GENERIC NAME: ERGOTAMINE WITH CAFFEINE - ORAL (er-GOT-uh-meen WITH kaff-EEN)

BRAND NAME(S): Ercaf, Wigraine

Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

WARNING: Infrequently, a very serious, life-threatening decrease in the amount of blood supply to the hands and feet (peripheral ischemia) and rarely to the brain can occur when this medication is taken with drugs that affect liver metabolism (e.g., potent CYP 3A4 enzyme inhibitors). Do not take this medication with macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin, troleandomycin), protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, nelfinavir, indinavir, amprenavir, saquinavir), azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole).

USES: Ergotamine acts to reduce pulsing of migraine headaches. Caffeine is added to enhance the effects of ergotamine. The combination is used to treat migraine and cluster headaches.

HOW TO USE: It is best to take this medication at the first sign of a headache. It will take longer to work if taken when the headache has already become severe. After taking this, lie down in a quiet, dark room for an hour or two. Make sure you understand how often to take this medication and the maximum amount of medication that should be taken (usually 6 per headache or 10 per week). Do not use daily on a regular basis. Do not take more than prescribed. Review your dosing directions with your doctor or pharmacist. Be sure to ask any questions you may have.

SIDE EFFECTS: May cause dizziness, drowsiness, stomach upset, anxiety, tremor. These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: chest pain, irregular heartbeat, vomiting, muscle pain or numbness, pain/tingling/coldness in the hands or feet, bluish discoloration of the fingers and toes, vision changes, depression. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.