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        New Message Board Archives >> 2002 Posts >> Himalayas ... Imitrex OK?
        
(Message started by: cfutia on Oct 2^nd, 2002, 7:14pm)

Title: Himalayas ... Imitrex OK?
Post by cfutia on Oct 2^nd, 2002, 7:14pm

I am a female who inherited cluster from my dad. Have been suffering since age 14 -- now 46. Clusters have diminished lately, but still susceptible.

Next April I'm going hiking in the Himalayas for a week -- a dream of a lifetime. My dad experienced an immediate cluster onset the one time he went to high altitude. I plan to bring lots of Imitrex with me to get through the week.

Does anyone know if it's as safe to take Imitrex at 8000 feet as it is at home (I live in Chicago)?

One other question -- I have some Imitrex injections that are about 4 years old. I believe they should still work. Anyone have experienced with that?

Chris F in IL

Title: Re: Himalayas ... Imitrex OK?
Post by NancyMcFree on Oct 2^nd, 2002, 8:36pm

There is an expiration date on the Imitrex. Mine are all marked for about a year from the date I get them. I wouldn't want to be caught with "old" stuff when you need it. You might want to get a new script.

People fly and get hit at high alititudes. The only thing I remember seeing posted on this though was that they used O2 to abort the headache. I would think Imitrex would work though.

Good luck and have a great trip !!!!

Title: Re: Himalayas ... Imitrex OK?
Post by Not4Hire on Oct 2^nd, 2002, 11:30pm

well, this is just *my* personal theory: altitude don't mean doodlie to clusters.....I've had 'em at 14,000 feet ELEVATION in the Peruvian Andes and at 6" elevation at the beach...... I've also had them at 30,000 feet ALTITUDE in a commercial jet......I've also been PF at all of the above..... I suspect that a lack of oxygen in a jet has something to do with the onset of HA's for SOME of us........ o2 worked at all of the above as well......for ME...... the rest o' youse lunatics' Mileage May Vary....

???
;D

(which Himalayas ya goin' to? seems like the 8000 foot ones are the leetle bitty ones over by .....Kansas?)

Title: Re: Himalayas ... Imitrex OK?
Post by Drk^Angel on Oct 4^th, 2002, 5:33pm

All meds have an expiration date. Most expiration dates are mandated by the FDA to be within a certain amount of time (most meds appear to be one year, regardless of the med). GlaxoSmithKline claims the expiration date is neccesary because the injection contain no preservatives, so it could degrade over time. Plus, the expiration date acts similar to the sell by date on a carton of milk, warning a patient that they are receiving an older product that may be less effective, or possibly harmful. I haven't read anywhere that sumatriptan succinate is indeed perishable, or any cases that any vials/syringes/StatDose Injectors have become contaminated if unused. In fact, I've heard a few ppl mention that they've used their meds after expiration date without problems. But of course, there could always be that risk.

PFDAN.................................. Drk^Angel