Relpax

How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient eletriptan hydrobromide, which belongs to a group of medicines known as serotonin (or 5HT) agonists. It works by stimulating serotonin receptors in the brain. Serotonin is a natural substance in the brain that, among other things, causes blood vessels in the brain to narrow. Eletriptan mimics this action of serotonin by directly stimulating the serotonin receptors in the brain. This causes the blood vessels to narrow. Although the cause of migraine attacks is not fully understood, it is thought that the widening of blood vessels in the brain causes the pain associated with migraine attacks. As eletriptan narrows these blood vessels, it relieves the pain of migraines. The dose should be taken as early as possible after the onset of migraine headache, though it is also effective if taken at a later stage during the migraine attack. It should not be taken during the aura, or warning phase, of a migraine as it will not prevent the headache.

What is it used for?

Treatment of migraine

Warning!

This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery.

This medicine should not be used to prevent migraines.

This medicine should only be used by people with a clear diagnosis of migraine from their doctor.

This medicine is not recommended for people under 18 or over 65 years of age, as there is no information available regarding its safety in these age groups.

If the first dose of this medicine doesn't relieve your migraine headache within two hours then you should not take another dose for the same attack, as trials have not proved this to be effective. If the first dose does relieve your migraine headache, but it returns within 24 hours, a second dose can be effective. If you need a second dose because your migraine has returned, you should not take it within two hours of your first dose. Do not exceed the recommended dose.

Use with caution in

Diabetes

High blood pressure

Men over 40 years

Mild to moderately decreased kidney function

People at risk of developing coronary heart disease

Post-menopausal women

Smokers

Strong family history of coronary artery disease

Not to be used in

A form of migraine associated with paralysis of the eye muscles (ophthalmoplegic migraine)

A form of migraine associated with temporary paralysis of one side of the body (hemiplegic migraine)

A severe form of angina pectoris, not caused by exertion

A type of migraine where there is a disturbance in brain function which initially presents with total blindness followed by dizziness, speach disturbances, ringing in the ears and double vision (basilar migraine)

Angina pectoris

Coronary heart disease

Heart disease caused by inadequate blood flow to the heart

Heart failure

History of heart attack

History of small temporary strokes

History of stroke

Moderate to severe high blood pressure

Narrowing of blood vessels in the extremities

Severe disturbance to the normal rhythm of the heart (severe arrhythmias)

Severely decreased kidney function

Severely decreased liver function

Untreated mild high blood pressure

Unusual headaches that may be related to a potentially more serious condition

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine may pass into breast milk and it should be used with caution by breastfeeding mothers. Exposure of the baby to the medicine can be minimised by not breastfeeding for 24 hours following a dose. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.

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