Generic Cafergot (Ergotamine Tartrate, Caffeine)

What is/are Cafergot tablets?

CAFFEINE; ERGOTAMINE is part of a group of medicines called ergot alkaloids. It is used to treat or prevent migraine and cluster headaches. Cafergot is a combination of 2 vasoconstrictors. It works by constricting blood vessels in the lining of the brain, which helps to decrease the pain from migraine headaches.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• heart or blood vessel disease
• high blood pressure
• infection
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• poor circulation
• an unusual or allergic reaction to caffeine, ergotamine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Use Cafergot as directed by your doctor. Cafergot may be taken with or without food. Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice may affect the amount of Cafergot in your blood. Talk with your doctor before including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet.

Cafergot is only to be used as needed for a migraine attack. Take Cafergot at the first sign of a headache. If the initial dose does not relieve your headache, additional doses may be needed according to your doctor's instructions. Do not take a dose of Cafergot within 30 minutes of your last dose. Do not take more than 6 tablets for a single migraine headache or more than 10 tablets during any 7-day period without first checking with your doctor.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Cafergot and you still have a headache, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take a dose of Cafergot within 30 minutes of your last dose. Do not take 2 doses at once.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• Clotrimazole, fluconazole, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, , metronidazole, nefazodone, saquinavir, or zileuton
• azole antifungals, beta-blockers, delavirdine, HIV protease inhibitors, efavirenz, ketolide antibiotics, macrolide antibiotics, or selective 5-HT agonists
• pressor agents or sympathomimetics
• Quinolones
• Theophylline

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• clotrimazole
• fluoxetine
• fluvoxamine
• medicines for high blood pressure, especially beta-blockers
• metronidazole
• nicotine
• zileuton

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• chest pain or tightness
• cold hands or feet
• confusion
• fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat
• itching
• leg or arm pain or cramps
• rectal discomfort or sores
• seizure
• stomach pain
• swelling of hands, ankles, or feet
• tingling, pain or numbness in feet or hands
• vomiting
• weakness

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• increased urination
• nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Do NOT exceed the recommended dose or take Cafergot for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Cafergot is not for long-term daily use.

Do not take Cafergot for any other kind of headaches. Cafergot is not effective in treating other types of headaches.

Use of nicotine may increase the risk of severe side effects with Cafergot . Talk to you doctor before using Cafergot if you smoke or use any other kind of nicotine.

Use Cafergot with extreme caution in children. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed. Do not use Cafergot if you are pregnant. If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. Cafergot should not be taken during labor and delivery. Cafergot is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Cafergot , check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

When used for long periods of time or at high doses, some people develop a need to continue taking Cafergot . This is known as dependence or addiction. It is important that you take Cafergot as instructed by your doctor. Cafergot is not for long-term daily use.

Where should I keep this medicine?

Store Cafergot at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), in a tight, light-resistant container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Cafergot out of the reach of children and away from pets.