Prescription medication · Triptan (Serotonin 5-HT1 Agonist)
sumatriptan
Also sold as Imitrex. Sumatriptan injection is used to treat migraine headaches, with or without aura, in adults.
Data updated 2026-05-15
- 36,885
- FDA reportsModerately reported
- 4
- InteractionsFew interactions
- 76% less
- Generic vs brandBig savings
- In shortage
- FDA status
What the data shows
sumatriptan (Imitrex) is a prescription Triptan (Serotonin 5-HT1 Agonist), reported at a middle-of-the-pack volume (36,885 FDA reports), whose generic runs roughly half the brand price or less (76% less).
Reporting volume reflects how widely a drug is used and studied, not how dangerous it is, a FAERS report documents a temporal association, never proof of cause.
sumatriptan (Imitrex) is a prescription Triptan (Serotonin 5-HT1 Agonist). Sumatriptan injection is used to treat migraine headaches, with or without aura, in adults.
Sumatriptan injection is a medicine used to treat migraine and cluster headaches. It works by narrowing blood vessels in the brain.
Verify with FDA → · CMS NADAC pricing →
Drug Shortage Alert
sumatriptan is currently listed as to be discontinued by the FDA. Affected manufacturer: Prasco Laboratories.
View all drug shortages →Drug Pricing (NADAC)
Brand Price
$72.78/unit
Generic Price
$17.12/unit
Generic Savings
76%
Generic Available
Yes (25 manufacturers)
Pricing data from NADAC (CMS), effective December 18, 2024. Compare all drug costs →
What it does
Sumatriptan injection is used to treat migraine headaches, with or without aura, in adults.
Common side effects
Injection site reactions (pain, stinging, burning, swelling, bruising, bleeding), Tingling, Dizziness
Key warnings
Sumatriptan can cause serious heart problems, including heart attack and angina.
The sections below are summarized in plain English from sumatriptan's FDA-approved prescribing information. They describe what the official label says, and are not personal medical advice.
How It Works
Sumatriptan belongs to a class of drugs called triptans. It works by attaching to serotonin receptors in the brain. This causes blood vessels in the brain to narrow, which can relieve headache pain.
How to Take It
This medicine is given as a shot under the skin (subcutaneous). For migraines, the dose is usually 1 to 6 mg. For cluster headaches, the dose is 6 mg. Do not take more than 12 mg in 24 hours. Wait at least 1 hour between doses.
This is a plain-language summary of sumatriptan's FDA labeling, not individualized dosing advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber before changing how you take this medication.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. This medicine may harm your unborn baby. It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk.
This is a plain-language summary of sumatriptan's FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber about pregnancy or breastfeeding on this medication.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses at the same time.
This is a plain-language summary of sumatriptan's FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber what to do about your specific missed dose.
Storage
Store between 36° and 86°F (2° and 30°C). Protect from light and keep in the original carton.
Side Effects (from patient reports)
Based on 36,885 FDA adverse event reports.
Most-reported reactions
Adverse reactions in FAERS for sumatriptan, by number of reports
- Headache
Headache
3,100 reports
- Feeling sick to your stomach
Feeling sick to your stomach
2,796 reports
- Migraine
Migraine
2,735 reports
- Tiredness
Tiredness
2,099 reports
- Pain
Pain
1,965 reports
- Feeling lightheaded or unsteady
Feeling lightheaded or unsteady
1,665 reports
- Throwing up
Throwing up
1,578 reports
- Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath
1,332 reports
- Feeling worried or nervous
Feeling worried or nervous
1,241 reports
- Loose or watery stools 1,169
Loose or watery stools
1,169 reports
What this shows Bars show how often each reaction was reported, not how likely it is to happen, a report records a temporal association, never proof that the drug caused it.
Reports over time
Adverse-event reports filed for sumatriptan each year to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).
Year-to-year volume tracks usage, prescribing, and scrutiny, not a change in per-patient risk. Source: FDA FAERS.
Where sumatriptan sits
sumatriptan has more FDA adverse-event reports than 68% of the drugs FAERS tracks. A high position reflects how widely a drug is used and watched, not how dangerous it is.
