Imitrex (sumatriptan) is a triptan medication used predominantly for alleviating pain and other symptoms in migraine and cluster headaches. It is a widely-used and highly effective treatment, and, when used properly, unlikely to produce serious side effects.

Each Imitrex Injection Refill Pack contains two injection cartridges, which fit in the injection pen and storage container included with the Imitrex Injection Treatment Pack. Cartridges are packaged in a protective carton which will protect the medication from damage and deterioration until use if a storage container is not available.

A prescription is not required to purchase the Imitrex Injection Refill Pack.

Understanding Imitrex

Triptan medications are uniquely effective in stopping migraines and cluster headaches. Both of these types of headaches respond best when treatment is administered at the earliest signs a headache is developing, which, in the case of migraines, may be auras, nausea or other related symptoms that aren't necessarily painful.

The speed at which the medication is delivered to the bloodstream is a very important factor, particularly for cluster headaches; this is why Imitrex and many other triptan medications are administered by injection. Some individuals are able to manage headaches with slower delivery methods, such as tablets or nasal sprays. Migraine sufferers who are averse to injections may want to consider these other Imitrex products instead of the Imitrex Injection Refill Pack:

• Imitrex Tablets
• Imitrex Nasal Spray
• Imitrex Orally Dissolving Tablets

Again these slower-acting versions are unlikely to be as effective as injections if treating cluster headaches.

When administered by injection effects are usually felt within 5 to 15 minutes, compared to 30 to 90 minutes with other administration methods. Injections are delivered subcutaneously in the upper arms, upper thighs, buttocks, or hips, and if using the Imitrex injection pen are virtually pain-free.

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

Unfortunately there is no cure for migraines or cluster headaches, but taken at the earliest onset of symptoms Imitrex does the next-best thing in stopping a headache in its tracks. Because treatment is so time-sensitive it is critical to have Imitrex on-hand when needed, but stockpiling must be balanced with the fact that medication loses potency past its expiration date.

Each Imitrex Injection Refill Pack contains two cartridges; each cartridge contains 6 mg Imitrex. The standard dose is 6 mg (one cartridge), but individuals suffering from severe migraines or cluster headaches may use up to 12 mg. Never exceed 12 mg in a 24 hour period.

Utilizing other methods of headache alleviation after administering Imitrex are also beneficial, such as laying down and avoiding bright lights or loud noises. Avoid taking other pain medications, including those of the over-the-counter variety, while using Imitrex without first checking with a pharmacist or doctor.

Before Using Imitrex Injection Refill Pack

As mentioned above, Imitrex is unlikely to produce negative effects if used properly. Some individuals are at greater risk of side effects, however; check with a doctor before using Imitrex if you have:

• Poor blood circulation
• Coronary heart disease or angina
• High blood pressure
• Liver disease
• Ischemic bowel disease
• Unusually severe headaches

Medications used to treat depression and related conditions, including SSRIs, SNRIs, and MAOIs should check with a doctor or pharmacist before using Imitrex or any other triptan medication; though unusual, these medications can interfere with each other and may cause side effects or reduce effectiveness.

Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid use of this or any other triptan medication.

Imitrex (sumatriptan) is a member of the triptan class of drugs, widely used to stop migraine and cluster headaches. Since the introduction of triptans in the early 1990s the medication has proven to be safe and effective; in fact, when administered by injection, it is one of the most effective treatments available for cluster headaches.

The medication is unlikely to alleviate symptoms of other types of headaches and will not prevent other types of pain; it is not a painkiller. It works by constricting swollen blood vessels in the brain, thus reducing pressure on the brain. This action often completely eliminates the pain associated with migraines and cluster headaches, as well as the nausea and auras sometimes present with migraines.

Fast & Effective Relief

The Imitrex Injection Treatment Pack is a complete kit containing everything needed to stop a migraine or cluster headache:

• Injection pen activated by pressing the button on top.
• Two syringe cartridges which simply need to be inserted into the injection pen.
• Carrying case to protect the pen and cartridges from damage and exposure.

Like all triptan medications, Imitrex should be administered at the earliest signs a headache is developing, be that pain or auras. There is no benefit to using Imitrex in the absence of symptoms; it will not prevent new headaches from forming.

When administered at the early onset of symptoms headaches are often completely aborted. The medication will still provide some relief if taken at later stages of a headache, but may not completely eliminate it. It is because timing is so critical that triptans are often given via injection; it is the fastest way to get the medication flowing through the body. Use at earliest symptoms is particularly crucial in the notoriously difficult-to-treat cluster headaches. The Imitrex Injection Treatment Pack is easily carried on the go or stored at home, work, in the car or anywhere else for fast access when symptoms begin to develop.

Refill cartridges are available with the Imitrex Injection Refill Pack.

Treating Headaches with Imitrex

The cartridges included in the Imitrex Injection Treatment Pack as well as the refill pack each contain 6 mg of sumatriptan, which is the standard dose. Typical treatment consists of:

• Administer 6 mg, or one dose, at the earliest symptoms of a headache.
• If the headache persists after one hour, a second 6 mg dose may be administered.
• Never exceed 12 mg in a 24 hour period.

Effects are usually felt within 5 to 15 minutes of administration. The injection pen included with the Imitrex Injection Treatment Pack is virtually pain-free; simply position the pen on the upper arms, upper thighs, hips, buttocks or other fatty area and press the button on top of the pen.

Use of other medications while taking Imitrex should be avoided without doctor approval; many patients do use other treatments, such as painkillers, along with triptans, but there is always a risk of side effects or reduced effectiveness when combining medications.

Other Options

Some patients are, understandably, disinclined to administer medications via injection. Imitrex is available in several less-intrusive forms, though, as mentioned above, these other administration methods are not as fast-acting and may have little effect on cluster headaches:

• Imitrex Tablets
• Imitrex Orally Dissolving Tablets
• Imitrex Nasal Spray

There are also a number of other triptan medications available in addition to the sumatriptan found in Imitrex, such as rizatriptan, zolmitriptan, naratriptan and others, most of which are also available in a variety of tablets, nasal sprays and injections. Searching our site for "triptan" will produce a wide range of options for combating migraine or cluster headaches if the Imitrex Injection Treatment Pack doesn't sound like the ideal choice.

Precautions & Warnings

Imitrex has proven to be a very safe medication if used as directed. However, there are some scenarios in which it may not be the best choice, particularly if there is a history of:

• Poor blood circulation
• Coronary heart disease or angina
• High blood pressure
• Liver disease
• Ischemic bowel disease
• Unusually severe headaches

Similarly there is a concern for side effects when Imitrex (or any triptan) is mixed with medications in the SSRI, SNRI, or MAOI categories; these medications are often used to treat depression or anxiety-related disorders.

Imitrex (and other triptans) should not be used if pregnant or nursing, or if trying to become pregnant.