Relpax

What is RELPAX?

RELPAX is one of a group of antimigraine drugs called 5-HT1 receptor agonists. It is intended to relieve your migraine headache and other associated symptoms of a migraine attack.

How does RELPAX work?

Migraine headache is believed to be caused by a widening of the blood vessels in the head. RELPAX narrows those vessels and relieves the pain and other symptoms of migraine.

Learn More: Taking this medication >

How should I take RELPAX?

RELPAX tablets should be swallowed whole with water. The dosage for adults is 20 or 40 mg, as recommended by your doctor. The dose should be taken as soon as your migraine appears, but you can take it any time during your migraine headache. RELPAX tablets should not be used prophylactically.

If your first dose is 20 mg, you may take a second dose of 20 mg if your headache returns. Do not take a second dose any sooner than 2 hours after the first dose. Do not take more than 40 mg in any 24-hour period. If the first dose does not relieve the symptoms, do not take further doses for the same attack.

This medicine has been prescribed only for you. Only a doctor knows who can use it safely. Never give this medication to anyone else. It may harm them, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.

When should I NOT take RELPAX?

Do not take RELPAX if you…

• are allergic to any of the ingredients (eletriptan hydrobromide or the nonmedicinal ingredients croscarmellose sodium, FD & C Yellow No 6 aluminum lake, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, titanium dioxide or triacetin) 
• have uncontrolled or severe high blood pressure
• have heart disease or a history of heart disease
• have severe liver disease
• have or had a stroke or problems with your blood circulation, Raynaud syndrome, or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)
• are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, are trying to become pregnant or are using inadequate contraception, unless you have discussed this with your doctor 
• have taken any of the following medicines in the last 72 hours: ketoconazole, itraconazole, nefazodone, troleandomycin, clarithromycin, ritonavir or nelfinavir. These medicines may cause an increase in the amount of RELPAX in the blood, increasing the risk of serious side effects
• have taken any of the following medicines in the last 24 hours: other “triptans” like almotriptan, sumatriptan, naratriptan, zolmitriptan or rizatriptan, or ergotamine-type medications such as ergotamine, dihydroergotamine or methysergide. These medicines are of the same class as RELPAX, and taking them together increases the risk of serious side effects

Ask your physician for instructions about taking RELPAX if you are taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline, escitalopram or fluoxetine, or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine or duloxetine. A life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome can happen when medicines called triptans, such as RELPAX, and SSRIs or SNRIs are used together. Signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome include the following: restlessness, diarrhea, hallucinations, coma, loss of coordination, nausea, fast heart beat, vomiting, increased body temperature, changes in blood pressure and overactive reflexes.

Learn More: Safety information >

What side effects can RELPAX cause?

Although the vast majority of RELPAX users have not experienced any significant problems, you should be aware of the following side effects:

• Sensations of pain, pressure or tightness in the chest, neck, throat, jaw or arms. If this happens to you, then discuss it with your doctor before using any more RELPAX. If the chest pain is severe (may resemble an angina attack) or does not go away, call your doctor immediately.
• Shortness of breath; wheezing; heart throbbing; swelling of face, lips or eyelids; skin rash; skin lumps; or hives. If any of these happen to you, tell your doctor immediately. Do not continue to take RELPAX unless advised by your doctor.
• Feeling weak, feeling sleepy, tingling, difficulty swallowing, nausea and stomach pain/cramps.
• Dizziness and drowsiness have also been reported in some patients receiving RELPAX. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery if you are experiencing these symptoms or side effects.

This is not a complete list of side effects. For any unexpected effects while taking RELPAX, contact your doctor or pharmacist.