Percentile across all drugs PlainMeds tracks by FAERS report volume. The dot is sumatriptan; the line is the median (50th percentile).
FDA Adverse Event Report Analysis
Detailed analysis of 36,885 reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Reports span 1996–2025.
Total Reports
36,885
Reports Mentioning Death
865
2.3% of reports — not proof of cause
Hospitalization Reports
6,843
Top Indication
Migraine
Gender Distribution
Age Distribution
Most Reported Adverse Reactions (FAERS)
| # | Reaction | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | HEADACHE | 3,102 |
| 3 | NAUSEA | 2,795 |
| 4 | MIGRAINE | 2,734 |
| 5 | FATIGUE | 2,100 |
| 6 | PAIN | 1,967 |
| 7 | DIZZINESS | 1,666 |
| 8 | VOMITING | 1,578 |
| 9 | DYSPNOEA | 1,332 |
| 10 | ANXIETY | 1,244 |
| 12 | DIARRHOEA | 1,168 |
| 13 | MALAISE | 1,048 |
| 14 | ARTHRALGIA | 1,046 |
| 15 | DEPRESSION | 1,030 |
| 16 | INJECTION SITE PAIN | 928 |
| 17 | FEELING ABNORMAL | 912 |
Reactions in Death Reports
Reactions in Hospitalization Reports
Source: FDA FAERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) FDA FAERS (Adverse Event Reporting System) Reports are voluntary and do not establish causation
Serious Warnings
Sumatriptan can cause serious heart problems, including heart attack and angina. If you have risk factors for heart disease (such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, or a family history of heart disease), your doctor should check your heart before you start taking this medicine. Sumatriptan can also cause stroke and other serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness on one side of your body, or trouble speaking.
Known Drug Interactions
7.4 Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors /Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors and Serotonin Syndrome Cases of serotonin syndrome have been reported during coadministration of triptans and SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, and MAO inhibitors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].
Mechanism: Both drugs can increase serotonin levels in the body, which may lead to a serious reaction called serotonin syndrome.
What to do: Tell your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms like a fast heartbeat, sweating, or muscle stiffness.
Sumatriptan Clinical Impact: There have been postmarketing reports describing patients with weakness, hyperreflexia, and incoordination following the use of an SSRI and sumatriptan. Intervention: If concomitant treatment with sumatriptan and an SSRI is clinically warranted, appropriate observation of the patient is advised [ see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ].
Mechanism: Combining these medicines can lead to physical issues like weakness and poor coordination by affecting serotonin in the body.
What to do: If you take both, your doctor should monitor you closely for any signs of muscle or coordination problems.
Sumatriptan: Rare postmarketing reports of weakness, hyperreflexia, and incoordination following use of an SSRI and sumatriptan. Sumatriptan - There have been rare postmarketing reports describing patients with weakness, hyperreflexia, and incoordination following the use of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and sumatriptan. If concomitant treatment with sumatriptan and an SSRI (e.g., fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline) is clinically warranted, appropriate observation of the patient is advised.
Mechanism: Both drugs affect serotonin levels in the brain, which can rarely lead to symptoms like muscle weakness or poor coordination.
What to do: If you must take both, your doctor should watch you closely for any signs of muscle problems or coordination issues.
Sumatriptan –There have been rare postmarketing reports describing patients with weakness, hyperreflexia, and incoordination following the use of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and sumatriptan. If concomitant treatment with sumatriptan and an SSRI (e.g., citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline) is clinically warranted, appropriate observation of the patient is advised.
Mechanism: Combining these drugs can rarely cause a reaction that leads to muscle weakness, overactive reflexes, or loss of coordination.
What to do: Your doctor should monitor you for physical symptoms like weakness or coordination issues if you take these together.
This is a plain-language summary of interactions documented in FDA labeling, not individualized advice. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber before combining medications.
Common Questions
Can I use sumatriptan to prevent migraines?
How quickly does sumatriptan work?
Can I take another pain reliever with sumatriptan?
What should I do if sumatriptan doesn't relieve my headache?
Can sumatriptan cause high blood pressure?
