Imigran
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* Includes Free Private Prescription & Consultation.
† Applies to UK only.
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MEDICAL INFORMATION
Imigran Key Facts
About Imigran
Imigran contains the active ingredient sumatriptan succinate. It is classed as a selective serotonin receptor agonist, or triptan. It is thought to work by reversing the widening of blood vessels in the brain, helping to ease the symptoms of migraine. Imigran is most effective when used at the start of a migraine attack.
Sumatriptan is available with a prescription under the brand name Imigran. NowPatient offers Imigran or the generic sumatriptan as treatments for migraines only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.
Key facts of Imigran
- For the treatment of migraine attacks
- Imigran has some common side effects which include drowsiness and nausea
- It can be dangerous if you take Imigran with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
Who is Imigran not suitable for?
Imigran may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before taking Imigran if you:
- Have ever had an allergic reaction to the active ingredient sumatriptan
- Have had a heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, or heart disease
- Have liver disease
- Are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants
- Are taking other triptan medicines
- Are taking other migraine treatments, such as ergotamine or its derivatives, methysergide
- Have a history of epilepsy
- Are taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressants, or St. John’s wort
How and where to get Imigran?
You can buy Imigran safely and securely from NowPatient. You can start a consultation today for free and if you qualify for treatment, you only pay for the cost of the medication. Delivery is made to your home or office from our registered pharmacy.
Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician for the treatment of migraines, you can discuss if Imigran is a suitable treatment option for you.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.
Dosage and strength for Imigran for migraines
Imigran is available as tablets and as a nasal spray when used for migraine attacks. It is available in strengths ranging from 50 mg to 100 mg tablets, and 10mg to 20mg nasal sprays.
Information about how to take Imigran for migraines
Imigran tablets are taken orally with or without food when migraines first appear. They should not be taken when you experience aura symptoms such as tingling, dizziness, or issues with your vision.
Imigran can be prescribed when pain killers or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have not been effective. It can also be used in combination with NSAIDs to treat migraine headaches.
Imigran nasal spray is taken at the start of a migraine attack for best effect, but will also give relief if taken later. Spray into one nostril. If ineffective, take a second dose after 2 hours.
Read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication or speak to a healthcare professional for medical advice.
What happens if you take too much Imigran?
If you take more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have taken too much Imigran and you experience any of the following side effects:
What are the side effects of Imigran?
Side effects of Imigran are split into common and serious.
Common side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Chest pain
- Tingling sensations
- Nosebleed
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Hot flushes
- Shortness of breath
If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.
If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.
- Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
- Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
Always report adverse effects to the MHRA yellow card reporting system. You can read more about this here How and where do I report side effects of my medication? – NowPatient
Information about taking Imigran at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements
There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and Imigran. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements.
Can Imigran taken for migraines be taken long term?
You should not use sumatriptan too often. Speak to your doctor if your migraine does not go away, or if you have migraines or cluster headaches on a regular basis.
Is there a herbal Imigran?
No. Herbal Imigran does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.
Can women use Imigran?
Women can take Imigran for the treatment of migraine attacks. However it is important to not breastfeed your baby within 12 hours after taking an Imigran dose. Speak to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or suspect you are pregnant, before taking Imigran.
Should I avoid any particular food or drink when taking Imigran?
You can eat and drink normally when taking Imigran, but you should avoid alcohol during a migraine attack.
What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with migraines?
- Maintain regular sleep patterns
- Exercise
- Eat regular healthy meals
- Reduce your stress
- Avoiding triggers
Alternatives to Imigran
Alternatives for the treatment of migraines include other triptans such as zolmitriptan and almotriptan, or painkillers such as paracetamol, aspirin, or ibuprofen.
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Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About Imigran
What is Imigran?
Imigran is the brand name for sumatriptan, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. It is a triptan medication used for the acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura. Imigran is available in several formulations: tablets (50 mg and 100 mg), nasal spray (10 mg and 20 mg), and subcutaneous injection (6 mg auto-injector). Imigran Recovery (50 mg tablets) is available over the counter from pharmacies. The injection and nasal spray formulations are prescription-only and are particularly useful for patients with severe nausea or vomiting during migraines.
What is the difference between Imigran and generic sumatriptan?
Imigran and generic sumatriptan contain the same active ingredient at the same dose and are bioequivalent — meaning they work in the same way with the same effectiveness. The main difference is the brand name and price. Generic sumatriptan is typically less expensive. The Imigran injection (auto-injector device) may differ from generic injection devices in design and ease of use. Your prescriber or pharmacist can advise on the most suitable and cost-effective option.
Which Imigran formulation is best for me?
The best formulation depends on your migraine symptoms. Tablets (50–100 mg) are convenient for most migraines with manageable nausea. The nasal spray (20 mg) works faster than tablets and is useful if vomiting prevents tablet absorption. The subcutaneous injection (6 mg) provides the fastest relief (within 10–15 minutes) and is best for severe, rapidly developing migraines or those with significant vomiting. Discuss with your prescriber which option suits your migraine pattern.
How do I use Imigran nasal spray?
Blow your nose gently before use. Insert the nozzle into one nostril while blocking the other. Press the plunger firmly and breathe in gently through the nose while keeping your mouth closed. Remove the spray and breathe gently through the mouth for 10–20 seconds. Do not blow your nose for at least 20 minutes after use. One spray (10 or 20 mg) per attack. A second dose may be used if symptoms return after at least 2 hours. Maximum 40 mg nasal spray in 24 hours.
How do I use the Imigran injection?
The Imigran auto-injector delivers a 6 mg subcutaneous dose. Clean the injection site (outer thigh or upper arm). Place the injector firmly against the skin and press the button. Hold in place until the injection is complete. A second injection may be given if the migraine returns, but not within 1 hour of the first dose. Maximum 12 mg (two injections) in 24 hours. Your prescriber or nurse will demonstrate proper technique.
What are the side effects of Imigran?
Common side effects include tingling, warmth, heaviness, pressure or tightness in the chest/throat/limbs, dizziness, drowsiness, and flushing. The injection may cause pain and redness at the injection site. The nasal spray may cause an unpleasant taste and nasal irritation. These effects are usually mild and transient. Chest tightness is common with triptans and is usually not cardiac in origin, but severe or persistent chest pain requires urgent medical assessment.
Can I buy Imigran without a prescription?
Yes, Imigran Recovery (50 mg tablets, pack of 2) is available over the counter from pharmacies for adults aged 18–65 with a previously confirmed diagnosis of migraine. A pharmacist will assess suitability before supply. For the nasal spray, injection, or larger quantities, a prescription is needed from your GP or online prescribing service like NowPatient.
How can I get Imigran?
Imigran Recovery 50 mg is available OTC from pharmacies. All other formulations require a prescription, available from your GP, neurologist, or online services like NowPatient. NowPatient offers online consultations for convenient access to migraine treatment with home delivery.
Experienced a Side Effect?
Report to Yellow Card (UK) or MedWatch (US)
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