called ergot alkaloids. It is not used to prevent migraines.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ergomar

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Heart or blood vessel disease
• High blood pressure
• Infection
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Poor circulation
• Risk factors for heart disease such as smoking
• An unusual or allergic reaction to ergotamine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Place the tablet under the tongue and allow it to completely dissolve. Do NOT chew or swallow the tablet. Follow the directions on the prescription label. For best results take this medication at the start of a migraine headache. Do not take this medication every day. Do not take your medication more often than directed.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply; this medication is not for regular use.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Bromocriptine
• Ceritinib
• Certain antibiotics like clarithromycin and erythromycin
• Certain antivirals for HIV or hepatitis
• Certain medications for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
• Certain medications for fungal infections like itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, or voriconazole
• Certain medications for migraine headache like almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan
• Cocaine
• Idelalisib
• Imatinib
• Levoketoconazole
• Lonafarnib
• Mifepristone
• Pseudoephedrine
• Ribociclib
• Tucatinib

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disorders
• Clotrimazole
• Fluconazole
• Grapefruit juice
• Metronidazole
• Nicotine
• Propranolol
• Zileuton

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Check with your care team if you do not get relief from your headaches after using this medication. You may need to be changed to a different kind of medication to treat your headaches.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness, dizziness and flushing. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medication decreases the circulation of blood to your skin, fingers, and toes. You may get more sensitive to the cold. Elderly patients are more likely to feel this effect. Dress warmly and avoid long exposure to the cold.

If you take migraine medications for 10 or more days a month, your migraines may get worse. Keep a diary of headache days and medication use. Contact your care team if your migraine attacks occur more frequently.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Burning, pain, tingling, or color changes in the legs or feet
• Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
• Increase in blood pressure
• Raynaud's—cool, numb, or painful fingers or toes that may change color from pale, to blue, to red
• Seizures
• Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
• Sudden or severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting
• Vision loss

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Dizziness
• General discomfort or fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep in foil package until ready to use. Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.