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New Message Board Archives >> 2004 Cluster Headache Specific Posts >> Sumatriptan dosage question...
(Message started by: BikerBob on Dec 30th, 2004, 2:19am)

Title: Sumatriptan dosage question...
Post by BikerBob on Dec 30th, 2004, 2:19am
Hi folks, I posted about my background in "Getting to know Ya" earlier. Now I have a question....

Background: "My cluster headaches are back again after a 4 year reprieve. I had them every 2-3 years for over 25 years until 4 years ago. Now they're back. In the past, each bout lasted 3-6 months. Back in the early days, I would end up in the E.R. several times per bout and they would give me a shot of Demerol.  Then they switched to shots of Stadol (synthetic Demerol). Then I got prescriptions for Stadol nasal spray. Stuff I tried that didn't seem to work included Cafergot, Fioricet, Prednisone, Verapamil and Inderal.  Oxygen was my only relief until Imitrex came out several years ago. I used the miracle drug Imitrex and oxygen during the mid to late 90's during those episodes. My most recent bout was 4 years ago when I took Imitrex injections 5-6 times per week for 6 months. Then no CHs for 4 years. A few weeks ago they started again and I'm now having Kip 7-8's every night. I got prescriptions for Imitrex tabs and statdose cartridges. Walgreen's charges $193 for 9 50mg tabs and $158 for a cartridge of 2 injections. My Blue Shield insurance pays 80%, BUT they only cover one refill per month of 9 tabs and 2 injections. My oxygen "H" cylinder with 10-15 lpm regulator and non-rebreather mask will be delivered on Monday."

Question for all of you chemists out there:

Imitrex tablets contain 50mg sumatriptan succinate and cost $21 each. Imitrex injections contain 6mg sumatriptan succinate and cost $79 each. The injections are faster and more effective than the tablets. Is there a way to transform the 50mg of sumatriptan succinate in one tab into eight 6mg injections of sumitriptan succinate?

Title: Re: Sumatriptan dosage question...
Post by Mr. Happy on Dec 30th, 2004, 2:29am

on 12/30/04 at 02:19:59, BikerBob wrote:
Is there a way to transform the 50mg of sumatriptan succinate in one tab into eight 6mg injections of sumitriptan succinate?

No.

Title: Re: Sumatriptan dosage question...
Post by purpleydog on Dec 30th, 2004, 6:49am

on 12/30/04 at 02:19:59, BikerBob wrote:
Is there a way to transform the 50mg of sumatriptan succinate in one tab into eight 6mg injections of sumitriptan succinate?


No. There isn't. However, read the imitrex tip to the left. It explains how to split the shots.

Title: Re: Sumatriptan dosage question...
Post by Svenn on Dec 30th, 2004, 6:51am

on 12/30/04 at 02:29:55, Mr. Happy wrote:
No.


Title: Re: Sumatriptan dosage question...
Post by don on Dec 30th, 2004, 7:36am
Forgedaboutit.

Title: GeRe: Sumatriptan dosage question...
Post by Bethany1 on Dec 30th, 2004, 9:07am
Hey Biker, think about getting a new insurance company... also try the imitrex tip on the left. When you are not in cycle, keep getting refills so that you can have them on hand just in case. expensive stuff

Title: Re: Sumatriptan dosage question...
Post by unsolved1 on Dec 30th, 2004, 12:03pm
Playing with fire

Title: Re: Sumatriptan dosage question...
Post by BikerBob on Dec 30th, 2004, 1:08pm
Well, that answer was pretty obvious. It's interesting what the mind can come up with during a CH.

Title: Re: Sumatriptan dosage question...
Post by EvertBoer on Dec 30th, 2004, 5:43pm
During one of my episodes, I had the same thought. Why can't I crush the stuff, add some pure water, get out the spoon and lighter......it is scary. But I agree, there's just something really fishy about all these prices.

Title: Re: Sumatriptan dosage question...
Post by swiftlaw on Dec 30th, 2004, 7:14pm
I use the 100mg pills. Lately I chew the pill in my mouth and then swallow the powder with very hot water. Much more rapid delivery. Nasty taste.

Title: Re: Sumatriptan dosage question...
Post by sailpappy on Dec 31st, 2004, 1:33am
;;D ;;D ;;DTo Those that know me, and I them,
First off,  Happy New Year! BobP, Thank you for noticing how close I actually came to not making this Years Wonderous Event, and Svenn, I don't even know how to begin to tell you what a Magical, wonderful person you are in my life.
      I'm getting off track for the purpose of this post, but there are so many to thank, let me focus for a moment.  I have 5 or 6 Sampler packs of 100mg Imitrex
     Because of angina she can't take them. So First snailmail address I get that wants them is welcome to them, Pronto!
Now DJ,Margie Story,ReeAngel,Robin Garcia, Sharie,Briki's,Edna,JudyGill,BobP,Kip,Don,Jonny,DonnaH,DonnaD,Kirk.NancyC,Elaine,CathiP.Peppermint.Piper,BillyJ and well to the whole Family, Each and every one You!
Jave a safe and Happy New Year!
      Blessed to be here for another year or 2.
           "I Love You All !"

Now a Sappy Pappy Poem

“CHRISTMAS Day”

A wish fulfilled, our wonderful day,
Spent together with some time to play.
A gift of Love, A gift of Joy,
A Gift of having so much more,
A Family, Sharing with Friends,
Blessing the day from which it all bagin.
Our Lords Birthday, Giving us repasts,
Much to celebrate, much too much to ask!
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas
WITH a wonderful New Year
Springing forth, upon us to decimate our Fear,
Merry Christmas to all,
That we hold Dear!”

                                 Written by John J Hallahan III
                                           “aka Sailpappy”











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