Imigran Nasal Spray (2 nasal sprays - 1 dose per spray)

Migraine Doctor Service

Each Imigran Nasal Spray contains a single dose of sumatriptan. Sumatriptan is a medication used to treat migraine symptoms. It does not prevent these conditions.

How Imigran Works

This medication works to reverse the changes in the brain which induce migraines. It is thought to work by causing a narrowing of the blood vessels on the brain, which can swell during a migraine.  Imigran is believed to reduce the widening of these blood vessels. This in turn helps to take away the headache and relieve other symptoms of a migraine attack, such as feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting) and sensitivity to light and sound.

• It’s best to use Imigran as soon as you feel a migraine coming on, although it can be used at any time during an attack. Take your first dose as soon as the pain starts.
• Do not take it at the warning stage, before your migraine starts. This is when some people get symptoms of "aura".
• You can use a second Imigran nasal spray after 2 hours, but don’t use more than two sprays in 24 hours.
  If used quickly, it can help alleviate the symptoms before they come on and many people find it much more effective than painkillers.
• Use of Sumatriptan tablets is not recommended for children under 18 years old
• Use of Sumatriptan tablets is not recommended for people aged over 65

You can order Imigran online from our UK registered online pharmacy and doctor service. To see if you are suitable for this treatment, complete the online assessment and checkout. Our UK registered doctors will review the order and after approval pass the prescription to the Pharmacy team. We will then dispense and dispatch your order to your chosen address.

Migraine

A migraine is usually a moderate or severe headache felt as a throbbing pain on 1 side of the head. Many people also have symptoms such as feeling sick, being sick and increased sensitivity to light or sound. 

Migraine is a common health condition, affecting around 1 in every 5 women and around 1 in every 15 men. They usually begin in early adulthood. There are several types of migraine, including:

• Migraine with "aura" – where there are specific warning signs just before the migraine begins, such as seeing flashing lights.
• Migraine without aura – the most common type, where the migraine happens without the specific warning signs.
• Migraine aura without headache, also known as silent migraine – where an aura or other migraine symptoms are experienced, but a headache does not develop.

Some people have migraines frequently, up to several times a week. Other people only have a migraine occasionally. It's possible for years to pass between migraine attacks.

A good self care guide and information for migraine is available on the NHS website.

NHS - Migraine

What Is Imigran?

Imigran is a prescription medication used in the treatment of diagnosed migraines. It helps relieve many of the symptoms associated with migraine attacks.

How Does Imigran Work?

Imigran works by reducing the widening of the blood vessels in the brain in turn which takes away the migraine and any associated symptoms.

What is the ingredient in Imigran?

The active ingredient in Imigran is Sumatriptan.

Is Imigran Nasal Spray Safe To Use In Pregnancy?

There is no conclusive evidence to suggest that Imigran Nasal Spray produces a teratogenic effect, however, it is very important to talk to your GP or midwife prior to taking Imigran Nasal Spray whilst pregnant.

Is Imigran Nasal Spray Safe To Use Whilst Breastfeeding?

Imigran Nasal Spray has been shown to be excreted in breast milk so you should avoid breastfeeding until at least 12 hours of your dose of Imigran Nasal Spray. Any breast milk expressed in this time period should be discarded.

Is Imigran Nasal Spray Safe To Take With My Pre-existing Condition?

Unfortunately, this medication cannot be taken by people suffering from heart problems such as Ischemic heart disease, Angina or previous heart attack. Circulation problems such as suffering from cramp-like pain when walking. Previous history of stroke, high blood pressure which is not mild or uncontrolled and serious liver disease.

Is It Still Ok To Drive After Taking Imigran Nasal Spray?

It is possible that Imigran Nasal Spray can make you drowsy. If it does, do not drive or operate heavy machinery.

Can Lifestyle Changes Help?

There are steps you can take to help prevent severe headaches. This includes working out what things trigger an attack so you can avoid them. Keeping a migraine diary can help.

If you smoke, it's a good idea to quit. People who smoke seem to have a higher risk of getting cluster headaches. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and avoiding trigger foods or drinks can also help.

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, but not everybody gets them.

Some symptoms may be caused by the migraine itself.

Adverse events reported in adults have also been observed in adolescents. These include very rare reports of heart attacks.

Allergic reaction: get doctor’s help straight away The following side effects have occurred but their frequency is not known.

• The signs of allergy include rash, hives (itchy rash); wheezing; swollen eyelids, face or lips; complete collapse.

