Maxalt Generic Name: RIZATRIPTAN (rye-za-TRIP-tan)

Maxalt Drug Manufacturer: MERCK SHARP & DOHME

Maxalt Common Uses: This medicine is a cerebral vasoconstrictor used to relieve certain types of migraine headache attacks as they occur. It will not prevent or reduce the number of attacks you experience.

How to use this Maxalt Medicine: Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE COMES WITH A PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. DO NOT REMOVE THIS MEDICINE from the blister pack until you are ready to take it. PLACE THE DRY TABLET on your tongue. The tablet will dissolve and be swallowed in your saliva. IT IS BEST TO TAKE A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE as soon as you notice symptoms of a migraine attack. If your headache returns, a second dose may be taken. Allow at least 2 hours between doses of this medicine. DO NOT TAKE ADDITIONAL DOSES if you do not get a response from the first dose. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C), away from heat and light.

Maxalt Cautions: DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE without checking with your doctor. THIS MEDICINE IS NOT INTENDED to prevent or reduce the number of migraine attacks that you experience. IF YOU HAVE A HEADACHE THAT IS DIFFERENT than your usual migraine attacks, check with your doctor before using this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN USING THIS MEDICINE, give your doctor and pharmacist a list of all prescription and non-prescription medicines that you are using to treat and prevent migraine attacks. DO NOT USE ERGOT-CONTAINING MEDICINES or other migraine headache medicines within 24 hours of using this medicine. If you have questions about which medicines contain ergot, ask your doctor or pharmacist. BEFORE USING THIS MEDICINE, TELL YOUR DOCTOR if you have had chest pains, heart disease, shortness of breath, fast or irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes. Also tell your doctor if you smoke, have had a heart attack or stroke, have liver or kidney disease, are post-menopausal, or have had any seizures. If you develop any of these conditions while you are taking this medicine, notify your doctor. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more doses of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. PHENYLKETONURICS: this medicine contains phenylalanine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.