Treatment FAQ

what is a dhe treatment

by Maybell O'Conner Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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What is dhe used for?

Side Effects Dihydroergotamine (DHE) is a prescription medication available in injectable and nasal forms that is used to relieve acute migraine attacks. It is among the most effective migraine treatments and considered safe for most, though not all, people.

What is infusion therapy for dhe?

Infusion therapy involves delivering a medication through an IV, which is done in a hospital or an infusion center. There is also an intramuscular formulation, which is administered in a clinic, and an intranasal formulation, which can be taken at home. DHE cannot be given as a pill.

What is the best way to take dhe?

Getting DHE intravenously (IV) is the fastest, most effective method, but it requires a medical professional to administer the medication. IV DHE is typically given through several injections in the emergency room or an infusion center.

What are the different forms of dhe?

There are two different forms of DHE that your doctor will consider: Migranal, which is administered intranasally (through the nose) D.H.E 45, which is injected intramuscularly (IM into the muscle) or intravenously (IV into a vein)

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How long does DHE infusion last?

You will carry on having infusions for the next three to four days – each about eight hours apart and lasting an hour, depending on the rate.

What is DHE protocol for migraine?

Dihydroergotamine (DHE) infusion is a migraine treatment that works by therapeutically contracting some of the blood vessels that supply the tissues that cover and protect the brain. It also stops the release of natural substances in the brain that contribute to migraine pain.

What are the side effects of DHE?

dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flushing (redness or tingly feeling under the skin), increased sweating, anxiety, or skin rash. Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of D.H.E.

How long does it take for DHE to work?

In their experience, IV DHE is effective in rapidly controlling intractable headache, with most patients achieving improvement in 2 to 3 days.

How fast do you push DHE?

45® (dihydroergotamine mesylate) Injection, USP should be administered in a dose of 1 mL intravenously, intramuscularly or subcutaneously. The dose can be repeated, as needed, at 1 hour intervals to a total dose of 3 mL for intramuscular or subcutaneous delivery or 2 mL for intravenous delivery in a 24 hour period.

Does DHE cause rebound headaches?

Various migraine medications have been linked with medication overuse headaches, including triptans (Imitrex, Zomig, others) and certain ergots — such as ergotamine (Ergomar, others). These medications have a moderate risk of causing medication overuse headaches. The ergot dihydroergotamine (D.H.E.

Where do you inject DHE?

Inject this medication into a vein, into a muscle, or under the skin as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Usually, this medication should be used only as needed. It is not meant for long-term daily use.

Where do you inject dihydroergotamine?

Dihydroergotamine comes as a solution to inject subcutaneously (under the skin), intramuscularly (in the muscle), or intravenouslyly (into a vein).

How is DHE given?

DHE can be injected into the muscle or under the skin, and patients can be taught to inject themselves. An injection is a useful option for those looking for effective, fast relief. The main possible side effects are nausea, injection site reactions (swelling or redness) and pain associated with the injection itself.

Is dihydroergotamine a triptan?

Dihydroergotamine (DHE) is a semi-synthetic, hydrogenated ergot alkaloid with its primary activity for migraine, like triptans, occurring at 5HT1D, 5HT1B, and 5HT1F receptors (Silberstein and Dodick, 2016a). DHE was previously listed as FDA category X, meaning that it is contraindicated during pregnancy.

How do you administer DHE?

45® (dihydroergotamine mesylate) Injection, USP should be administered in a dose of 1 mL intravenously, intramuscularly or subcutaneously. The dose can be repeated, as needed, at 1 hour intervals to a total dose of 3 mL for intramuscular or subcutaneous delivery or 2 mL for intravenous delivery in a 24 hour period.

What is in the migraine cocktail?

The exact medications used in a migraine cocktail can vary, but it typically includes triptans, NSAIDs, and antiemetics. A migraine cocktail is also available in OTC medication. OTC products usually contain aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine.

When to use DHE?

You can use DHE before your migraine begins, during the prodromal phase, or during the migraine attack itself .

What is DHE in medicine?

Dihydroergotamine (DHE) is a prescription medication available in injectable and nasal forms that is used to relieve acute migra ine attacks. It is among the most effective migraine treatments and considered safe for most, ...

What are the physiological mechanisms that cause DHE?

The physiological mechanisms that cause DHE to have its effect on the body are that it: Inhibits calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP): CGRP triggers inflammation, which may contribute to migraines. Binds to serotonin receptors, which modulate pain and mood.

How do you know if you have side effects from DHE?

It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms within a few days of using DHE: Numbness or tingling in fingers and toes. Pain, tightness, or discomfort in the chest. Muscle pain or cramps in arms and legs. Weakness in legs.

Can you take DHE on your own?

