“Is Imitrex Safe During Pregnancy?” is a common question for pregnant women with a history of migraines and cluster headaches. Imitrex is the brand name of sumatriptan, a serotonin receptor agonist that narrows the head’s blood vessels and stops sending pain signals (1). It is prescribed for migraine with or without aura. Imitrex does not prevent or reduce the number of headaches but blocks the substances in the brain that cause migraine symptoms. You may consult a doctor to treat headaches and other symptoms since all medications are not recommended for pregnancy. Keep reading to know more details about the safety of Imitrex during pregnancy to treat headaches.
Is Imitrex Safe During Pregnancy?
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified Imitrex as a “pregnancy category C’ drug. Studies conducted on rats and rabbits observe fetal abnormalities, embryo, and pup mortality. And there aren’t enough well-controlled studies in pregnant women to determine the effects. Hence the FDA suggests the use of Imitrex only when safer alternatives fail to work or when the potential benefits outweigh the risks (2). This drug must only be used only when there is a clear diagnosis of migraine headache. It should not be used as prophylactic therapy for migraine attacks or treatment of cluster headache (3).
Studies On Use of Imitrex During Pregnancy
The data available through manufacturer-sponsored pregnancy registers and a few retrospectives and prospective observational studies on the effects of sumatriptan state that the risk of malformations is not over the baseline risk in the general population (4). Another study conducted using the Swedish Medical Birth Registry found that the risk of fetal malformations was not significantly high in women who used sumatriptan during their early pregnancy. But the study does not rule out a moderate increase in possible preterm births and low birth weight in babies (5). Acetaminophen is usually prescribed during pregnancy because of its proven safety. If that does not give you relief, then the doctor may prescribe sumatriptan.
Does Taking Sumatriptan During Pregnancy Increase The Chances of Miscarriage?
The data available through pregnancy registries for sumatriptan states that spontaneous abortion is the most common adverse effect. However, your doctor might prescribe the drug during pregnancy if they deem it necessary (6).
What Are The Side Effects of Imitrex During Pregnancy?
Imitrex might have the following side-effects (7).
Myocardial ischemia (deficient blood supply to the heart muscles)
Arrhythmia
Chest, throat, neck, jaw tightness and pain
Medication overuse headache
Serotonin syndrome (high body temperature, agitation, tremor, sweating, dilated pupils)
Increase in blood pressure
Hypersensitivity reactions
Seizures
How To Manage Migraine Attacks During Pregnancy?
The frequency of migraine during pregnancy tends to decrease throughout gestation, especially during the second and third trimester. If you are diagnosed with migraines, then consult your healthcare provider and take the prescribed medicine. However, there are some non-medical ways to prevent the recurrence of migraine attacks (2).
Stress can be a triggering factor for migraine attacks, so try relaxation techniques and practice mindfulness.
Avoid activities and foods that could trigger your migraine.
Mild headaches can be treated by increasing the intake of fluids and getting adequate rest. But if you are diagnosed with migraines, then it is best to consult your doctor and take the appropriate treatment. This post is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for a doctor’s consultation. Do not use any medication without talking to your doctor.
