Do you also get tired of the day when you get a migraine? Your head hurts like it's going to burst on one side, you can't look at the light, and you get irritated even when you hear a sound. Some people see signs before this headache, like seeing lights in front of their eyes. Whatever it is, migraines are something that makes life very uncomfortable. So today we are going to talk about a special medication that is used to treat and prevent migraines. That is Rimegepant.
What kind of medicine is Rimegepant?
Simply put, Rimegepant is a medication that is used to treat migraine headaches. What makes it special is that it can be used for headaches that come with a strange symptom that some people feel before a migraine, which is what we call an 'aura', as well as for headaches that come without any warning signs. An 'aura' is, imagine that before your head starts to hurt, you see little lights in front of your eyes, zigzag lines, or you feel numbness in some parts of your body. That's what we call an 'aura'.
In addition, if someone has frequent migraines, this medicine is also used to prevent them from occurring. In Sri Lanka and the world, this medicine can often be found under the brand name NURTEC ODT . ODT stands for `Orally Dissolving Tablet`, which means it is a tablet that dissolves in the mouth. Therefore, there is no need to drink water.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medication
Before giving you this medicine, your doctor will ask you some questions. For your safety, it is very important that you tell your doctor this information accurately and honestly .
- Kidney disease: If you have any kidney-related disease, please tell us about it.
- Liver disease: If you have liver problems, you should also mention that.
- Allergies: Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to Rimegepant, any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, you should tell your doctor.
- Breastfeeding: If you are a breastfeeding mother, inform your doctor about this as well.
By telling these things without hiding them, the doctor can decide exactly whether this medicine is right for you or not, and how to give it.
How do you use this medicine?
Since this is an Orally Dissolving Tablet (ODT), the way to use it is a little different. Do it exactly like this.
1. Wash your hands thoroughly: Make sure your hands are not wet before taking the pill.
2. Open the blister pack: The tablet is in a sealed blister pack. Do not open the blister pack until you are ready to take the tablet. When you are ready to take the tablet, gently peel back the foil on the pack and remove the tablet. Never try to push the tablet through the foil. Doing so may cause the tablet to crumble.
3. If the pill is broken: If the pill is accidentally broken or crushed, throw it away and get a new pill.
4. Keep in mouth: Place the tablet on or under the tongue. It will dissolve in a few seconds. Then swallow.
5. No water required: The biggest advantage of this is that you don't need water to take it. This is very convenient when you are having a difficult time, like when you have a migraine and are about to vomit.
6. Do not chew, crush: Never chew, break, or crush this tablet.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give this medicine to a friend who has a headache just because you feel better. It can be dangerous. Different medicines work for different people.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Can it interact with other medications?
Yes, some medications can interact with Rimegepant. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Problems can occur, especially with these medications:
- Some medications for fungal infections (e.g. fluconazole, itraconazole)
- Medicines like `rifampin', which is used to treat tuberculosis
This list is not exhaustive. Therefore, tell your doctor about any other vitamins, herbal products, supplements, or other medications you are taking, in addition to any medications prescribed by your doctor. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
What side effects are possible?
Like all medicines, Rimegepant can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone gets them. The table below provides a clearer picture of these.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin irritation, itching, rash, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Nausea | Feeling like you're about to vomit with a stomach ache. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned on this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
How do you store and dispose of the medicine?
- Storage: Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets . It is best to store it at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Keep it away from excessive heat and moisture.
- Expired Medicines: Do not use medicines that have passed the expiration date on the medicine package. They should be disposed of properly.
- How to dispose of: The best way to dispose of expired or unwanted medications is to donate them to a program. Ask your doctor about this. If that is not possible, check to see if it is safe to throw the medication in the trash. Ask your doctor about this as well. If you are throwing the medication in the trash, take the pills out of the container, mix them with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, and put them in a tightly sealed bag and throw them in the trash. Never flush medications down the toilet without your doctor’s advice.
If your migraine symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, be sure to see your doctor again.
Take-Home Message
- Rimegepant (NURTEC ODT) is a special oral tablet used to treat and prevent migraine headaches.
- You don't need water to take this pill. Just place it in your mouth, let it dissolve, and then swallow. Do not chew or crush the pill.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, or other allergies, and about all medications you are taking.
- If you experience severe allergic symptoms such as facial swelling and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න