Imitrex - can a pill be used for the injection? - Headaches & Migraines Message Board

morich · 02-23-2003, 10:17 PM

I have horrible cluster headaches that last about 30minutes. The pills take about 30minutes to kick in.
To take the pain away I was prescribed the Imitrex injections, but they are very costly and I can't afford to buy enough to last me through the winter.
Is there a way to use the pills and dilute them in water to use them as injections? I am ready to try anything!!!

Aimee8396 · 02-24-2003, 05:31 AM

I don't know if Imatrex has a quick dissolve tablet, but Zomig does this brings me relief in 15min vs. 30 for the pill. I hear they're coming out with a nasal spray that is supposed to work even faster. ask your Dr, if Imatrx has these.

Karla · 02-24-2003, 07:31 AM

I to suffer from cluster headaches. I get 9 imitrix injections a month and 6 imitrix ns every three days. The nasal spray kicks in about 6 -10 min. You may want to check into that.

morich · 02-24-2003, 11:05 AM

thank you all for your input. i have had clusters for 12 years. i have a very good and caring neurologist. we have tried every preventitive available. i have found that the imitrex injections work very well 100% of the time.unfortunatly, i have both chronic and episodic headaches which mean that i have them constantly. i have been able to extend use of injections by only using 1/3 of each syringe at a time.i do have virtually unlimited access to 50 mg. pills. i will be retiring soon and will lose access to injections but not pills. i have considered my future without the injections and it fills me with an unfathonable dread.my query about making injections from tablets is made out of desperation. i will do what is necessary to make this happen but only within legal and reasonable boundaries. i need to know specifics, such as can binders be leeched from pills, can distilled water be used as carrier, etc. please, anyone, can this be done. those of you who have clusters know what getting 3 to 5 k10's a night know my desperation. i have tried other message boards and clusterheads.com, and responses have been supportive and informative, however off point of my query. any source of information or direction would be greatly appreciated. thanx, morich

fairnymph · 02-24-2003, 06:41 PM

You really, really do NOT want to inject the pills. Any pill contains binders and stabilizers that are very dangerous to inject and cause damage to your veins and can even cause heart problems -- definitely do not do this!