Cafergot (Caffeine/Ergotamine)

Cafergot is used for preventing and treating certain kinds of headaches (e.g., migraines, migraine variants, histaminic cephalalgia). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Cafergot is a combination of 2 vasoconstrictors. It works by constricting blood vessels in the lining of the brain, which helps to decrease the pain from migraine headaches.

Do not use Cafergot if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Cafergot.
• you are pregnant or may become pregnant.
• you have blood vessel problems (e.g., peripheral vascular disease), coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, liver or kidney problems, or severe infection (e.g., sepsis).
• you are taking an azole antifungal (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole), delavirdine, HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., delavirdine, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir), efavirenz, a ketolide antibiotic (e.g., telithromycin), a macrolide antibiotic (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin), or selective 5-HT agonists (e.g., sumatriptan, eletriptan).

• Do not exceed the recommended dose or take Cafergot for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Cafergot is not for long-term daily use.
• Do not take Cafergot for any other kind of headaches. Cafergot is not effective in treating other types of headaches.
• Use of nicotine may increase the risk of severe side effects with Cafergot . Talk to you doctor before using Cafergot if you smoke or use any other kind of nicotine.
• Use Cafergot with extreme caution in children. Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Do not use Cafergot if you are pregnant. If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. Cafergot should not be taken during labor and delivery. Cafergot is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Cafergot , check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• nausea.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blue color of the fingers or toes; chest pain or tightness; cold or pale fingers or toes; diarrhea; dizziness; hallucinations; headache; irregular heartbeat; leg cramps or weakness; mental or mood changes; muscle pain; numbness or tingling of the hands, feet, or skin; ringing in the ears; seizure; severe or persistent nausea or vomiting; shortness of breath; swelling; temporary fast or slow heartbeat; vomiting; weak pulse.

Cafergot is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.