Is it safe to drive after taking sumatriptan?
Can I take sumatriptan if I have kidney problems?
Can I take sumatriptan if I have liver problems?
What if I am allergic to sumatriptan?
Can I take sumatriptan with other migraine medicines?
What are the common side effects of sumatriptan?
Does sumatriptan interact with other medications?
What drug class is sumatriptan?
Is there a generic version of sumatriptan?
Is sumatriptan safe during pregnancy?
Is sumatriptan currently in shortage?
Related Medications in Triptan (Serotonin 5-HT1 Agonist)
Other drugs grouped near sumatriptan - same-class peers and common alternatives.
abatacept
Orencia
Orencia is a medicine that helps to reduce inflammation.
Compare with sumatriptan →
acetaminophen
Tylenol
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a medicine that can relieve pain and reduce fever.
Compare with sumatriptan →
acetaminophen/hydrocodone
Vicodin, Norco
This medicine contains acetaminophen and hydrocodone.
Compare with sumatriptan →
acetaminophen/oxycodone
Percocet
Percocet is a strong pain medicine.
Compare with sumatriptan →
adalimumab
Humira
Idacio is a medicine that blocks a protein called TNF.
Compare with sumatriptan →
Medication Guides
Understanding Drug Interactions
How CYP450 enzymes, inhibitors, and inducers affect your medications
Generic vs Brand Name Drugs
FDA requirements, cost savings, and when the difference matters
Narrow Therapeutic Index Drugs
Why some drugs demand precise dosing and monitoring
Common Drug Interactions
Dangerous medication combinations and how to protect yourself
Save on sumatriptan
Compare prices and find discounts at pharmacies near you. Free coupons can save up to 80% on prescriptions.
Disclosure: This link may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. See our terms.
What the FDA Data Shows for sumatriptan
The FDA label for sumatriptan (sold under brand names such as Imitrex) classifies it as a prescription-only medication in the Triptan (Serotonin 5-HT1 Agonist) class. Sumatriptan injection is used to treat migraine headaches, with or without aura, in adults. Official labeling lists 10 commonly reported side effects, including Injection site reactions (pain, stinging, burning, swelling, bruising, bleeding), Tingling, Dizziness.
Post-market surveillance from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) captures real-world experience. For this drug, FAERS contains 36,885 voluntary reports. The database also lists 4 documented drug interactions derived from FDA labeling, with the top-flagged interaction rated minor severity. NADAC pricing from CMS shows a generic unit cost of $17.12 versus $72.78 for the brand - a 76% generic savings.
Report counts do not establish causation, a FAERS entry documents a temporal association, not proof that the drug produced the outcome. Widely prescribed medications naturally accumulate more reports than niche therapies, so raw totals must be interpreted alongside total exposure. Shortage status, recall history, and patent information further shape supply and switching decisions. This page summarizes public FDA data for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
Data Sources
Drug labeling: FDA Drug Labels (SPL/DailyMed). Adverse events: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Pricing: CMS National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC). Shortage status: FDA Drug Shortages Database.
FAERS reports are voluntary and do not establish causation. Drug interactions are derived from FDA labeling and clinical references. Always consult a healthcare professional before making medication decisions.
Last updated: September 28, 2024
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Data currency: FDA FAERS adverse-event reports through 2025, CMS NADAC acquisition-cost pricing effective December 2024, compiled and last refreshed May 2026. See our methodology for per-source dates and refresh cadence. Spot a figure that looks wrong? Report a correction.
All federal data sources used on this page
- FDA Orange Book - approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence. accessdata.fda.gov/cder/ob
- FDA DailyMed - NIH-hosted drug labeling for FDA-approved meds. dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
- FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) - post-marketing safety surveillance. fda.gov/drugs/faers
- NLM RxNorm - standardized clinical drug nomenclature. nlm.nih.gov/research/umls/rxnorm
- CMS Medicare Part B Drug Average Sales Price Files - federal drug pricing data. cms.gov/medicare/part-b-drugs/asp
- FDA Drug Shortages Database - current and resolved drug shortage tracking. accessdata.fda.gov/drugshortages