If you get any of these symptoms soon after using Imigran:

• Don’t use it any more. Contact a doctor straight away.

Very common side effects (affect more than 1 in 10 people)

• Unpleasant taste.

Common side effects (affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• Heaviness, pressure, tightness or pain in the chest, throat or other parts of the body, or feelings of unusual sensations, including numbness, tingling and warmth or cold. These effects may be intense but generally pass quickly.

If these effects continue or become severe (especially the chest pain): Get medical help urgently. In a very small number of people these symptoms can be caused by a heart attack.

Other common side effects include:

• Irritation or burning sensation in the nose or throat; nose bleeds.
• Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting), although this may be due to the migraine itself.
• Tiredness or drowsiness.
• Dizziness, feeling weak, or getting hot flushes.
• Temporary increase in blood pressure.
• Shortness of breath.
• Aching muscles.

For a full list of side effects, please read the Patient Information Leaflet.

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, our Rightdose pharmacists or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet.

You can help to make medicines safer by reporting any side-effects to the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet. You can find information leaflets for your medicines by typing them into the search bar at medicines.org, or by contacting us.

Patient Information Leaflet Imigran 10mg / 20mg Nasal Spray

Other medicines and Imigran

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you’re taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. This includes any herbal products or medicines you’ve bought without a prescription. Some medicines must not be taken with Imigran and others may cause adverse effects if they’re taken with Imigran.

You must tell your doctor if you are taking:

• Ergotamine, also used to treat migraine, or similar medicines such as methysergide. Don’t use Imigran at the same time as these medicines. Stop taking these medicines at least 24 hours before using Imigran.  Don’t take any medicines which contain ergotamine or compounds similar to ergotamine again for at least 6 hours after using Imigran.
• Other triptans/5-HT1 receptor agonists (such as naratriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan), also used to treat migraines. Don’t use Imigran at the same time as these medicines. Stop taking these medicines at least 24 hours before using Imigran. Don’t take
  another triptan/5-HT1 receptor agonist again for at least 24 hours after using Imigran.
• SSRIs(Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) or SNRIs(Serotonin Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors) used to treat depression. Using Imigran with these medicines can cause serotonin syndrome (a collection of symptoms which can include restlessness, confusion, sweating, hallucinations, increased reflexes, muscle spasms, shivering, increased heartbeat and shaking). Tell your doctor immediately if you are affected in this way.
• MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) used to treat depression. Don’t use Imigran if you have taken these in the last 2 weeks.
• St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum). Taking herbal remedies that contain St John’s Wort while you are using Imigran may make side effects more likely.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine. There is only limited information about the safety of Imigran for pregnant women, though up until now there is no evidence of any increased risk of birth defects. Your doctor will discuss with you whether or not you should use Imigran while you are pregnant.

Don’t breastfeed your baby for 12 hours after using Imigran. If you express any breast milk during this time, discard the milk and don’t give it to your baby.

Driving and using machines

Either the symptoms of migraine or your medicine may make you drowsy. If you are affected, don’t drive or operate machinery.

How to store Imigran Nasal Spray

• Keep this medicine in the sealed blister in the box to protect it from light.
• Don’t store above 30°C and don’t freeze.
• Don’t use this medicine after the expiry date shown on the carton. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
• Don’t throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

When to use Imigran

• It is best to use Imigran as soon as you feel a migraine coming on, although it can be used at any time during an attack.
• Only use Imigran after your migraine headache begins. Do not use Imigran to try to prevent an attack.

Adults (aged 18 to 65 years):

• The usual dose for adults aged 18 to 65 is one Imigran 20 mg spray into just one nostril. But one Imigran 10 mg spray into one nostril is enough for some people.
• Do not use more than two sprays in 24 hours.

Adolescents (aged 12 to 17 years):

• The usual dose for adolescents aged 12 to 17 is one Imigran 10 mg spray into one nostril.

Children under 12 years:

• Imigran nasal spray is not recommended for children under 12 years old.

Older people (aged over 65)

• Imigran nasal spray is not recommended for people aged over 65.

If your symptoms start to come back: You can use a second Imigran nasal spray after 2 hours, but don’t use more than two sprays in 24 hours.

If the first spray has no effect

• Do not use a second spray, or any other Imigran preparation for the same attack.
• If Imigran doesn’t give you any relief, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

If you use more Imigran than you should

• Do not use more than two Imigran nasal sprays in 24 hours.
• Using too much Imigran could make you ill. If you have used more than two sprays in 24 hours, contact your doctor for advice.

