D.H.E. 45 injection

Generic name: Dihydroergotamine (injection)
Brand names: D.H.E. 45 Injection
Drug class: Antimigraine agents

Usage of D.H.E. 45 injection

D.H.E. 45 is an ergot alkaloid medicine that is used to treat a migraine or cluster headache attack. D.H.E. 45 will not prevent headaches or reduce the number of attacks.

This medicine is not for common tension headaches or daily use.

D.H.E. 45 may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

D.H.E. 45 injection side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

D.H.E. 45 may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

signs of a blood clot--sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body, problems with vision or speech, pain or swelling in one leg;

numbness or tingling in your fingers or toes;

muscle pain in your arms or legs;

leg weakness;

fast or slow heartbeats;

chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath;

swelling or itching;

stomach cramps, diarrhea that may be bloody;

severe headache; or

discoloration or skin changes in your hands or feet.

Common side effects of D.H.E. 45 may include:

headache, dizziness, anxiety;

diarrhea;

numbness, tingling, burning pain;

increased blood pressure;

rash, increased sweating; or

flushing (sudden warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking D.H.E. 45 injection

You should not use D.H.E. 45 if you are allergic to it or similar medicines (ergotamine, ergonovine, methylergonovine, and others), or if you have:

heart disease, chest pain (angina), coronary artery disease, a history of a heart attack or stroke;

circulation problems such as peripheral vascular disease;

uncontrolled high blood pressure;

sepsis (a severe reaction to an infection).

severe liver or kidney disease;

if you are allergic to D.H.E. 45 or other ergot medicine (ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine); or

if you have had vascular surgery.

Some drugs should not be used with D.H.E. 45. Your treatment plan may change if you also use:

an antibiotic such as clarithromycin or erythromycin;

antifungal medicine such as itraconazole or ketoconazole; or

antiviral medicine for HIV or hepatitis C.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

blood circulation problems in your arms, hands, legs, or feet;

chest pain, shortness of breath;

liver or kidney disease; or

risk factors for coronary artery disease (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, menopause, smoking, family history of coronary artery disease, being overweight, being over 40 and a man).

D.H.E. 45 can affect blood circulation to your uterus. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not use D.H.E. 45 if you are pregnant.

Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 3 days after your last dose. Talk with your doctor about the best way to feed your baby.

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How to use D.H.E. 45 injection

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

D.H.E. 45 is injected under the skin or into a muscle. This medicine is sometimes injected into a vein by a healthcare provider.

Use an injection as soon as you notice headache symptoms, or shortly after an attack has begun.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Read and follow all Instructions for Use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need help.

If you still have a headache after 1 injection, you may use up to 2 more injections (spaced 1 hour apart), until your headache goes away.

Call your doctor if you still have a headache after 3 injections.

If you have another headache in the same day, you may use the medicine again if at least 6 hours have passed since your last injection.

Do not use more than a total of 3 injections in 24 hours, or more than 6 injections in 1 week.

You may need medical tests to check your heart function.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not use past the expiration date.

Do not reuse a needle or syringe. Place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Warnings

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines. Some drugs should not be used with D.H.E. 45.

What other drugs will affect D.H.E. 45 injection

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect D.H.E. 45, especially:

heart or blood pressure medication;

nicotine gum or patches;

an antidepressant; or

medicine to treat an infection.

This list is not complete. Many drugs can affect D.H.E. 45. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.