Cafergot

Cafergot (Ergotamine/Caffeine) is used to treat attacks of migraine with or without aura. These headaches are thought to be caused by temporary changes in the size of small blood vessels in the brain. These blood vessels swell, causing the pain and visual disturbances that often happen during an attack. Cafergot stops the attack by causing the blood vessels to constrict (shrink) back to normal size.

Cafergot is only taken to treat migraine attacks. It is not taken to prevent attacks from happening. There are some types of headaches which must not be treated with Cafergot. Your physician will determine the best treatment for your headache.

These tablets contain the active ingredients, ergotamine tartrate and caffeine. Ergotamine belongs to a group of medicines known as the "ergot alkaloids." Caffeine helps ergotamine work better and faster by increasing its absorption into the body.

Follow all directions given to you by your physician and pharmacist carefully.

Adults: At the first sign of a migraine attack, swallow two Cafergot tablets. This dose is usually enough to stop an attack but, if the migraine doesn`t go away, you can have another dose every half an hour to a maximum of 6 tablets in one day. Do not take more than 10 tablets in one week.

If you take too much Cafergot or if you take it too often, you may have an increased risk of serious side effects such as "ergotism" or retroperitoneal or pleuropulmonary fibrosis (see Side Effects section for more information). You may also have side effects such as headaches, tiredness, runny nose and muscle pain when you stop using it.

Tell your physician or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are using Cafergot, even if you do not think it is connected with the medicine. All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, but most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects. Do not be alarmed by these lists of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them. Ask your physician or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.

Stop using Cafergot and tell your physician immediately if you notice any of the following:

• signs of allergy such as rash, itching or hives on the skin; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other part of the body; wheezing or troubled breathing
• signs of "ergotism" (excessive constriction of blood vessels) such as numbness, coldness, tingling or a pale or bluish colour in the fingers or toes, pain or spasms in muscles, weakness in the lower legs, chest pain
• pain in the lower back or side, associated with difficulty in passing urine or pain on urinating, which may be a sign of retroperitoneal fibrosis, a thickening of the abdominal lining that can cause obstruction of the urinary tract
• shortness of breath, dry cough, pain in the chest or rib area, which may be a sign of pleuropulmonary fibrosis, a scarring and thickening of lung tissue

Tell your physician if you notice any of the following and they worry you:

• nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting
• stomach pain
• diarrhoea
• dizziness
• dull headaches
• fast, slow or irregular heart beat

Do not take Cafergot to prevent a migraine attack from happening. This medicine should only be taken to treat a migraine once it has started.

This medicine is not appropriate for common `tension` headaches.

If you have an allergic or hypersensitive reaction, seek emergency medical attention. Possible symptoms include difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, swelling, chest tightness, skin rashes, and hives.

Cafergot (Ergotamine/Caffeine) should only be used as instructed and prescribed by your physician or pharmacist. Do not alter your dosage unless specifically instructed to do so by either of the above. Dosage and usage often depends on the severity of the condition, as well as the patient`s medical history and current health condition.

Before you begin using this medication, ensure your physician is aware of the following:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you have any allergies.
• If you have any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.
• If you are using any other drugs or medication.
• If you are using any vitamins or supplements.