light ( 51 % versus 36 %), and headache pain relief ( 53 % versus 29 %). The most common side effects reported by the patients on the active drug were pain , tingling , itching , warmth , discomfort , or a change in the skin color at the application site of Zecuity ®.
Vincent Martin , MD , Vice President of the National Headache Foundation noted : “ Zecuity ® has a novel drug delivery system that bypasses the stomach and small intestine , and allows absorption of the drug directly into the blood stream through the skin . It is first of its kind ! Generally , sumatriptan produces side effects such as pins and needles of the skin , neck tightness , flushing , and chest pain . One of the advantages of Zecuity ® is that these side effects rarely occur . It is a very good medication for those migraine patients who vomit or have severe nausea during their headache attacks .” Patients who should avoid the system include those with : a history of heart problems ; history of stroke , transient ischemic attacks ( TIAs ), or problems with circulation ; narrowing of blood vessels in the legs , arms , stomach , or kidney ( peripheral vascular disease ); uncontrolled high blood pressure ; severe liver problems ; a diagnosis of hemiplegic or basilar migraine ; and , an allergy to sumatriptan . The Zecuity ® system should not be used if you have taken another triptan within the last 24 hours . The triptans include sumatriptan , almotriptan , eletriptan , frovatriptan , naratriptan , and rizatriptan . It should be avoided if , in the past 24 hours , you have taken the combination agent of sumatriptan and naproxen , any ergotamines , or dihydroergotamine ( DHE ).
While the Zecuity ® system is applied , the patient should not bathe , shower , or swim . Since the drug can cause dizziness , weakness , or drowsiness , patients wearing the system should not drive , use machinery , or any other situation where you need to be alert . Because the system contains metal parts , it would need to be removed before a patient underwent an MRI procedure .
The most common side effects of Zecuity ® are pain , tingling , warmth , discomfort , or a change in the skin color at the application site of the system . Patients may note some skin redness after removing the system from the skin . This redness usually disappears after 24 hours . Allergic contact dermatitis is a serious skin reaction which may occur at the application site . As with other sumatriptan preparations , the Zecuity ® system may cause serious side effects such as : heart attack or other heart problems ; stomach and intestinal problems ; changes in color or sensation in the fingers and toes ; increases in blood pressure ; seizures ( in patients without any seizure history ); and , problems with blood circulation to the legs and feet .
This drug should not be used if you are also using antidepressants called SSRIs or SNRIs as it may cause the Serotonin Syndrome which is rare but serious . Symptoms of the Serotonin Syndrome include mental changes such as hallucinations , agitation , and coma ; rapid heart beat ; changes in blood pressure ; high body temperature ; tight muscles ; difficulty walking ; or , nausea , vomiting , or diarrhea . Frequent use of the system may lead to Medication Overuse Headaches . Patients should communicate any adverse effects to their health care provider , and also report on the effectiveness of the drug .
The addition of Zecuity ® to the armamentarium of migraine therapies is welcome . As noted by Roger Cady , MD , Associate Executive Chairperson of the NHF :
“ Zecuity is a unique product that uses a tiny electrical current to drive sumatriptan across the skin and directly into the blood stream . Sumatriptan delivery occurs even in the presence of nausea . Also , Zecuity ® is well-tolerated and there is a low incidence of the typical triptan-associated side effects . It will be a useful therapeutic tool for many people seeking better treatment of their migraine .” HW
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