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Sumatriptan Statdose Coupon - Sumatriptan Statdose pen and 2 cartridges of 6mg kit

sumatriptan statdose

Generic Imitrex Statdose
Used for Migraine
Used for Migraine

Sumatriptan injection is also known by the brand names Imitrex or Imitrex STATdose. This medication is used for the short-term treatment of migraines with or without aura and cluster headaches in adults. It belongs to the drug class called triptans. Sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) is an injection that's given as a single dose under the skin at the first sign of a migraine or headache. The dose can be repeated 1 hour later if you need more relief. Side effects include a tingling sensation, a feeling of pressure or tightness, and injection-site reactions.

Last reviewed on July 21, 2024
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What is Sumatriptan injection (Imitrex)?

What is Sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) used for?

How Sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) works

Sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) is a triptan. It works on receptors in your brain and nervous system that respond to serotonin, a natural chemical in your body that's thought to play a role in migraines and headaches.

When it attaches to the serotonin receptors in the brain, sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) tightens the blood vessels in the brain and lessens blood vessel swelling that can cause migraine and headache pain. The medication also stops the release of other pain signals through your nervous system. This helps relieve migraine and headache pain.

Drug Facts

Drug ClassTriptan
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) essentials

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What are the side effects of Sumatriptan injection (Imitrex)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Pain, redness, swelling, bleeding, or bruising at the injection site (59%)
  • Tinging (14%)
  • Dizziness (12%)
  • Warm or hot sensation (11%)

Other Side Effects

  • Feeling of heaviness or tightness
  • Chest discomfort
  • Neck pain or stiffness
  • Burning sensation
  • Flushing
  • Numbness
  • Weakness

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Heart problems: heart attack, dangerously high blood pressure, severe headache, chest pain, trouble breathing, irregular heartbeat
  • Stroke: sudden weakness on one side of your body, headache, changes in your speech or vision, confusion
  • Serotonin syndrome: fast heart rate, dizziness, sweating, flushing, tremor (shakiness), muscle stiffness or twitching, uncoordinated movement, hallucinations
  • Allergic reaction: rash or hives, swelling of face or throat, trouble breathing
  • Narrowing of blood vessels in the body: bloody diarrhea; severe stomach pain; partial or permanent blindness; tightness, weakness, numbness of legs or feet
  • Seizure

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Blurred vision

chest pain or discomfort

chills

confusion

difficult or labored breathing

dizziness

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

fainting

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

headache

nervousness

pounding in the ears

shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet

slow heartbeat

sweating

tight feeling in the head

tightness or pressure in the chest

trembling or shaking of the hands or feet

unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare

Black, tarry stools

blood in the urine

blood in the vomit

burning while urinating

cough

decreased urination

depression of the skin

diarrhea

dry mouth

feeling of warmth or heat

fever

flushing or redness of the skin, especially on the face and neck

general feeling of discomfort or illness

inability to move the eyes

inability to move the legs or arms

increase in heart rate

increased blinking or spasms of the eyelid

increased sensitivity to pain

increased sensitivity to touch

indentation of the skin

joint pain

loss of appetite

muscle aches and pains

nausea

pain in the groin or genitals

paleness of the skin

paleness or cold feeling in the fingertips and toes

paralysis of one side of the body

rapid breathing

runny nose

severe or continuing stomach pain

sharp back pain just below the ribs

shivering

sore throat

sticking out of the tongue

sunken eyes

thirst

tingling in the hands and feet

tingling or pain in the fingers or toes when exposed to cold

trouble sleeping

trouble speaking or swallowing

uncontrolled twisting movements of the neck, trunk, arms, or legs

unusual facial expressions

vomiting

wrinkled skin

Incidence not known

Agitation

back, leg, or stomach pains

bleeding gums

blood in the stools

bluish color of the fingernails, lips, skin, palms, or nail beds

changes in skin color

changes in vision

decreased awareness or responsiveness

depression

double vision

general body swelling

headache, sudden, severe, and continuing

high fever

hives or itching

hostility

inability to speak

irritability

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals

loss of ability to use or understand speech or language

loss of appetite

loss of consciousness

loss of vision

migraine headache

muscle twitching

noisy breathing

nosebleeds

overactive reflexes

pain, tenderness, or swelling of the foot or leg

pinpoint red spots on the skin

poor coordination

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

rapid weight gain

rectal bleeding

redness, soreness, or itching skin

restlessness

seizures

severe or sudden headache

severe sleepiness

slurred speech

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

sores, welting, or blisters

stomach pain and tenderness

swelling of the face, ankles, hands, feet, or lower legs

swollen glands

talking or acting with excitement you cannot control

temporary blindness

trembling or shaking

twitching

unexplained bleeding or bruising

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual drowsiness, dullness, or feeling of sluggishness

