Methergine (Generic)

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.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 3 to 4 times daily for up to 1 week after delivery or as directed by your doctor.

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 persists or worsens.

Headache, nausea, vomiting, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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 any of these rare but serious side effects occur: fast/slow heartbeat, shortness of breath, cold hands/feet, pain/redness/swelling of arms or legs.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but serious side effects occur: chest pain, vision changes, confusion, seizures.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention 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.

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 breast-feeding.

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.

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 boceprevir, cobicistat, mifepristone, nefazodone, telaprevir, azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin, clarithromycin), HIV protease inhibitors (such as lopinavir, ritonavir), HIV NNRTI's (such as delavirdine), rifamycins (such as rifampin, rifabutin), among others.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe headache, severe dizziness, seizures, slow/shallow breathing, numbness/tingling of arms/legs.

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.

Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as blood pressure measurements) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.