Frequently Asked Questions
- What is migraine?
- Why do I have migraines?
- What is migraine with aura?
- What is a tension-type headache?
- What is a cluster headache?
- What is a migraine "trigger"?
- What is AXERT®?
- How does AXERT® work?
- Who should not use AXERT®?
- What are the possible side effects of AXERT®?
- How is AXERT® taken?
Migraine is a neurological disorder caused by biochemical changes in the brain. A person with migraine suffers attacks of mild to severe headache pain, usually on one side of the head. An attack can last from 4 hours up to 3 days. A migraine can have other symptoms associated with it, such as an upset stomach and sensitivity to light and sound. Some people see an aura—a visual disturbance—before the migraine hits.
2. Why do I have migraines?
Migraine tends to run in families but it is not yet completely known why migraines happen.
3. What is a migraine with aura?
Most sufferers experience migraine with aura as some type of visual disturbance (ranging from blurred vision to wavy lines or patterns). Others may experience sensory disturbances like tingling or numbness.
4. What is a tension-type headache?
A tension headache is characterized by a mild to moderate intensity of pain felt as pressure or as a tightening sensation on both sides of the head. AXERT® is not indicated for this type of headache.
5. What is a cluster headache?
A cluster headache is characterized by severe, one-sided head pain usually described as a painful stabbing sensation around one eye. Cluster headache occurs in cycles within a several week to several month period. AXERT® is not indicated for cluster headache.
6. What is migraine "trigger?"
A trigger can take on many forms—including certain foods, environmental conditions or hormonal factors, and may cause a migraine attack.
7. What is AXERT®?
AXERT® is a prescription medication taken for the immediate relief of symptoms associated with migraine attacks (with or without aura) in adults. AXERT® belongs to a group of medications called triptans. AXERT® is not used to prevent or reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. Your healthcare professional will decide if AXERT® is the right treatment for you.
8. How does AXERT® work?
The headache pain of a migraine attack is thought to be caused by inflammation and swelling of blood vessels surrounding the brain. AXERT® is believed to reduce the blood vessel swelling and block the release of substances from nerve endings that worsen the pain and cause other symptoms of migraine.
9. Who should not use AXERT®?
Do not take AXERT® if you have:
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Heart disease or a history of heart disease
- Hemiplegic or basilar migraine
- Had an allergic reaction to AXERT® or any of its ingredients
If you have risk factors for heart disease (such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, family history of heart attack, menopause, or are a male over 40 years of age), ask your healthcare professional before taking AXERT®.
If you're not sure that you have any of these conditions or risk factors, ask your healthcare professional. AXERT® should not be used within 24 hours of treatment with other triptans or medications that contain ergotamine. Please see Important Patient Information for a list of drugs that should not be taken within 24 hours of taking AXERT®. Before you start taking AXERT®, tell your healthcare professional about any other prescription or over-the-counter medications that you are taking in order to lessen the risk of potentially serious drug interactions and side effects. Ask your healthcare professional if you are not sure about taking AXERT® together with the medications that you take now or plan to take later.
10. What are the possible side effects of AXERT®?
As with most medication, AXERT® may cause side effects. In clinical studies, AXERT® was generally well tolerated. The most common AXERT® side effects are nausea, sleepiness, tingling sensation, headache, and dry mouth. Ask your healthcare professional about side effects and other important considerations before you take AXERT®.
11. How is AXERT® taken?
AXERT® is taken (with or without food) when you need it for the treatment of migraine attacks. Take one AXERT® tablet at the first sign of your usual migraine headache. If your headache comes back after 2 hours, you may take a second AXERT® tablet if needed. Do not take more than 2 tablets of AXERT® in any 24-hour period. If your headache pain does not improve at all or worsens after taking the first AXERT® tablet, do not take a second tablet and call your healthcare professional for instructions.