Imigran

What is Imigran (Sumatriptan)?

Imigran is the brand name for a medicine called sumatriptan, which belongs to a group of medicines known as triptans. Triptans are specifically used as treatments for migraines, providing fast and effective relief from migraine headaches.

This medicine is also available as Imigran Nasal Spray for migraines.

You must have a prescription to buy Imigran. 

What is Imigran used to treat?

Imigran (sumatriptan) is commonly prescribed to treat migraine headaches, which are often painful and debilitating, preventing you from going about your daily life.

While it is not a painkiller, you can take sumatriptan if other painkillers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have not provided effective pain relief.

Ideally, you should take Imigran as soon as possible after you feel a migraine coming on. Although it will still be effective if taken later on during a migraine.

Why is Imigran recommended for migraines?

The active ingredient contained in Imigran tablets (sumatriptan) has been clinically tested and found to be an effective medicine for relieving the symptoms of migraines. 

If a doctor prescribes Imigran, they will deem it unlikely that you will suffer side effects from taking it.

How does Imigran work?

It is not completely understood what causes a migraine attack, but they are believed to be caused by the temporary widening of blood vessels in the brain.

Imigran’s active ingredient, sumatriptan, is believed to work by narrowing the blood vessels back to their normal size. This relieves the pain and other symptoms like feeling sick and being extra sensitive to light and sound.

Sumatriptan will generally get to work after around 30 minutes of being taken.

Who can take Imigran?

Imigran (sumatriptan) is generally considered safe, but it may not be suitable for everyone to use.

Imigran is not suitable for children under the age of 18, unless recommended by a doctor.

It is also not recommended that people over the age of 65 take this migraine treatment.

You should not use any sumatriptan medicines without speaking to your doctor first if any of the below conditions apply to you:

• You have recently had a stroke or a mini stroke
• You have any heart problems like narrowing of the arteries or angina
• You have recently had a heart attack
• You have serious liver disease
• You have a history of seizures
• You have kidney disease
• You have an intolerance to some sugars
• You are allergic to sulphonamides
• You have high blood pressure
• You are currently using or have recently used any of the following anti-depressant medicines: MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) including citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine and sertaline, SNRIs (serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors) including venlafaxine and duloxetine
• You are allergic to sumatriptan or any of the other ingredients listed in these tablets

You should also inform your doctor if:

• You are a woman who has been through the menopause
• You are a man aged 40 or over
• You are a heavy smoker or are using any nicotine replacement therapy treatments

This list is not exhaustive. Always read the patient information leaflet for comprehensive warnings.

Can you buy Imigran over the counter?

You can only buy Imigran when you have been prescribed it by a doctor.

Can you buy Imigran online in the UK?

Sumatriptan is a prescription-only medicine (POM). To buy Imigran online from Medicine Direct, you will first need to fill out an online consultation questionnaire to make sure it is safe for you to take.

One of our doctors or pharmacists will review your answers before your order is confirmed. Next day delivery is available if you place your order by 2pm.

For your own safety, you should not order medicine online unless it is from an online pharmacy that is regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), like Medicine Direct.

Imigran alternatives

If you suffer from migraines, there are many different medicines available to relieve the symptoms. Imigran is also available as a nasal spray, which is a convenient alternative for adults who find it hard to swallow whole tablets. The nasal spray also contains sumatriptan and works in the same way as the tablet version of Imigran. This is a prescription-only medicine (POM) for adults.

Imigran is available as a generic (non-branded) version which contains the exact same active ingredient however it is usually cheaper in price. For the generic version of Imigran, you can buy Sumatriptan tablets online from Medicine Direct.

Other triptan medicines can also be ordered from our online pharmacy. The likes of Almotriptan, Zolmitriptan and Rizatriptan are available from Medicine Direct and work to relieve migraines in the same way as Sumatriptan.