DHE is used for the treatment of moderate and severe migraine attacks. It does not prevent migraines and it is not intended to be taken on a regular basis. While you can take it on your own if you have a prescription, DHE is fast acting, so it is commonly used in the emergency room for rapid migraine relief ...

Can DHE cause headaches?

DHE has a lower risk of inducing medication overuse headaches (a.k.a. rebound or medication withdrawal headaches) than other migraine medications, so it may also be recommended for you if you are prone to them. The drug is not used to treat non-migraine headaches like tension headaches .

Is DHE safe for everyone?

While it is relatively safe, DHE is not for everyone. If you have had an allergic reaction to ergotamines (e.g., Cafergot, Migergot), then DHE is not safe for you; the two drugs are very similar. You cannot use DHE if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What is DHE in medicine?

DHE is a medication in a class of drugs called ergot alkaloids. Infusion therapy involves delivering a medication through an IV, which is done in a hospital or an infusion center. There is also an intramuscular formulation, which is administered in a clinic, and an intranasal formulation, which can be taken at home.

What is DHE infusion?

Dihydroergotamine (DHE) infusion is a migraine treatment that works by therapeutically contracting some of the blood vessels that supply the tissues that cover and protect the brain. It also stops the release of natural substances in the brain that contribute to migraine pain. DHE is a medication in a class of drugs called ergot alkaloids.

What are the side effects of DHE?

Nausea is the most common side effect of DHE infusion. Your doctor may give you medication to help reduce nausea before beginning the infusion. Other common side effects of DHE include: 1 Burning at the site of infusion 2 Leg cramps 3 Vomiting 4 Chest pain 5 Warmth or pressure in the neck

Can you take DHE with nausea?

Before starting you on DHE, your migraine specialist will conduct a thorough assessment to make sure you can take the medication with minimal risk. Nausea is the most common side effect of DHE infusion. Your doctor may give you medication to help reduce nausea before beginning the infusion.

Is DHE good for migraines?

DHE is used to abort a migraine and is good for a migraine that has been going on for more than a few days. It can often break a headache for months. While DHE is not a permanent cure for migraine, symptoms will not necessarily return when the medication wears off.

What is D.H.E. 45?

D.H.E. 45 is an injection for treating migraine (with or without aura) and is also used for treating cluster headaches. It is not recommended for preventing migraine attacks or for treating hemiplegic migraine or basilar migraine.

Why is D.H.E. 45 a black box?

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because it may cause peripheral ischemia (insufficient blood flow to the arms or legs). Peripheral ischemia is serious and can be life-threatening.

Can you take D.H.E. 45 while pregnant?

Do not take D.H.E. 45 if you you’re pregnant or nursing or if you have heart disease, arterial disease, or any problems with blood circulation in your toes, fingers, arms or legs.

Does D.H.E. 45 help with migraines?

We surveyed our community to find out how effective members found D.H.E. 45 in relieving their migraine symptoms. Twenty percent said D.H.E. 45 completely eliminated their symptoms, and another 17% found it significantly reduced their symptoms. However, 21% said it didn’t help them at all.

What is dihydroergotamine used for?

Dihydroergotamine injection is used to treat a migraine or cluster headache attack.

How to check heart function with dihydroergotamine?

If you use dihydroergotamine long-term, your doctor may want to check your heart function periodically using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG), a machine that measures electrical activity of the heart. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Can dihydroergotamine cause blood loss?

if you have recently had heart or blood vessel surgery (such as bypass surgery). Using certain medications together with dihydroergotamine can cause even greater decreases in blood flow than dihydroergotamine used alone, which can lead to dangerous side effects.

Can you self inject dihydroergotamine?

Do not self-inject dihydroergotamine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes. Use dihydroergotamine injection as soon as you notice headache symptoms, or after an attack has already begun.

Can you use dihydroergotamine while breastfeeding?

Dihydroergotamine may also decrease milk production. Do not use if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Can dihydroergotamine harm a baby?

Warnings. This medication can harm an unborn baby or a nursing baby. Do not use if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Using certain medications together with dihydroergotamine can cause even greater decreases in blood flow than dihydroergotamine used alone, which can lead to dangerous side effects.

Can you take dihydroergotamine more than prescribed?

Also tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, especially breathing problems, high blood pressure, ischemic bowel disease, liver or kidney disease, or risk factors for heart disease. Never use more than your prescribed dose of dihydroergotamine.

What is D.H.E. 45 used for?

It works by narrowing the blood vessels around the brain and affects blood flow patterns that are associated with certain types of headaches. D.H.E. 45 is used to treat a migraine or cluster headache attack.

How to check heart function with D.H.E. 45?

