Ergam

Ergam (ergotamine tartrate tablets) ® is indicated as therapy to abort or prevent vascular headache, e.g., migraine, migraine variants or a so-called "histaminic cephalalgia".

Procedure

For best results, dosage should start at the first sign of an attack. Early Administration Gives Maximum Effectiveness. At the first sign of an attack or to relieve symptoms after onset of an attack, one 2 mg tablet is placed under the tongue. Another tablet should be taken at half-hour intervals thereafter, if necessary, but dosage must not exceed three tablets in any 24hour period. Total weekly dosage should not exceed five tablets (10 mg) in any one week. Ergam (ergotamine tartrate tablets) ® Sublingual Tablets should not be used for chronic daily administration.

Coadministration of ergotamine with potent CYP 3A4 inhibitors (ritonavir, nelfinavir, indinavir, erythromycin, clorithromycin and troleandomycin) has been associated with acute ergot toxicity (ergotism) characterized by vasospasm and ischemia of the extremities (See PRECAUTIONS: DRUG INTERACTIONS), with some cases resulting in amputation. There have been rare reports of cerebral ischemia in patients on protease inhibitor therapy when ergotamine was coadministered, at least one resulting in death. Because of the increased risk for ergotism and other serious vasospastic adverse events, ergotamine use is contraindicated with these drugs and other potent inhibitors of CYP 3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole) (See WARNINGS: CYP 3A4 Inhibitors).

Ergam (ergotamine tartrate tablets) ® Sublingual Tablets may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Ergam (ergotamine tartrate tablets) ® Sublingual Tablets are contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. If this drug is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this product, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus. Peripheral vascular disease, coronary heart disease, hypertension, impaired hepatic or renal function and sepsis.

Hypersensitivity to any of the components.

WARNINGS

CYP 3A4 Inhibitors (e.g. Macrolide Antibiotics and Protease Inhibitors)

Coadministration of ergotamine with potent CYP 3A4 inhibitors such as protease inhibitors or macrolide antibiotics has been associated with serious adverse events; for this reason, these drugs should not be given concomitantly with ergotamine (See CONTRAINDIATIONS). While these reactions have not been reported with less potent CYP 3A4 inhibitors, there is a potential risk for serious toxicity including vasospasm when these drugs are used with ergotamine. Examples of less potent CYP 3A4 inhibitors include: saquinavir, nefazodone, fluconazole, fluoxetine, grapefruit juice, fluvoxamine, zileuton, metronidazole, and clotrimazole. These lists are not exhaustive, and the prescriber should consider the effects on CYP 3A4 of other agents being considered for concomitant use with ergotamine.

Fibrotic Complications

There have been a few reports of patients on ergotamine tartrate and caffeine therapy developing retroperitoneal and/or pleuropulmonary fibrosis. There have also been rare reports of fibrotic thickening of the aortic, mitral, tricuspid, and/or pulmonary valves with long-term continuous use of ergotamine tartrate and caffeine. Ergam (ergotamine tartrate tablets) ® Sublingual Tablets should not be used for chronic daily administration. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

PRECAUTIONS

General

Although signs and symptoms of ergotism rarely develop even after long term intermittent use of the drug, care should be exercised to remain within the limits of recommended dosage. Ergotism is manifested by intense arterial vasoconstriction, producing signs and symptoms of peripheral vascular ischemia. Ergotamine induces vasoconstriction by a direct action on vascular smooth muscle. In chronic intoxication with ergot derivatives, headache, intermittent claudication, muscle pains, numbness, coldness and pallor of the digits may occur. If the condition is allowed to progress untreated, gangrene can result. While most cases of ergotism associated with ergotamine treatment result from frank overdosage, some cases have involved apparent hypersensitivity. There are few reports of ergotism among patients taking doses within the recommended limits or for brief periods of time. In rare instances, patients, particularly those who have used the medication indiscriminately over long periods of time, may display withdrawal symptoms consisting of rebound headache upon discontinuation of the drug.

Pregnancy

Teratogenic Effects

Pregnancy Category X: There are no studies on the placental transfer or teratogenicity of Ergam (ergotamine tartrate tablets) ®. Ergotamine crosses the placenta in small amounts, although it does not appear to be embryotoxic in this quantity. However, prolonged vasoconstriction of the uterine vessels and/or increased myometrial tone leading to reduced myometrial and placental blood flow may have contributed to fetal growth retardation observed in animals. (See CONTRAINDICATIONS)

Nonteratogenic Effects

Ergam (ergotamine tartrate tablets) ® is contraindicated in pregnancy due to its oxytocic effects of ergotamine (See CONTRAINDICATIONS)

Labor and Delivery

Ergam (ergotamine tartrate tablets) ® is contraindicated in pregnancy due to its oxytocic effect which is maximal in the third trimester. (See CONTRAINDICATIONS)

Nursing Mothers

Ergot drugs are known to inhibit prolactin but there are no reports of decreased lactation with Ergam (ergotamine tartrate tablets) ®. Ergotamine is excreted in breast milk and may cause symptoms of vomiting diarrhea, weak pulse and unstable blood pressure in nursing infants. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from Ergam (ergotamine tartrate tablets) ®, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.

Cardiovascular: Vasoconstrictive complications of a serious nature may occur at times. These include ischemia, cyanosis, absence of pulse, cold extremities, gangrene, precordial distress and pain, EKG changes and muscle pains. Although these effects occur most commonly with long-term therapy at relatively high doses, they have also been reported with short-term or normal doses. Other cardiovascular adverse effects include transient tachycardia or bradycardia and hypertension.

Gastrointestinal: Nausea and vomiting

Neurological: paresthesias, numbness, weakness, and vertigo.

Allergic: Localized edema and itching.

Fibrotic Complications: (See WARNINGS).

Drug Abuse and Dependence

There have been reports of drug abuse and psychological dependence in patients on ergotamine tartrate therapy. Due to the chronicity of vascular headaches, it is imperative that patients be advised not to exceed recommended dosages with long-term use to avoid ergotism. (See PRECAUTIONS)

Symptoms include vomiting, numbness, tingling, pain and cyanosis of the extremities associated with diminished or absent peripheral pulses; hypertension or hypotension; drowsiness, stupor, coma, convulsions and shock. A case has been reported of reversible bilateral papillitis with ring scotomata in a patient who received five times the recommended daily adult dose over a period of 14 days. Treatment consists of removal of the offending drug. Maintenance of adequate pulmonary ventilation, correction of hypotension, and control of convulsions and blood pressure are important considerations. Treatment of peripheral vasospasm should consist of warmth, but not heat, and protection of the ischemic limbs. Vasodilators may be beneficial but caution must be exercised to avoid aggravating an already existent hypotension.