If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

How to use the Imigran Nasal Spray

• Do not open a blister until you are ready to use a spray. Each spray is sealed in a blister to keep it clean and safe. If you carry a spray without a blister, or in an open blister, it may not work properly when you need it.
• Each spray contains just one dose of Imigran.
• Do not press the plunger too soon or you will lose the dose. Imigran nasal spray has three parts:

The nozzle: The part that you put into your nostril. The spray comes out of a tiny hole in the top.

The finger-grip: Hold this when you use the spray.

The blue plunger: Press this to spray the whole dose into your nostril in one go. This only works once - don’t press the plunger until you have put the nozzle into your nostril or you will lose the dose.

Directions:

1. Remove the nasal spray from the blister packaging just before you want to use it.
2. Get into a comfortable position. You may prefer to sit down.
3. Blow your nose if it feels blocked, or if you have a cold.
4. Hold the nasal spray gently with your fingers and thumb. Don’t press the blue plunger yet.
5. Block one nostril by pressing a finger firmly on the side of your nose. It doesn’t matter which nostril you choose.
6. Put the nozzle of the nasal spray into the other nostril, as far as feels comfortable - about 1 cm or 1/2 inch.
7. Breathe out gently through your mouth.
8. Hold your head upright and close your mouth
9. Start to breathe in gently through your nose. As you breathe in: Press the blue plunger firmly with your thumb. The plunger may feel a bit stiff and you may hear it click. Keep breathing in while spraying.
10. Remove the spray and remove your finger from the side of your nose.
11. Keep your head upright for 10-20 seconds, breathing gently in through your nose and out through your mouth. This helps the medicine stay in your nose. Your nose may feel wet inside and you may notice a slight taste after using the spray - this is normal and will soon pass.
12. Your nasal spray is now empty. Throw it away safely and hygienically.

Please see the STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO USING THE NASAL SPRAY on your Patient Information Leaflet.

Do not use Imigran:

• If you’re allergic to sumatriptan, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine 
• If you have a heart problem such as narrowing of the arteries (Ischaemic heart disease) or chest pains (angina), or have already had a heart attack.
• If you have circulation problems in your legs that cause cramp-like pains when you walk (peripheral vascular disease).
• If you have had a stroke or a mini-stroke (also called a transient ischaemic attack or TIA).
• If you have high blood pressure. You may be able to use Imigran if your high blood pressure is mild and is being treated.
• If you have serious liver disease.
• With other migraine medicines, including those which contain ergotamine, or similar medicines such as methysergide or any triptan/5-HT1 receptor agonist (medicines which are also used for treating migraine).
• With antidepressants called MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), or if you have taken these medicines in the last 2 weeks.

If any of these apply to you: Tell your doctor, and don’t use Imigran nasal spray.

Take special care with Imigran

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Imigran.

• If you have any extra risk factors
• If you are a heavy smoker, or are using nicotine replacement therapy, and especially
• If you are a man aged over 40
• If you are a woman who has been through the menopause
• In very rare cases, people have developed serious heart conditions after using Imigran, even though they had no signs of heart disease before. If any of the points above applies to you it could mean you have a greater risk of developing heart disease - so: Tell your doctor so that your heart function can be checked before Imigran is prescribed for you.
  -If you have a history of fits (seizures) or if you have other conditions which might make it more likely that you’ll have a fit – for example, a head injury or alcoholism.

Tell your doctor so that you can be supervised more closely.

• If you have liver or kidney disease
• If you are allergic to antibiotics called sulphonamides
• If so, you may also be allergic to Imigran. If you know you are allergic to an antibiotic but you are not sure whether it is a sulphonamide
• If you are taking antidepressants called SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) or SNRIs (Serotonin Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors)
• If you use Imigran frequently

If you feel pain or tightness in your chest after you use Imigran

• Get medical help immediately. 

What Imigran nasal spray contains

The active substance is Sumatriptan.

The other ingredients are potassium dihydrogen phosphate, dibasic sodium phosphate anhydrous, sulphuric acid, sodium hydroxide and purified water.

What Imigran nasal spray looks like and contents of the pack

This medicine is provided in a pre-filled nasal spray device and contains sumatriptan in 0.1 ml of a yellow-coloured solution.

Imigran nasal spray is packed in a box containing the nasal sprays individually sealed in blisters.

They are available in packs of 2 and 6 pre-filled nasal spray devices.

Each nasal spray contains one dose of Imigran.