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New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2005 >> Imigran
(Message started by: Davies on Feb 18th, 2005, 4:15pm)

Title: Imigran
Post by Davies on Feb 18th, 2005, 4:15pm
:'( Hi im new here and if anyone can tell me about Imigran I would be very grateful Thank you Jo xx

Title: Re: Imigran
Post by clarence on Feb 18th, 2005, 4:55pm
OK, I will try this again, somehow got cut off last time.

Welcome, and sorry you are here.  But you are, so here's what I can tell you about Imigran:

Imigran is the name of Imitrex in places outsude North America.  It is an abortive med for CH.  It is the brand name for sumatriptan, and it comes in pills which work too slow usually for CH, nasal spray, and injections which most of us take.  

For info, I really think you should head to the OUCH UK site.  They are great people there, and will take great care of you.  I was in Scotland for about 15 months, and they were a great help.  You can find their site from the OUCH site at: www.clusterheadaches.org.  

About sumatriptan you can check out the British National Formulary website at www.bnf.org  BNF is the book that all the doctors in the UK use to find out info on different meds.  I think that anbody can register at the website, maybe you have to say you are a student or something.

Also, about sumatriptan, you can get info at the OUCH UK website: http://www.clusterheadaches.org.uk/home/index.cfm?address=../treatments/txt_drug_sumatriptan.cfm&added=22/07/03&code=CD.  

At that link you will get the following info:

Quote:
MEDICATION DATABASE

Drug name (generic):
     

Sumatriptan

Drug name (brand*):
     

Imigran

Administration:
     

Administration: Oral (50/100mg)
Nasal (20mg)
Injection (6mg)

Effects:
     

Tablets slowest (30 mins?), Nasal (10-20 mins?), Jab (5-10 mins?). For majority of patients works very effectively at aborting attacks. Few (5%?) find totally ineffective. The nearest to a miracle drug on the market!

Side-effects:
     

Occasional probs with heart patients (contra-indicated for most). Pulse can race. Sensitivity to temperature/sunlight. Tingling sensation.

Prescription:
     

UK - Varies considerably (due to expense, ignorance and simple reluctance?) Some patients receive all they need, while others are limited to six (or even fewer) per scrip. Recommended maximum two doses per day.
Licensing: technically only the injectible form is licensed for use with CH., though, because of price, the other two forms are normally tried first.
If your doctor does persist in the tablet form, at least try and get the 100mg; many people find that they can split them, and ward off attacks using the smaller dose.
(Useful Info: jab c.£19per dose, nasal c.£6, 100mg tab. c£8 - BNF, May 2001)


I hope that helps.  Check out the links at the left, and don't be afraid to ask questions.  We are all here for each other.  I would really encourage you to hit the OUCH UK site.  You won't be sorry, unless Wendy (Pubgirl) answers your request;).

Casey

Title: Re: Imigran
Post by Davies on Feb 20th, 2005, 4:27pm
:'( Hi used it today but my head just stayed as it was is this normal?

Title: Re: Imigran
Post by Filbert on Feb 20th, 2005, 9:35pm
No most CHers usually get relief from imigran/trex though a few don't. Sorry it didn't work for you!

            Filbert.

Title: Re: Imigran
Post by Cooked Brain on Feb 25th, 2005, 10:46pm

on 02/20/05 at 16:27:43, Davies wrote:
:'( Hi used it today but my head just stayed as it was is this normal?


May not work the first time! If pills don't work or take too long, try the nasal! That's my 2nd best painkiller (after 02 and before relpax 20mg), works 80% of the time within 15-20 minutes.

Still if the nasal doesn't work or also takes too long, might want to try the jabs (as written in Caseys post)


As you can see, no need to give up just yet! :)

Keep us updated!

PFd

Title: Re: Imigran
Post by Davies on Mar 2nd, 2005, 9:02am
:'( Hi everyone! Here we again headaces starting.So I took nasel spray.It has stopped the headace but still feel it there only to rturn later.What do i do I have two kids a part time job.Going back to the docctors today as I need more help but where do I go from here? can some one help? Do I try jabs? Will try most things as I cant take much more.Please help Jo xxx

Title: Re: Imigran
Post by Filbert on Mar 2nd, 2005, 9:50am
Jo I have sent you an IM with the ouch uk helpline number. Give them a ring you sound a bit down. The people who answer all suffer from CH and are very friendly and knowledgable.

   All the best Filbert.

Title: Re: Imigran
Post by Davies on Mar 2nd, 2005, 3:41pm
:'( :'( :'( It took an hour and a half to work but it did.At first it just stopped it in its tracks but thewm it suddenly went.Im so pleased. [smiley=laugh.gif].Last time I used it I was in the middle of the attack so this time I went for it at th start and it worked.I want to shout it from the roof tops.I feel great. ;;D [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] [smiley=laugh.gif] :P

Title: Re: Imigran
Post by Cooked Brain on Mar 2nd, 2005, 7:32pm

Let me shout with you Jo! :D

might want to inform on the oxygen as painkiller though, it's cheap, clean, fast and easy ;)

Title: Re: Imigran
Post by jmorgan52 on Mar 10th, 2005, 4:36am
I think the problem with the pills is they take too long to work and if you wait until the pain get hold they are useless. The Nasal Spray is only slightly better as long as you take it at the very first signs of CH coming.

The inj works (for me) EVERY TIME no matter when I take it during the CH. 10 Minutes maximum to total relief.

I wouldn't waste my time or money on the Imigran pills or nasal spray - stick to the injection. It is easy and painless in my opinion. When you get used to it you can always try the "tip on the left" to save on the amount you use.

John



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