Articles and other Information About Medications
Includes articles about new medications for headaches and Migraine, current pharmaceutical research, FDA communications about medications, clinical trials, and more.
>>Be sure to scroll down the page to view all the links!<<
>>Be sure to scroll down the page to view all the links!<<
Topamax Increases Propensity for Kidney Stones
Topiramate (Topamax) is a neuronal stabilizing agent (aka anticonvulsant medication) that is FDA-approved for and prescribed for headache and Migraine prevention. Research now shows that long-taerm use of topirmate increase incidence of kidney stones.
Topiramate (Topamax) is a neuronal stabilizing agent (aka anticonvulsant medication) that is FDA-approved for and prescribed for headache and Migraine prevention. Research now shows that long-taerm use of topirmate increase incidence of kidney stones.
Talk About Prescriptions Month 2006 - Preventing Medication Errors
Four of five American adults use prescriptions or OTC medications weekly. Nearly one-third of adults take five or more different medications. It is estimated that there are at least 1.5 adverse drug events each year. During Talk About Prescriptions month, let's look at how we can avoid such errors.
Four of five American adults use prescriptions or OTC medications weekly. Nearly one-third of adults take five or more different medications. It is estimated that there are at least 1.5 adverse drug events each year. During Talk About Prescriptions month, let's look at how we can avoid such errors.
Fraudulent Sites Closed, Owner Indicted on Multiple Counts
Sites such as migrainecure.com and cancercure.org, which had been selling fraudulent "cures," have finally been shut down. The owner of the sites, Arthur Vanmoor, has been indicted on multiple counts.
Sites such as migrainecure.com and cancercure.org, which had been selling fraudulent "cures," have finally been shut down. The owner of the sites, Arthur Vanmoor, has been indicted on multiple counts.
New Dosage Imitrex® STATdose Now Available. About Headaches and Migraine
The Imitrex® STATdose was first approved in 1992 in 6mg dosage. Now, the FDA has approved a new Imitrex® STATdose in a 4mg dosage. This is the same STATdose injection system patients have been using; only the dosage has changed. The efficacy of the 4mg dose of Imitrex Injection was established in three double-blind studies of adult patients with acute migraine, with or without aura.
The Imitrex® STATdose was first approved in 1992 in 6mg dosage. Now, the FDA has approved a new Imitrex® STATdose in a 4mg dosage. This is the same STATdose injection system patients have been using; only the dosage has changed. The efficacy of the 4mg dose of Imitrex Injection was established in three double-blind studies of adult patients with acute migraine, with or without aura.
Rx Meds Package Inserts Redesigned, New Site Launched. from About Headaches and Migraine
Something we stress on this site is educating ourselves. One of our Tips for Safe Medications Use includes keeping the package inserts from medications for future reference. Anyone who has read any of those package inserts knows that reading and understanding them has not been exactly easy. Good news: The FDA has made a major revision to the format for Rx meds package inserts.
Something we stress on this site is educating ourselves. One of our Tips for Safe Medications Use includes keeping the package inserts from medications for future reference. Anyone who has read any of those package inserts knows that reading and understanding them has not been exactly easy. Good news: The FDA has made a major revision to the format for Rx meds package inserts.
Treating Pain Disorders With Intradermal Botox
Research into the most effective ways to use Botox for headache and Migraine treatment continues and is promising. Here, we'll take a look at research performed by John Claude Krusz, Ph.D., M.D., and William R. Knoderer, M.D., D.D.S., in Dallas.
Research into the most effective ways to use Botox for headache and Migraine treatment continues and is promising. Here, we'll take a look at research performed by John Claude Krusz, Ph.D., M.D., and William R. Knoderer, M.D., D.D.S., in Dallas.
IV Therapy in the Headache Clinic for Refractory Migraine
Intractable and refractory Migraines need aggressive treatment. With the exception of headache and Migraine specialists, doctors simply have too many conditions to treat to be expected to have the expertise to treat such cases. Dr. John Claude Krusz and his colleagues have been using aggressive outpatient IV treatment for refractory Migraines in Dr. Krusz's Dallas clinic.
Intractable and refractory Migraines need aggressive treatment. With the exception of headache and Migraine specialists, doctors simply have too many conditions to treat to be expected to have the expertise to treat such cases. Dr. John Claude Krusz and his colleagues have been using aggressive outpatient IV treatment for refractory Migraines in Dr. Krusz's Dallas clinic.