unusually warm skin

weakness in the arm or leg on one side of the body, sudden and severe

weight loss

yellowing of the eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site

burning or tingling sensation

drowsiness

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

feeling of warmth

redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest

relaxed and calm feeling

sensation of spinning

sleepiness

Less common

Anxiety

bad, unusual, or unpleasant (after) taste

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

change in color vision

change in taste

difficulty seeing at night

difficulty with moving

discomfort in the jaw, nasal cavity, or throat

false or unusual sense of well-being

feeling strange

heartburn

increased sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight

joint pain, stiffness, or swelling

mental confusion

muscle aching or cramping

neck pain or stiffness

red, sore eyes

stomach discomfort

swollen joints

tearing of the eyes

thirst

weakness

Rare

Backache

belching

bloated or full feeling

changes in patterns and rhythms of speech

cramps

dry heaves

excess air or gas in the stomach or bowels

extreme thirst

heavy bleeding

hiccups

hunger

increased thirst

muscle tiredness

muscle twitching or jerking

pain

passing gas

reduced appetite

rhythmic movement of muscles

severe stomach pain with nausea and vomiting

tenderness of the skin

Incidence not known

Deafness

panic

severe sunburn

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Sumatriptan injection (Imitrex)

thumbs-up

Pros

First-choice option for the short-term treatment of migraines

Can work within as little as 10 minutes for pain relief

Doesn't have to be refrigerated

Lower-cost generic available

thumbs-down

Cons

Injected under the skin

Doesn't help prevent a migraine or cluster headache attack

Prefilled syringes and pen might not be a good option for people who have a latex allergy

Shouldn't be taken on 10 or more days per month because it can cause worse headaches

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Sumatriptan injection (Imitrex)

pharmacist
  • Your prescriber or pharmacist will train you on how to prepare and use the sumatriptan prefilled syringes and pen or vials, depending on which one you're prescribed. Ask your care team if you're not comfortable with how to prepare and take the medication.

    • Inject sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) under the skin, typically in the side of your upper arm or thigh. Never inject the medication into a muscle or vein.

      • It's best to inject sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) as soon as your migraine or headache starts. But you can also inject the medication at any time during your migraine or headache attack.

        • If your migraine or headache comes back or if it doesn't completely go away after at least 1 hour of taking sumatriptan injection (Imitrex), you can take a second dose of the medication. Don't take a second dose of sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) any sooner than 1 hour from your previous dose; this can cause more side effects.

          • It's possible for you to feel sleepy, dizzy, or weak after you take sumatriptan injection (Imitrex). Don't drive or do anything that requires concentration after you take a dose until you know how this medication affects you.

            • You might have a feeling of tightness, pressure, or pain in the chest, throat, jaw, or neck after you take sumatriptan injection (Imitrex). It typically doesn't last long and will go away. But keep in mind that these symptoms are very similar to symptoms of a heart attack or other heart problems. Get medical help right away if you notice that these symptoms are worsening or if they don't go away.

              • Speak with your prescriber if you have migraines or cluster headaches very often. In general, taking migraine medications for more than 9 days out of a month can lead to rebound headaches (also called medication overuse headaches). Your prescriber can discuss with you about other ways to relieve your migraine or headache without the use of medications.

                • Talk to your prescriber about the risks and benefits of taking sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) if you're pregnant. It isn't completely clear how safe the medication is during pregnancy.

                  • Ask your prescriber about taking sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) while breastfeeding. Based on research, the medication isn't expected to cause side effects in breastfed babies or affect your breast milk supply. But the manufacturer of sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) recommends avoiding breastfeeding for at least 12 hours after you take a dose of the medication to be safe.

