What is Sumatriptan Actavis 50 mg?
Sumatriptan Actavis 50 mg tablets contain sumatriptan, a triptan (5-HT1 agonist) used for the relief of migraine headaches. Sumatriptan works by reducing the widening of blood vessels in the head that occurs during a migraine, helping to relieve headache and other migraine symptoms.
Who Can Take Sumatriptan?
Sumatriptan Actavis is for people who have been diagnosed with migraine, not for other types of headache. Migraine headaches are typically throbbing and severe, associated with nausea, vomiting, and photophobia (aversion to strong light). They are usually localised to one side of the head and are sometimes preceded by symptoms such as flashing lights or other visual or sensory disturbances (aura). They usually last a few hours before resolving, with no symptoms in between.
Who Should Not Use Sumatriptan?
Discuss your treatment with your GP and do not use sumatriptan without approval if any of the following apply:
- A history of fits or seizures.
- Serious liver or kidney disease.
- Over 65 years old.
- You are a heavy smoker (over 25 cigarettes per day), are a man over 40, or a woman past the menopause — you may be at extra risk of developing heart disease and may need additional checks from your GP before taking sumatriptan.
- You have had a heart attack, stroke, or mini-strokes (TIAs) in the past.
- Problems with poor circulation (peripheral vascular disease).
- Angina (heart pain on exertion).
- Irregular heart rhythm.
- You have uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Sumatriptan and Other Medicines
Sumatriptan belongs to a group of medicines called triptans and should not be taken at the same time as other triptans used to treat migraine, including naratriptan, rizatriptan, and zolmitriptan. Other migraine treatments may also interact, namely ergotamine or similar medicines — leave at least 24 hours between these medications and sumatriptan.
Sumatriptan should not be taken within 2 weeks of MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressants) and can interact with other antidepressants known as SSRIs or SNRIs, and herbal remedies containing St John’s Wort. Talk to your doctor if you take any antidepressant medication.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
There is no evidence of an increased risk of birth defects with sumatriptan in pregnancy, but information is limited. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with a doctor before taking it in pregnancy.
Despite minimal amounts passing into breast milk, manufacturers recommend not breastfeeding or using expressed milk within 12 hours of using sumatriptan.
Sumatriptan Side Effects
Do not take sumatriptan if you have a known allergy to other triptans or to sulphonamide antibiotics. Not all people experience side effects, and some symptoms may be caused by the migraine itself.
Common side effects (affecting up to 1 in 10 people) may include: aching muscles, shortness of breath, dizziness, tiredness, nausea (feeling sick), and a temporary increase in blood pressure.
Other side effects include: seizures, visual disturbance, heart problems (angina, changes in heart rhythm, heart attack), reduced peripheral circulation (cold hands and feet), feeling faint, joint pains, anxiety, and sweating.
How to Take Sumatriptan Actavis 50 mg
Sumatriptan tablets are not a preventative and should not be taken when there are no symptoms. They work best if taken as soon as a migraine headache is coming on, but can be taken at any time after the headache has started. Do not take during the aura phase.
The usual dose is one 50 mg tablet, swallowed whole. Some people require the higher-strength 100 mg tablet. You can take a second tablet after 2 hours, but only if symptoms are continuing and have partially responded to the first tablet. The maximum dose in 24 hours is 100 mg (2 x 50 mg tablets).
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