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Zembrace SymTouch (sumatriptan succinate)

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By Editorial Team

2 min read

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: May 2023 | Last updated: November 2023

Zembrace® SymTouch® is a prescription medicine used to treat acute migraine with or without aura in adults who have a clear migraine diagnosis. Zembrace is given by subcutaneous injection (under the skin). It comes in a prefilled, ready-to use, single-dose disposable autoinjector called the SymTouch. Zembrace SymTouch is a type of drug known as a selective 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist (triptan).1

Zembrace SymTouch is designed to only treat a migraine that has already begun. It works best if it is taken as soon as migraine symptoms appear. Zembrace SymTouch should not be used to prevent or reduce the number migraine attacks you have. It should not be used to treat other types of migraine, including hemiplegic migraine or basilar migraine.1

Overuse of acute migraine drugs like Zembrace SymTouch can cause medication overuse headaches. If your migraine attacks worsen while taking Zembrace SymTouch, your doctor may decide to stop your treatment with it.1

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What are the ingredients in Zembrace?

The active ingredient in Zembrace is sumatriptan.1

How does Zembrace work?

Zembrace works by binding to 5-HT1B/1D receptors on blood vessels in the brain. This process helps narrow the blood vessels around the brain. In turn, this reduces inflammation in the body that can trigger head pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and other migraine symptoms.1

What are the possible side effects?

The most common side effects of Zembrace SymTouch include:1

  • Pain or redness at the injection site
  • Tingling or numbness in your fingers or toes
  • Dizziness
  • Warm, hot, burning feeling to your face (flushing)
  • Discomfort or stiffness in your neck
  • Feeling weak, drowsy, or tired

These are not all the possible side effects of Zembrace SymTouch. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking Zembrace SymTouch. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking Zembrace SymTouch.

Other things to know

Before starting treatment with Zembrace SymTouch, tell your doctor if you:1

  • Have high blood pressure
  • Have high cholesterol
  • Have diabetes
  • Smoke
  • Are overweight
  • Have heart problems or family history of heart problems or stroke
  • Have kidney problems
  • Have had epilepsy or seizures

Zembrace SymTouch may harm an unborn baby. If you can become pregnant, you should use birth control during treatment and for some time after the last dose of Zembrace SymTouch. You should also not breastfeed during treatment with Zembrace SymTouch and for some time after the last dose. Talk to your doctor about your options for birth control and breastfeeding while taking Zembrace SymTouch.1

Zembrace SymTouch is not for people with risk factors for heart disease unless a heart exam is done and shows no problems. You have a higher risk for heart disease if you:1

  • Have high blood pressure
  • Have high cholesterol levels
  • Smoke
  • Are overweight
  • Have diabetes
  • Have a family history of heart disease

Zembrace SymTouch can interact with other medicines, causing serious side effects. Before taking Zembrace SymTouch, tell your doctor if you take antidepressant drugs called:1

  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
  • Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
  • Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Before beginning treatment for migraine, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.

For additional details, read the full prescribing information of Zembrace SymTouch.