                    • Store sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) at room temperature. Keep the medication in the original container to protect it from light.

                      faqs

                      Frequently asked questions about Sumatriptan injection (Imitrex)

                      Why is sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) restricted per month?
                      It's recommended that you take sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) up to 9 days within a month only. This is because taking migraine medications for 10 or more days per month can raise the risk that your headaches can come back and possibly be worse. This worsening of headaches is called rebound or medication overuse headaches. Ask your prescriber about other treatment options to help if you still have a migraine or headache after you've already taken sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) or other headache medication for 9 days within a month.
                      How often can you take sumatriptan injection (Imitrex)?
                      You can take up to two doses of sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) within a 24-hour period to help treat a migraine or cluster headache. Make sure to take the second dose at least 1 hour after the first if you need more relief from your migraine or cluster headache. Speak with your prescriber about other treatment options to help if you still have symptoms after you've already taken 2 doses of sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) in a day. Also discuss with your prescriber about your options if you've already taken any migraine or headache medication for a total of 9 days in a month and you need more relief.
                      How well does sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) work?
                      Multiple studies show that the majority of people who take sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) have improved migraine symptoms and pain relief after a single dose. Other studies also show that the majority of people who take sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) for cluster headaches report significant symptom relief within 2 hours of a dose. Talk to your prescriber if you're concerned with how well sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) works for you.
                      How long does sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) take to work?
                      For migraine treatment, some people who took sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) started to feel pain relief within 10 minutes of the injection. Keep in mind that the study also found that it can sometimes take up to 2 hours to feel the maximum pain-relieving effects of the medication for migraine. For cluster headaches, some people felt pain relief within 5 to 15 minutes of taking sumatriptan injection (Imitrex).
                      Is sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) a controlled substance?
                      No, sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) isn't a controlled substance. This medication doesn't have a risk of addiction or dependence.
                      How long does sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) stay in your system?
                      It takes about 10 hours for sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) to leave your body after a single dose. This time frame is estimated based on the half-life of the medication, which is how long it takes for half the amount of medication to leave the body. Talk with your prescriber if you have questions about how long the medication stays in your body.
                      Does sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) make you sleepy?
                      Yes, it's possible for sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) to make you sleepy, but it's not common. Only about 3% of people who took sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) reported feeling tired or fatigued as a side effect of the medication in clinical studies. Wait and see how sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) affects you before driving or performing activities that you need to be alert for.
                      What's the difference between Imitrex STATdose and Imitrex?
                      Imitrex STATdose refers to the kit that contains two single-dose prefilled syringe cartridges of sumatriptan and an Imitrex STATdose pen. The prefilled syringe cartridges are also available by themselves (without the pen) for refills. You place the prefilled syringe cartridge into the Imitrex STATdose pen before you inject the medication. Most people just refer the medication as Imitrex to shorten the brand name. The Imitrex brand name is also available as tablets that are taken by mouth and a nasal spray.
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                      What are the risks and warnings for Sumatriptan injection (Imitrex)?

                      Sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                      risk-warning

                      Heart problems and high blood pressure

                      • Risk factors: History of heart problems | Age older than 65 | Diabetes | People who are considered obese | High blood pressure | Smoking tobacco

                        Although rare, some people have reported serious heart problems, such as heart attack and heart rhythm problems, within a few hours after taking sumatriptan injection (Imitrex). In addition, this medication might make your blood pressure go up to dangerously high levels.

                        If you have a history of heart or blood circulation problems, talk to your primary care provider or cardiologist first to make sure sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) is as safe for you as possible. And make sure to periodically check your blood pressure while you're taking sumatriptan injection (Imitrex). Let your healthcare team know if it's higher than usual. Get emergency help right away if you experience a heart attack, severe headache, chest pain, or irregular heartbeat.

                        risk-warning

                        Stroke or other brain injury

                        Some people who've taken triptans like sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) have had life-threatening strokes or bleeding in the brain. For this reason, you won't be able to take this medication if you've had a stroke in the past. Let your primary care provider or neurologist know about your medical history.

                        Symptoms of stroke or other brain injuries include sudden weakness on one side of the body, severe headaches, drooping face, trouble breathing, or changes in your speech or vision. These symptoms can be similar to migraine symptoms, so strokes can be mistaken for a migraine. Stop taking sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) and get medical help as soon as possible if you notice symptoms of a stroke, especially if you haven't had a migraine or cluster headache before.

