Precautions and Warnings With Rizatriptan

There are several precautions and warnings with rizatriptan to be aware of, including potential drug interactions, the risk of a heart attack in some people taking rizatriptan, and the safety of taking this medicine while pregnant. Some of the conditions to let your healthcare provider know about prior to taking rizatriptan include high blood pressure, heart problems, and certain blood vessel conditions. Among the people who should not take this drug are those with untreated high blood pressure and those with a history of heart disease or angina.

Rizatriptan (Maxalt)

Rizatriptan: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking rizatriptan benzoate (Maxalt^®) if you have:

Heart problems of any kind, especially a history of heart disease, angina, an irregular heart rhythm, or a heart attack
High blood pressure (hypertension)
High cholesterol
Certain blood vessel conditions, such as peripheral vascular disease, ischemic bowel disease, or Raynaud's phenomenon
Diabetes
Kidney problems, including kidney failure (renal failure)
Liver problems, including liver failure or cirrhosis
Phenylketonuria
Depression
Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.

Also let your healthcare provider know if you:

Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
Are breastfeeding
Smoke
Have a family history of heart disease
Have gone through menopause.

You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

(Precautions and Warnings With Rizatriptan Continued: Page 2)