Description
Indications Â
Relpax is a prescription medicine indicated for the acute treatment of migraine in adults, with or without aura.Â
As a selective serotonin receptor agonist, Relpax functions by constricting blood vessels in the brain, inhibiting pain signals transmission, and impeding the release of specific natural substances responsible for migraine-related pain, nausea, and other associated symptoms.Â
Relpax should only be used for confirmed migraine cases and not to prevent migraines or any other headache forms, including cluster headaches.Â
Uses and DosageÂ
Before taking Relpax and with each prescription refill, carefully review its medication guide and patient information leaflet. Should you have any queries, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Â
The dosage of Relpax may vary per individual based on medical conditions and response to the treatment. Â
Typically, this medication is taken at the first sign of migraine without regard to food intake.Â
If symptoms improve with the initial dose but return after 2 hours or more, a second tablet may be taken. However, if there is no improvement after the initial dose, refrain from taking a second tablet and promptly contact your doctor. Â
Follow your doctor’s guidance on the maximum number of tablets allowed within 24 hours. Â
For optimal results, take Relpax exactly as directed. Taking this medication more frequently or for a duration exceeding the recommended period may exacerbate headaches or increase their frequency.Â
Do not use Relpax or any other headache medication for more than ten days per month. If you find the need to take Relpax to treat more than three headaches within one month, promptly contact your doctor.Â
Side EffectsÂ
Listed below are the potential adverse effects of Relpax. If any of them last or worsen, promptly inform your healthcare provider.Â
Common Side EffectsÂ
- Dizziness or drowsinessÂ
- NauseaÂ
- Weakness or tired feelingÂ
Serious Side EffectsÂ
- Fast, slow, or uneven heart rateÂ
- Sudden severe stomach pain (especially after meals), constipation or diarrhea, weight lossÂ
- Fever, bloody diarrheaÂ
- Numbness, tingling, cold feeling, or burning pain in feet or toesÂ
- Tightness or heavy feeling in legs, pale or blue-colored appearance in fingers or toesÂ
- Severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in neck or earsÂ
- Signs of a stroke: Â
- Sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body)Â
- Sudden severe headacheÂ
- Slurred speechÂ
- Problems with vision or balanceÂ
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the serious side effects above.Â
Discontinue Relpax immediately and contact your doctor without delay if you experience heart attack symptoms, such as:Â
- Chest pain or pressureÂ
- Pain radiating to your jaw or shoulderÂ
- NauseaÂ
- SweatingÂ
Allergic ReactionsÂ
Although rare, a severe allergic reaction to Relpax may occur. Seek medical attention right away if you experience indications of an allergic reaction, such as:Â
- HivesÂ
- Trouble breathingÂ
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throatÂ
Not all side effects of Relpax are included in this list. Notify your healthcare provider right away if any unlisted effects are experienced.Â
CautionsÂ
Before taking Relpax, inform your doctor if you have any known allergies, particularly to eletriptan or other medications.Â
Consult your pharmacist for more information about Relpax, as it may contain inactive ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or other complications.Â
To ensure Relpax is safe for you, disclose to your physician your medical background, especially if you have a history of:Â
- Blood circulation problems (e.g., in legs, arms/hands, or stomach)Â
- Certain types of headaches (hemiplegic or basilar migraine)Â
- Heart problems (e.g., chest pain, irregular heartbeat, previous heart attack)Â
- Liver diseaseÂ
- Seizure disorderÂ
- Stroke or “mini-stroke” (transient ischemic attack-TIA)Â
Inform all your healthcare providers about any current or newly initiated or discontinued medications, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, to reduce the risk of drug interaction with Relpax.Â
Do not take the following medications listed below within 72 hours of taking Relpax as they can interfere with its removal from your body:Â
- CobicistatÂ
- NefazodoneÂ
- Ribociclib Â
- Ritonavir Â
- Azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole and itraconazole)Â
- Macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin and erythromycin)Â
- HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., nelfinavir)Â
To reduce the likelihood of experiencing serious side effects, maintain a 24-hour interval between Relpax dosage and any other medications containing ergotamine or belonging to the triptan class (e.g., dihydroergotamine, sumatriptan, rizatriptan).Â
The risk of serotonin syndrome toxicity rises when Relpax is taken with other drugs that boost serotonin levels, such as MDMA ecstasy, St. John’s wort, and certain antidepressants like fluoxetine and venlafaxine. This risk is heightened when starting or increasing the dosage of these medications.Â
Regular heart function checks may be required using an electrocardiograph (ECG or EKG) for individuals on long-term Relpax usage.Â
Avoid driving or operating machinery while taking Relpax due to potential drowsiness caused by the medication.Â
During pregnancy, Relpax should only be used when deemed necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.Â
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding as eletriptan can be transferred into breast milk.Â