                        risk-warning

                        Extreme narrowing of blood vessels

                        Sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) can cause extreme narrowing of your blood vessels in different parts of your body. Depending on the location, this can lead to serious stomach problems (e.g., stomach pain, bloody diarrhea), vision problems, and changes in sensation in your hands and feet. Sometimes, it can cause symptoms similar to Raynaud's phenomenon, which can look like color changes in your hands and feet (can turn pale or more reddish depending on how much blood is flowing through). Don't take any more sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) until you see a member of your healthcare team if you notice these symptoms after you take the medication.

                        risk-warning

                        Worsened headaches if sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) is taken too often

                        Taking more than the recommended dose of migraine medications, including sumatriptan injection (Imitrex), or taking them too often can cause them to not work as well. This can lead to more migraine-like headaches or more migraine attacks. Let your primary care provider or neurologist know if you're taking multiple migraine medications and if you need to take them for more than 9 days per month. Your primary care provider or neurologist can talk with you about better options to help with migraines.

                        risk-warning

                        Serotonin syndrome

                        • Risk factors: Taking other medications that raise serotonin levels

                          Some people who take sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) have developed a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. This condition happens when there's too much serotonin in the brain.

                          Let your primary care provider or neurologist know about all the medications you take before you start sumatriptan injection (Imitrex), as well as any medications you plan to take. Your risk for serotonin syndrome can be higher if you take sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) with other medications that can raise your serotonin levels, such as certain antidepressants, mental health medications, and migraine medications.

                          Get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, and confusion.

                          risk-warning

                          Seizures

                          • Risk factors: History of seizures

                            Although rarely reported, some people have had a seizure after they took sumatriptan injection (Imitrex). Tell your prescriber if you have a history of seizures or if you have any health conditions that make you more prone to having seizures.

                            risk-warning

                            Severe allergic reaction

                            • Risk factors: Latex allergy

                              Rarely, sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) can cause life-threatening allergic reactions. Get medical help right away if you have hives, swelling in your face or throat, or trouble breathing.

                              Let your healthcare team know if you have an allergy to latex. The needle shield of the prefilled syringes contain latex, so people who have a latex allergy might have an allergic reaction if they use the prefilled syringes of sumatriptan injection (Imitrex).

                              dosage

                              Sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) dosage forms

                              The average cost for 1 kit of pen and 2 cartridges of 6mg of Sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) is $53.12 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 79.71% off the average retail price of $261.85.
                              kit
                              Kit
                              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                              pen and 2 cartridges of 4mg1 kit$41.20$41.20
                              pen and 2 cartridges of 6mg1 kit$53.12$53.12
                              refill
                              Refill
                              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                              2 cartridges of 4mg1 refill$40.51$40.51
                              2 cartridges of 6mg1 refill$65.88$65.88

                              Typical dosing for Sumatriptan injection (Imitrex)

                              You can take a second dose at least 1 hour after the first dose if your migraine or headache comes back or doesn't completely go away. The maximum dose is 12 mg per day.

                              More on Sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) dosage forms

                              interactions

                              Interactions between Sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) and other drugs

                              Sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Sumatriptan injection (Imitrex). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                              How much does Sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) cost?

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                              contraindications-icon

                              Sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) contraindications

                              Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) will not be safe for you to take.
                              alternatives

                              What are alternatives to Sumatriptan injection (Imitrex)?

                              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Sumatriptan injection (Imitrex). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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                              Used for:
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                              images

                              Sumatriptan injection (Imitrex) images

                              yellow - Sumatriptan Succinate 6mg / 0.5ml Solution for Injection (Kit)
                              This medicine is Yellow Kit.yellow - Sumatriptan Succinate 6mg / 0.5ml Solution for Injection (Kit)

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                              References

                              Best studies we found

                              Ailani, J., et al. (2021). The American Headache Society Consensus Statement: Update on integrating new migraine treatments into clinical practice. Headache.

                              Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) (2024). Sumatriptan. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

                              Eugia US LLC. (2023). Sumatriptan- sumatriptan injection, solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

                              View All References (4)

                              Feuerstadt, P. (2019). Small bowel ischemia overview. American College of Gastroenterology.

                              GlaxoSmithKline LLC. (2023). Imitrex- sumatriptan injection [package insert]. DailyMed.

                              Kadian, R., et al. (2023). Basilar migraine. StatPearls.

                              Kumar, A., et al. (2023). Hemiplegic migraine. StatPearls.

                              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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