Cafergot (Caffeine/Ergotamine)

Do’s

• Take Cafergot exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Take it at the first sign of a headache for best results.
• Follow the dosage instructions carefully:
  • Headache relief: 2 tablets initially, then 1 additional tablet every 30 minutes if needed (max 6 tablets per attack, 10 per week).
  • Headache prevention (if prescribed): Take as directed by your healthcare provider, usually for a short period (2-3 weeks).
• Talk to your healthcare provider before stopping Cafergot abruptly.
• Tell your healthcare provider if your headaches worsen or if the medication isn't working effectively.
• Discuss any concerns about Cafergot with your healthcare provider.

Don'ts

• Don't take Cafergot for long-term daily use unless prescribed by your healthcare provider for prevention.
• Don't exceed the recommended dosage (6 tablets per attack, 10 per week).
• Don't use Cafergot if you have a high risk of heart problems without first consulting your healthcare provider.
• Don't take Cafergot with other medications that may interact with it, without informing your healthcare provider.
• Don't use Cafergot if you experience frequent headaches (10 or more days per month) as it may worsen them.

Common side effects:

• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain
• Dizziness or spinning sensation
• Weakness
• Itching or swelling
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Restlessness or nervousness

Serious side effects (seek medical attention if experienced):

• Slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat
• Numbness or tingling in fingers or toes
• Blue fingers, toes, or nails
• Cold hands or feet
• Muscle pain or weakness
• Severe stomach or abdominal pain
• Lower back pain
• Signs of kidney problems, such as changes in urine output
• Chest, jaw, or left arm pain
• Confusion or trouble speaking
• Vision changes
• Weakness on one side of the body
• Allergic reactions, such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking  Cafergot,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Disclose any allergies to ergotamine, caffeine, other ergot alkaloids, or inactive ingredients (especially tartrazine).

Medical History: Inform your healthcare provider about:

• Blood circulation problems
• Certain types of headaches (hemiplegic or basilar migraine)
• Heart problems (chest pain, irregular heartbeat, previous heart attack)
• Kidney or liver disease
• Substance use disorder history (drugs/alcohol)
• Stroke or "mini-stroke"

Discuss any of these conditions with your healthcare provider, as they can elevate your risk for heart problems:

• High blood pressure/cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Family history of heart disease
• Overweight
• Postmenopausal (women)
• Age 40+ (men)

Cafergot may cause dizziness. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or activities requiring alertness until the effects subside. Limit alcohol and marijuana use, which can worsen dizziness.

Using tobacco products with Cafergot increases the risk of serious side effects like heart problems and circulation issues. Stop smoking if possible.

Inform your healthcare provider about Cafergot use before any surgery or medical procedures.

Cafergot must not be used during pregnancy due to potential harm to the unborn baby. Discuss reliable birth control with your healthcare provider.

Cafergot passes into breast milk and may affect the nursing infant. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.