|
Zomigon (zolmitriptan) is a prescription drug used to treat migraine headaches. It is part of a class of migraine medications known as 5-HT agonists (or more commonly just "triptans").
During previous clinical studies, heart problems (including a heart attack, changes in heart rhythm, and cardiac arrest) were reported as rare side effects of Zomigon. However, this risk of heart problems appears to be higher in people with a history of heart problems and in those with risk factors for heart disease. For this reason, people with a history of heart problems should not take Zomig. For those with risk factors for heart problems, Zomigon should be used with caution.
It is thought that heart problems with Zomigon occur because Zomigon can cause the blood vessels of the heart (known as coronary arteries) to spasm. This narrows the blood vessels and decreases the amount of oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood that is able to get to the heart muscle.
In previous clinical studies that looked at both the benefits and risks of Zomigon, heart problems were seen in rare cases (less than 1 percent of people taking the medication). However, this risk was greater in those with a history of heart disease and in those with risk factors for heart disease. Heart problems were often quite serious and, in some cases, even resulted in loss of life.
Some of the heart problems seen with Zomigon include:
- A temporary lack of oxygen to the heart (myocardial ischemia)
- A heart attack (myocardial infarction)
- Changes in heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- The heart stopping (cardiac arrest).
People with certain heart problems should not take Zomigon. This includes people with:
- Coronary heart disease (more commonly referred to as just heart disease)
- Stable angina
- Unstable angina
- Variant angina (also known as Prinzmetal's angina)
- people with a history of a heart attack, stroke, or transient ischemic attack (TIA or "mini-stroke").
Zomigon should be used with caution in people with possible risk factors for heart disease, such as:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Smoking
- A family history of heart disease
- Being a man over the age of 40
- Being a postmenopausal woman.
If you have any of the above risk factors for heart disease, it is also strongly recommended that you take your first dose of Zomigon in your healthcare provider's office (so that he or she can monitor your heart).
Anyone taking Zomigon should call his or her healthcare provider right away if any possible symptoms of a heart attack (such as chest pain, chest tightness, or shortness of breath) occur.
|
