Tolfenamic acid for migraine

About tolfenamic acid

In people with migraine it is thought that some chemicals in the brain increase in activity. As a result, parts of the brain send out confused signals and this results in the symptoms of headache and sickness. Why people with migraine should develop these chemical changes is not clear and many migraine attacks occur for no apparent reason. For some people, there may be things which trigger an attack, like certain foods or drinks.

Tolfenamic acid belongs to a group of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is a painkiller so it will help to ease the pain you feel during a migraine headache.

Before taking tolfenamic acid

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking tolfenamic acid, it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you have asthma or any other allergic disorder.

• If you have ever had a stomach or duodenal ulcer, or if you have an inflammatory bowel disorder such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby, or breastfeeding.

• If you are under 18 or over 65 years of age.

• If you have a problem with the way your liver works or a problem with the way your kidneys work.

• If you have a heart condition, or a problem with your blood vessels or circulation.

• If you have high blood pressure (hypertension).

• If you have ever had blood clotting problems.

• If you have a connective tissue disorder, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (this is an inflammatory condition also called lupus, or SLE).

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any other NSAID (such as aspirin, naproxen, indometacin, and ibuprofen), or to any other medicine.

How to take tolfenamic acid

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about the tablets and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking them.

• Take one 200 mg tablet as soon as possible at the start of an attack. You may take a second tablet after 1-2 hours if needed. If you are able, take the tablets with something to eat such as a snack.
  

Getting the most from your treatment

• A number of things can trigger migraines in some people. These can include some foods (for example, cheese, chocolate, and red wine), worry, bright sunlight, too much or too little sleep, and skipping meals. If you are not sure if these things trigger a migraine for you, it may help for you to keep a migraine diary. Note down when and where each migraine attack started, what you were doing, and what you had eaten that day. A pattern may emerge and it may be possible for you to avoid some of the things that trigger an attack.

• Try to keep your follow-up appointments with your doctor. If you find that the tablets do not relieve your migraine, discuss this with your doctor, as an alternative preparation may prove to be more effective for you.

• This medicine is used to treat headache pain during a migraine attack, but there are other medicines available that may help to reduce the number of migraine attacks. If you have migraines frequently, discuss this with your doctor.

• Some people who get frequent migraine attacks are in fact getting medication-induced headache. Medication-induced headache (also called medication-overuse headache) is caused by taking painkillers too often. If you use painkillers on more than two days a week on a regular basis, you may be at risk of this. You should talk with your doctor if you suspect it.

• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with an NSAID painkiller. This is because you should not take tolfenamic acid at the same time as any other anti-inflammatory painkiller, some of which are available in cold and flu remedies which can be bought over the counter.

Can tolfenamic acid cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the ones associated with tolfenamic acid. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Important: if you experience any of the following less common but more serious symptoms, stop taking the tablets and contact your doctor for advice straightaway:

• If you have any breathing difficulties such as wheeze or breathlessness.

• If you have any signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling around your mouth or face, or a severe itchy skin rash.

• If you pass blood or black stools, bring up (vomit) blood, or have severe tummy (abdominal) pains.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store tolfenamic acid

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines