Alsuma (Sumatriptan Injection) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 24, 2012

Alsuma

Cluster Headaches »

Introduction

The term "cluster headache" refers to a type of headache that recurs over a period of time. People who have cluster headaches experience an episode one to three times per day during a period of time (the cluster period), which may last from 2 weeks to 3 months. The headaches may disappear completely (go into "remission") for months or years, only to recur. A cluster headache typically awakens a person from sleep 1 to 2 hours after going to bed. These nocturnal attacks can be more severe than the daytime attacks. Attacks appear to be linked to the circadian rhythm (or "biological" clock). Most people with cluster headaches will develop cluster periods at the same time each year -- either in the spring or fall or the winter or summer.

Cluster headaches are one of the most severe types of headache. It can be 100 times more intense than a migraine attack.

Who Gets Cluster Headaches?

Cluster headaches are the least commo...

Read the Cluster Headaches article »

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Alsuma

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ALSUMA
(sumatriptan injection) 6mg/0.5ml for subcutaneous use

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Sumatriptan is a selective 5-hydroxy-tryptamine receptor subtype 1 (5-HT1) agonist. Sumatriptan delivered as the succinate salt is chemically designated as 3-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-N-methyl-indole-5methanesulfonamide succinate (1:1), and it has the following structure:

ALSUMA (sumatriptan) Structural Formula Illustration

The empirical formula is C₁₄H₂₁N₃O₂S •C₄H₆O₄, representing a molecular weight of 413.5. ALSUMA (sumatriptan injection) is a clear, colorless to pale yellow, sterile, non-pyrogenic solution for subcutaneous injection. Each 0.5 mL of ALSUMA (sumatriptan injection) 12 mg/mL solution contains 6 mg of sumatriptan (base) as the succinate salt and 3.5 mg of sodium chloride, USP in Water for Injection, USP. The pH range of the solution is approximately 4.2 to 5.3.

What are the precautions when taking sumatriptan injection (Alsuma)?

See also How to Use section.

Before using sumatriptan, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other triptan drugs (e.g., zolmitriptan, rizatriptan); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be taken if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: heart disease (e.g., chest pain, heart attack), decreased blood flow in the brain (e.g., stroke, transient ischemic attack), blood circulation disease (e.g., ischemic bowel disease), uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension), certain types of headaches (hemiplegic or...

Read All Potential Precautions of Alsuma »

Last reviewed on RxList: 7/30/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.