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Rizafilm

Rizatriptan Benzoate

What is Rizafilm used for?

Rizatriptan is used to treat migraines. It helps to relieve headache, pain, and other migraine symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light/sound). Prompt treatment helps you return to your normal routine and may decrease your need for other pain medications. Rizatriptan belongs to a class of drugs known as triptans. It affects a certain natural substance (serotonin) that narrows blood vessels in the brain. It may also relieve pain by affecting certain nerves in the brain. Rizatriptan does not prevent future migraines or lessen how often you get migraine attacks.

CHEMICAL NAME

Rizatriptan Benzoate (RYE-za-TRIP-tan)

Rizafilm Frequently Asked Questions

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking rizatriptan and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, at the first sign of a migraine. It may be taken with or without food, but may work faster when it is taken on an empty stomach. Remove the film from the sealed pouch only when you are ready to use it. Place the film on the tongue, allow it to dissolve, and then swallow it with saliva. You do not need to take this medication with water or other liquid.

If your symptoms do not get better, do not take another dose of this medication before talking to your doctor. If your symptoms are only partly relieved, or if your headache comes back, adults may take another dose at least 2 hours after the first dose. The US manufacturer recommends a maximum dose of 30 milligrams for adults in a 24-hour period. The Canadian manufacturer recommends a maximum dose of 20 milligrams for adults in a 24-hour period.

Children should not take more than one dose in a 24-hour period (5 milligrams or 10 milligrams depending on the child's weight).

The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, response to treatment, and other drugs you may be taking. Children's dosage is also based on weight. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

If you have a higher risk for heart problems (see Precautions section), your doctor may perform a heart exam before you start taking this medication. Your doctor may also direct you to take your first dose of this medication in the office/clinic to monitor for serious side effects (such as chest pain). Talk to your doctor for more details.

If you are using drugs for migraine attacks on 10 or more days each month, the drugs may actually make your headaches worse (medication overuse headache). Do not use medications more often or for longer than directed. Tell your doctor if you need to use this medication more often, or if the medication is not working as well, or if your headaches get worse.

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.