If you use D.H.E. 45 long-term, your doctor may want to check your heart function periodically using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG), a machine that measures electrical activity of the heart. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Can you take dihydroergotamine more than prescribed?

Also tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, especially breathing problems, high blood pressure, ischemic bowel disease, liver or kidney disease, or risk factors for heart disease. Never use more than your prescribed dose of dihydroergotamine.

Can you take dihdroergotamine if you have a heart attack?

D.H.E. 45 can cause rare but serious side effects on the heart, including heart attack or stroke. To make sure you can safely take dihdroergotamine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions: breathing problems; high blood pressure; ischemic bowel disease; liver or kidney disease; or.

Can D.H.E. 45 be used for migraines?

This medication will only treat a headache that has already begun. It will not prevent headaches or reduce the number of attacks. D.H.E. 45 should not be used to treat common tension headaches or any headache that seems to be different from your usual migraine headaches. This medicine is not for daily use.

What is the DHEA hormone?

Overview. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone that your body naturally produces in the adrenal gland. DHEA helps produce other hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. Natural DHEA levels peak in early adulthood and then slowly fall as you age.

What drugs can be used with DHEA?

Antipsychotics. Use of DHEA with antipsychotics such as clozapine (Clozaril, Versacloz, others) might reduce the drug's effectiveness. Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol, others). Use of DHEA with this drug used to treat seizures, nerve pain and bipolar disorder might reduce the drug's effectiveness. Estrogen.

Does DHEA cause hair growth?

DHEA might reduce high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol levels. Use of DHEA also might worsen psychiatric disorders and increase the risk of mania in people who have mood disorders. DHEA also might cause oily skin, acne and unwanted, male-pattern hair growth in women (hirsutism).

Does DHEA cause cancer?

DHEA is a hormone. Use of this supplement might increase levels of androgen and have a steroid effect. DHEA also might increase the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers, including prostate, breast and ovarian cancers. If you have any form of cancer or are at risk of cancer, don't use DHEA.

Does DHEA help with depression?

A small study suggested that taking DHEA supplements might improve skin hydration and firmness, and decrease aging spots in elderly adults. Depression. DHEA might be more effective at treating depression than placebo, especially in people with low DHEA levels. Osteoporosis.

Does DHEA help with aging?

Aging. In theory, taking DHEA supplements to maintain DHEA levels could slow the aging process, possibly improving well-being, cognitive function and body composition. But so far research hasn't proved this to be true.

Can you use DHEA if you have cancer?

If you have any form of cancer or are at risk of cancer, don't use DHEA. Don't use DHEA if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Consider avoiding use of DHEA if you have high cholesterol or a condition that affects the supply of blood to the heart (ischemic heart disease).

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Indications

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DHE is used for the treatment of moderate and severe migraine attacks. It does not prevent migraines and it is not intended to be taken on a regular basis. While you can take it on your own if you have a prescription, DHE is fast acting, so it is commonly used in the emergency room for rapid migraine relief (such as in the tr…
See more on verywellhealth.com

How It Works

  • DHE has several actions on the body, and the migraine-relieving effect may be the result of more than one of them. This medication generally relieves the pain, nausea, and other symptoms of a migraine. Vasoconstriction, which is narrowing of the blood vessels, is the most recognized effect of DHE, and the most closely associated with migraine relief. Migraines are believed to involve v…
See more on verywellhealth.com

Formulations

  • There are two different forms of DHE that your healthcare provider will consider: 1. Migranal, which is administered intranasally (through the nose) 2. D.H.E 45, which is injected intramuscularly (IM into the muscle) or intravenously (IV into a vein) This medication is not well absorbed orally (by mouth), so pill forms are not readily available in the United States.
See more on verywellhealth.com

Use

  • If you are given a prescription for nasal or injectable DHE, your healthcare provider's office can provide you with instructions on how to use the medication on your own. You can use DHE before your migraine begins, during the prodromal phase, or during the migraine attack itself. Some people notice that taking it during the prodromal phase can prevent a migraine from progressing…
See more on verywellhealth.com

Side Effects

  • It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms within a few days of using DHE: 1. Numbness or tingling in fingers and toes 2. Pain, tightness, or discomfort in the chest 3. Muscle pain or cramps in arms and legs 4. Weakness in legs 5. Speeding or slowing of your heart rate 6. Swelling or itching 7. Dizziness 8. Trouble breathing 9. …
See more on verywellhealth.com

Contraindications

  • While it is relatively safe, DHE is not for everyone. If you have had an allergic reaction to ergotamines (e.g., Cafergot, Migergot), then DHE is not safe for you; the two drugs are very similar. You cannot use DHE if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. DHE is also contraindicated if you have certain medical conditions, including: 1. Heart disease 2. High blood pressure 3. A hist…
See more on verywellhealth.com

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