Methylergonovine Maleate
What is METHYLERGONOVINE MALEATE?
(METHYLERGONOVINE MALEATE) This medication is used after childbirth to help stop bleeding from the uterus. Methylergonovine belongs to a class of drugs known as ergot alkaloids. It works by increasing the rate and strength of contractions and the stiffness of the uterus muscles. These effects help to decrease bleeding.
How should I use METHYLERGONOVINE MALEATE?
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 to 4 times daily for up to 1 week after delivery. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take METHYLERGONOVINE MALEATE?
Before taking methylergonovine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar ergot alkaloids (such as ergonovine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, heart disease (such as venoatrial shunts, mitral valve stenosis, chest pain, recent heart attack), diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking/tobacco use, blood vessel disease (such as Raynaud's disease), complications during pregnancy (such as preeclampsia, eclampsia). This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). This medication must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Consult your doctor for more details. This medication may decrease the amount of breast milk. Methylergonovine passes into breast milk in small amounts and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
What may interact with METHYLERGONOVINE MALEATE?
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: other ergot alkaloids (such as ergotamine, dihydroergotamine), "triptan" migraine medications (such as eletriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan). Other medications can affect the removal of methylergonovine from your body, which may affect how methylergonovine works. Examples include adagrasib, cobicistat, mifepristone, nefazodone, azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin, clarithromycin), HIV protease inhibitors (such as lopinavir), ritonavir, among others.
What if I miss a dose of METHYLERGONOVINE MALEATE?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
What side effects may I notice from receiving METHYLERGONOVINE MALEATE?
Headache, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fast/slow heartbeat, shortness of breath, cold hands/feet, pain/redness/swelling of arms or legs. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest pain, vision changes, confusion, seizures. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Where should I keep METHYLERGONOVINE MALEATE?
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.