Drug
Dihydroergotamine
Pronounced
"dye-HI-dro-er-GOT-uh-meen"
Side Effects
See also Warning section.
Sore nose/throat, stuffy/runny nose, changes in taste, dizziness, or nausea may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This medication may rarely cause a very serious lack of blood flow. Stop using dihydroergotamine and tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: slow/fast heartbeat, weakness in the legs, muscle pain in the arms/legs, tingling/numbness, feeling of coldness in the hands/feet, blue fingers/toes, severe stomach/abdominal pain.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: jaw/left arm pain, chest pain/pressure, sudden tiredness, weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, vision changes, mental/mood changes (such as confusion).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using dihydroergotamine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other ergot alkaloids (such as ergotamine, methysergide, bromocriptine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially: heart disease (such as chest pain/angina, heart attack), stroke, high blood pressure, blood circulation disease (such as peripheral arterial disease, Raynaud's syndrome), a certain severe blood infection (sepsis), bowel disease (such as ischemic bowel syndrome), kidney disease, liver disease, headaches with unusual symptoms or certain types of headache (hemiplegic/basilar), recent blood vessel surgery, nasal problems (such as chronic congestion, nasal allergies).
Tell your doctor if you have the following risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, smoking/tobacco use, family history of heart disease.
If you are at high risk for heart disease, your doctor may want to check your heart before prescribing dihydroergotamine and give your first dose in the office.
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Using tobacco/nicotine products while using this medication can increase the risk of serious side effects such as heart problems (such as chest pain, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat) and decreased blood supply to the brain/hands/feet. Do not use tobacco while taking this medication. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about how to stop smoking.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using dihydroergotamine. Dihydroergotamine may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.
This drug may pass into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this drug and for 3 days after the last dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.