Preventing Chronic TTH and Migraine With Namenda
Another medication can now be added to the growing list of medications shown to be effective for prevention of headaches and Migraine. Namenda (memantine), approved for the treatment of moderate to severe dementia of the alzheimer's type has been shown effective in a small, open-label trial.
Another medication can now be added to the growing list of medications shown to be effective for prevention of headaches and Migraine. Namenda (memantine), approved for the treatment of moderate to severe dementia of the alzheimer's type has been shown effective in a small, open-label trial.
Talk About Prescriptions Month, The 3 Rs for Safe Medicine Use from About Headaches and Migraine
The National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE) has declared October Talk About Prescriptions Month. This year's theme is The 3Rs for Safe Medicine Use, focusing on the safe medicine use messages for consumers and healthcare providers. The 3 Rx are Risk, Respect, and Responsibility.
The National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE) has declared October Talk About Prescriptions Month. This year's theme is The 3Rs for Safe Medicine Use, focusing on the safe medicine use messages for consumers and healthcare providers. The 3 Rx are Risk, Respect, and Responsibility.
Pregnancy and Migraine Disease
Nearly 33 million Americans suffer from migraine, and the majority of those are women. It stands to reason that many women in their childbearing years will suffer from migraine disease. What does a pregnant mother-to-be do to treat her disease? by guest author Deborah Wirtel
Nearly 33 million Americans suffer from migraine, and the majority of those are women. It stands to reason that many women in their childbearing years will suffer from migraine disease. What does a pregnant mother-to-be do to treat her disease? by guest author Deborah Wirtel
AMPP Study: Migraine Preventives Underused
Results from the American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention (AMPP) Study indicate that 40 percent of Migraine sufferers – or nearly 12 million people – could benefit from preventive therapies. Of Migraine sufferers in the study, only one in five Americans currently uses preventive therapies, however, millions could benefit from these treatments.
Results from the American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention (AMPP) Study indicate that 40 percent of Migraine sufferers – or nearly 12 million people – could benefit from preventive therapies. Of Migraine sufferers in the study, only one in five Americans currently uses preventive therapies, however, millions could benefit from these treatments.
A Mother's Plea: The Dangers of Acetaminophen Overdose
A 17-year-old girl from Oklahoma turned to Tylenol for Migraine relief, accidentally took too much, and paid for that accident with her life. Since then, her mother has been working diligently to educate people that over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol can be every bit as dangerous as prescription medications. She also wants to encourage people to become organ donors.
A 17-year-old girl from Oklahoma turned to Tylenol for Migraine relief, accidentally took too much, and paid for that accident with her life. Since then, her mother has been working diligently to educate people that over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol can be every bit as dangerous as prescription medications. She also wants to encourage people to become organ donors.
Medications for Headache and Migraine Prevention
For those of us with frequent headaches or Migraine attacks, preventive medications are often a good option. There are over 100 medications that can be used and nearly endless combinations of them. The list is ever-evolving, and will this one will be updated regularly.
For those of us with frequent headaches or Migraine attacks, preventive medications are often a good option. There are over 100 medications that can be used and nearly endless combinations of them. The list is ever-evolving, and will this one will be updated regularly.
Safety of Celebrex and Naproxen Questioned
On December 17, 2004, an ongoing clinical trial investigating a new use of the Cox-2 inhibitor Celebrex (celecoxib) to prevent colon polyps, which was being conducted by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Pfizer, Inc., was discontinued because of an increased risk of cardiovascular events in patients taking Celebrex versus those taking a placebo.
On December 17, 2004, an ongoing clinical trial investigating a new use of the Cox-2 inhibitor Celebrex (celecoxib) to prevent colon polyps, which was being conducted by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Pfizer, Inc., was discontinued because of an increased risk of cardiovascular events in patients taking Celebrex versus those taking a placebo.
Is a Needle-Free Imitrex Injection Coming?
Many triptan users are already familiar with the Imitrex StatDose system, an auto-injector that utilizes a short, subcutaneous needle. It works more quickly than other forms of triptans, but some shy away from it because they don't like needles. Last week, Aradigm Corp. announced positive results from a pilot program using their needle-free Intraject® system to deliver sumatriptan injections.
Many triptan users are already familiar with the Imitrex StatDose system, an auto-injector that utilizes a short, subcutaneous needle. It works more quickly than other forms of triptans, but some shy away from it because they don't like needles. Last week, Aradigm Corp. announced positive results from a pilot program using their needle-free Intraject® system to deliver sumatriptan injections.
