Wigraine (Ergotamine and Caffeine) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Wigraine

Raynaud's Phenomenon »

What is Raynaud's phenomenon?

Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is a condition resulting in a particular series of discolorations of the fingers and/or the toes after exposure to changes in temperature (cold or hot) or emotional events. Skin discoloration occurs because an abnormal spasm of the blood vessels causes a diminished blood supply to the local tissues. Initially, the digit(s) involved turn white because of the diminished blood supply. The digit(s) then turn blue because of prolonged lack of oxygen. Finally, the blood vessels reopen, causing a local "flushing" phenomenon, which turns the digit(s) red. This three-phase color sequence (white to blue to red), most often upon exposure to cold temperature, is characteristic of RP.

Raynaud's phenomenon most frequently affects women, especially in the second, third, or fourth decades of life. People can have Raynauds phenomenon alone or as a part of other rheumatic diseases. When it occurs alone...

Read the Raynaud's Phenomenon article »

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Wigraine

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Please Note: This Brand Name drug is no longer available in the US.
(Generic versions may still be available.)

Wigraine Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

ERGOTAMINE/CAFFEINE - ORAL

(er-GOT-uh-meen/KAF-een)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ercaf, Wigraine

WARNING: This medication has infrequently caused a lack of blood flow to the hands and feet (peripheral ischemia). It has also rarely caused a lack of blood flow to the brain (cerebral ischemia). The chances of these effects are increased when this medication is taken with certain drugs. Do not take this medication with macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin, troleandomycin, telithromycin), protease inhibitors (e.g., amprenavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir), or azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

USES: This combination medication is used to treat or prevent a certain type of headache (vascular headaches such as migraine headaches and cluster headaches). Ergotamine helps narrow widened blood vessels in the head, which reduces the throbbing effects of vascular headaches. Caffeine increases the effects of ergotamine by increasing the absorption of ergotamine and also by narrowing the widened blood vessels in the head.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. This medication works best if it is taken as the first signs of the headache occur. If you wait until the headache has worsened, the medication may not work as well.

This medication usually should be taken only as needed. It is not meant for long-term daily use. The maximum dose is 6 tablets for a single headache attack and 10 tablets in any 7-day period.

This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time (more than a few weeks) or in high doses. In such cases, rebound headaches may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. This headache may be different from your original headache and may last a few days. Report any such headaches to your doctor immediately. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit can increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Inform your doctor if you notice increased use of this medication, the medication not working as well, a worsening of headaches, an increase in the number of headaches, or use of this medication for more than 2 headache episodes a week. Your doctor may need to change your medication and/or add a separate medication to prevent the headaches.