Axert (Almotriptan)

Do’s

• Talk to your healthcare provider about your heart health before using Axert, especially if you have risk factors. They may do a heart exam or monitor you during your first dose.
• Take Axert exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider at the first sign of a migraine, not to prevent one.
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions on dosage based on your individual needs and other medications you take.
• If your migraine partially improves, you may take a second dose after 2 hours.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you need to use Axert more often than prescribed or if it's not working as well.

Don'ts

• Don't take Axert without consulting your healthcare provider if you have a high risk of heart problems.
• Don't take more than the prescribed dose of Axert.
• Don't take Axert to prevent migraines.
• Don't take more than 2 doses of Axert in 24 hours.
• Don't use Axert if your migraine doesn't improve after the first dose without talking to your healthcare provider.
• Don't use Axert for more than 10 days per month as it can worsen headaches (medication overuse headache).
• Don't take more than 2 doses of Axert in 24 hours.

Common side effects of Axert may include:

• Chest/jaw/neck tightness
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Sensation of tingling or warmth
• Throat discomfort

Serious side effects of Axert are rare but may include:

• Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness
• Slurring of speech
• Confusion
• Delirium
• Seizures in some individuals
• Eye pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Vision changes

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Axert,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Before taking Axert (almotriptan), inform your healthcare provider about any allergies to almotriptan, other triptan migraine drugs, or any other medications.

Tell your healthcare provider about pre-existing conditions, especially:

• Blood circulation problems (legs, arms/hands, or stomach)
• Certain types of headaches (hemiplegic or basilar migraine)
• Heart problems (chest pain, irregular heartbeat, previous heart attack)
• Stroke or "mini-stroke" (transient ischemic attack)
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease

Certain conditions increase the risk of heart problems with Axert. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these:

• Diabetes
• Family history of heart disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Overweight
• Smoker
• Postmenopausal (women)
• Age over 40 (men)

Axert may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Don't drive, operate machinery, or do anything requiring alertness until you feel normal. Limit alcohol and marijuana use which can worsen these effects.

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications. Tell your healthcare provider about all medications you take (including Axert) before undergoing surgery.

Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects like increased blood pressure and heart problems.

Use only when necessary. Axert should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits clearly outweigh the risks. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before using it if you are pregnant.

It is unknown if Axert passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding to determine if it's safe