Imigran Nasal Spray

You only need Imigran if you’re having migraine – it isn’t for everyday headaches.

If you need to tell whether you have migraines – migraines are best defined as a headache which can feel like a throbbing pain on one side of the head which may present with other symptoms such as:

• Nausea/vomiting
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to sound

However, there are different types of migraine, including:

• Migraine with aura – a migraine which presents with warning signs such as flashing lights
• Migraine without aura – a migraine which happens without any warning signs. This is the most common type of migraine
• Migraine aura without headache – where the individual experiences an aura such as visual problems or numbness or other migraine symptoms but no headache. This is also known as a silent migraine

These are usually the signs which help to distinguish between a migraine and a headache. Migraines also usually have a throbbing pain associated with them.

Order online – you can order Imigran Nasal Spray from online doctor services like ours. If you feel like you need treatment for your migraine because over the counter painkillers are not effective, then use our convenient service to order Imigran.

To order you will first need to fill in a simple online questionnaire. Our doctors will review the answers you give to determine your suitability. If you are approved, the Imigran Nasal Spray will be sent direct to you via post or courier.

We only sell 20mg doses in packs or 2 or 6 doses. If you need to re-order, then you will need to complete the questionnaire again to make sure the Imigran Nasal Spray is safe for you to continue to use when a migraine occurs.

Order offline – alternatively, you can visit your GP who will assess your needs and provide you with a prescription for Imigran Nasal Spray if they feel you are suitable to use it.

You could try Imigran as long as you have migraines and you don’t have any previous health conditions or current medications that make taking Imigran unsafe.

How will it help me? – Imigran Nasal Spray is used to treat migraine headaches by reducing the width of the blood vessels in the head. Migraines are thought to be caused by a temporary widening of blood vessels in the head. Imigran Nasal Spray contains an active ingredient called sumatriptan which works to reduce the widening of the blood vessels and so relieves the symptoms associated with migraine headaches.

Current medications – there are some migraine medications which cannot be used alongside the Imigran Nasal Spray. If you are already taking these you might not be able to use Imigran as well. See the 'Possible Drug Interactions' section to the right.

Personal circumstances – you shouldn’t use the Imigran Nasal Spray if:

• You are allergic to Sumatriptan or any ingredients included in the Imigran Nasal Spray
• You have a heart condition – narrowing of the arteries, angina, having had a heart attack previously
• You have circulation problems in your legs
• You have had a stroke in the past
• You have high blood pressure
• You have liver disease
• You take any of the medications listed above

Take it properly – see the 'How To Use' section on the right.

Learn what triggers them – the exact cause of migraines is still unknown. However, there are some possible triggers that bring on migraines. If you know what they are you can avoid them. These include:

• Hormonal changes – some women experience migraines around the same time as their period and changes in hormones at this time can cause migraines. This usually improve after the menopause
• Emotional changes – anxiety, stress, depression, tension,
• Physical triggers – tiredness, lack of sleep, poor posture, neck or shoulder tension, low blood sugar
• Some parts of your diet can cause migraines – caffeine containing foods/drinks, chocolate, cheeses, citrus fruit, alcohol, skipping meals
• Environmental triggers – smoking, bright lights, television/computer/phone screens, loud noises
• Medication – contraceptive pill, hormone replacement therapy, sleeping tablets

Keepin a diary – if you keep a migraine diary, you may be able to identify potential triggers. You should make a note of:

• The date of your migraine
• The time it began
• If you had any warning signs
• The symptoms you experience
• Any medication you have taken
• The date and time the attack finished

If the medication you are taking for migraine attacks isn’t helping you should seek advice from your GP. They will be able to advise you further or refer you to a specialist if necessary.

Yes there is a chance that you could get side effects from Imigran – see the 'Side Effects' section to the right for more details

What to do if you experience side effects? – many of these side effects will pass and some may be due to the migraine itself such as a feeling of nausea or vomiting. However, if they do not pass, consult your GP, pharmacist or nurse who may advise an alternative treatment. If you experience chest pain which is severe or persistent seek medical help immediately.

Imigran isn't for everyone – Imigran Nasal Spray may prove to not be the most effective treatment for your migraines. It may not work, or it could give you side effects that you can’t put up with. Migraine is not a clear-cut condition with the cause still unknown. Instead, it is a complex, neurological condition which can affect the whole body and not just the head. The symptoms can last up to 72 hours and sufferers can experience up to 13 attacks a year. Because of this, managing migraines is not always straightforward.

If this is the case, we also offer other treatment options including:

• Sumatriptan 50mg/100mg tablets
• Maxalt Melt Oral 10mg
• Anti-nausea medication – Buccastem M 3mg

Other treatment options – as well as treatments you may be unaware of the other help available to migraine patients like yourself, including:

• Local support groups
• Migraine charities – The Migraine Trust, Migraine Action
• Acupuncture – an alternative form of treatment which may help prevent migraine attacks

1. Make sure you are in a comfortable position preferably sitting down
2. Before use, if you have a blocked nose or cold blow your nose
3. Gently hold the nasal spray with your fingers and thumb, without pressing down on the plunger yet
4. Press a finger on one side of your nose to block one nostril
5. Place the nozzle of the nasal spray into the unblocked nostril – only as far as it feels comfortable
6. Gently breathe out through your nose
7. Begin to gently breathe in through your nose and as you breathe in firmly press the plunger on the nasal spray bottle
8. Remove the nozzle from your nose and finger blocking the opposite nostril
9. Keep your head upright for 20 seconds
10. Breathe in and out through your mouth
11. The nasal spray will be empty, so the bottle can now be thrown away

Ergotamine:

• You need to stop taking this migraine medication or similar such as methysergide at least 24 hours before using the Imigran Nasal Spray
• You must wait at least 6 hours after using Imigran before taking these medications again

Other triptans/5-HT1 receptor agonists:

• These medications are also used to treat migraines and you should stop taking them at least 24 hours before using the Imigran Nasal Spray
• Don’t start taking the medication until 24 hours after using Imigran

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) – these are used to treat depression. Taking these medications and using Imigran can cause serotonin syndrome which can result in:

• Restlessness
• Muscle spasms
• Hallucinations
• Sweating
• Confusion

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs):

• Also used to treat depression
• Do not use the Imigran Nasal Spray if you have taken MAOIs in the last 2 weeks

St John’s Wort:

• Herbal remedy
• Can increase the likelihood of side effects

Heaviness, pressure or tightness in the chest or throat

Unusual sensations such as:

• Numbness
• Tingling
• Feeling warm or cold

Burning or irritating sensation in nose or throat – nose bleeds

Nausea or vomiting

Tiredness

Dizziness

Increase in blood pressure

Shortness of breath

Aching muscles