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Dihydroergotamine

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Warning

This medication has rarely caused a very serious lack of blood flow to the hands and feet (peripheral ischemia) or to the brain, which could cause a stroke. The risk is increased when this medication is taken with other drugs that can affect the removal of dihydroergotamine from your body. Examples include azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole), cobicistat, mifepristone, certain antidepressants (such as nefazodone), macrolide antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, troleandomycin), HIV protease inhibitors (such as ritonavir, nelfinavir, indinavir), SSRIs (such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, fluvoxamine), among others.

Precautions

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other ergot alkaloids (such as ergotamine); 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 of: blood circulation disease (such as peripheral arterial disease, Raynaud's disease), heart disease (such as coronary artery disease, angina, heart attack), stroke, diabetes, family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, liver disease, kidney disease, severe blood infection (sepsis), recent blood vessel surgery, stomach/intestinal problems (such as ischemic bowel syndrome), smoking/tobacco use, permanent ending of menstrual periods due to age/surgery/hormonal changes (post-menopausal).

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). Remember that alcohol may be a cause of headaches.

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.

Side Effects

Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flushing, or increased sweating may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor.

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.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: slow/fast/irregular heartbeat, tingling/pain/coldness in the fingers/toes, whitish fingers/toes/nails, loss of feeling in the fingers/toes, bluish hands/feet, muscle pain/weakness in the arms/legs, severe stomach/abdominal pain, lower back pain, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: difficult/painful breathing, chest pain, confusion, trouble speaking, weakness on one side of the body, vision problems.

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.