"Talk About Prescriptions" Month: Good Medicine!
Bravo to the National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE) for declaring October "Talk About Prescriptions" month! Their theme this year is, "Your Medicine Information: Read It and Heed It." Let's take this opportunity to discuss medications with our doctors, pharmacists, and others who need to know about them.
Bravo to the National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE) for declaring October "Talk About Prescriptions" month! Their theme this year is, "Your Medicine Information: Read It and Heed It." Let's take this opportunity to discuss medications with our doctors, pharmacists, and others who need to know about them.
Vioxx Pulled from Market by Merck
Not long ago, Vioxx (rofecoxib) was approved by the FDA for the acute relief of Migraine attacks. Now, Merck is withdrawing Vioxx from the market after the data safety monitoring board overseeing a long-term study of the drug recommended that the study be halted because of an increased risk of serious cardiovascular events, among study patients taking Vioxx compared to patients receiving placebo.
Not long ago, Vioxx (rofecoxib) was approved by the FDA for the acute relief of Migraine attacks. Now, Merck is withdrawing Vioxx from the market after the data safety monitoring board overseeing a long-term study of the drug recommended that the study be halted because of an increased risk of serious cardiovascular events, among study patients taking Vioxx compared to patients receiving placebo.
DEA and Pain Docs Release Collaborative FAQ
In the wake of news stories about prescription drug use and abuse and great concern among patients in pain, dozens of pain experts in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), recently released a FAQ document intended to provide answers to questions about treating pain while recognizing and addressing problems associated with diversion and abuse of prescription drugs.
In the wake of news stories about prescription drug use and abuse and great concern among patients in pain, dozens of pain experts in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), recently released a FAQ document intended to provide answers to questions about treating pain while recognizing and addressing problems associated with diversion and abuse of prescription drugs.
Remedy Find Medications Ratings
See how others have rated headache and Migraine medications and add your own ratings.
See how others have rated headache and Migraine medications and add your own ratings.
Saving On and With Over-the-Counter Medications
We all know the cost of prescription medications adds up quickly, but have you ever added up the cost of any over-the-counter meds you're using? They add up, too, but there are ways to keep those costs down. By shopping smarter for OTC's and checking to see if any of our prescription medications can be replaced by less expensive OTC meds, we may be able to lower our costs.
We all know the cost of prescription medications adds up quickly, but have you ever added up the cost of any over-the-counter meds you're using? They add up, too, but there are ways to keep those costs down. By shopping smarter for OTC's and checking to see if any of our prescription medications can be replaced by less expensive OTC meds, we may be able to lower our costs.
Topamax (topiramate) Approved for Migraine Prevention
Doctors have been prescribing Topamax (topiramate) off-label for Migraine prevention for several years. Now, following clinical trials, the FDA has approved Topamax for this use. Topamax is a neuronal stabilizing agent, also known as an antiseizure medication.
Doctors have been prescribing Topamax (topiramate) off-label for Migraine prevention for several years. Now, following clinical trials, the FDA has approved Topamax for this use. Topamax is a neuronal stabilizing agent, also known as an antiseizure medication.
Triptans Pose Less Risk Than OTC Meds for Some Patients
Since triptans (Imitrex/sumatriptan, Maxalt/rizatriptan, etc.) were introduced in 1992, some doctors have been reluctant to prescribe them because of concerns about cardiovascular safety. Some refused to prescribe them for patients beyond a certain age even if they had no history of or risk factors for coronary artery disease. A new report offers evidence of their safety for those patients.
Since triptans (Imitrex/sumatriptan, Maxalt/rizatriptan, etc.) were introduced in 1992, some doctors have been reluctant to prescribe them because of concerns about cardiovascular safety. Some refused to prescribe them for patients beyond a certain age even if they had no history of or risk factors for coronary artery disease. A new report offers evidence of their safety for those patients.
Triptans: Overview and Profiles
In 1992, the FDA approved the first of a class of medications that many Migraineurs call "miracle drugs." That drug was sumatriptan (Imitrex®, Imigran®), the first triptan. Here are both general information on triptans and detailed profiles of each.
In 1992, the FDA approved the first of a class of medications that many Migraineurs call "miracle drugs." That drug was sumatriptan (Imitrex®, Imigran®), the first triptan. Here are both general information on triptans and detailed profiles of each.
Arghhhhh! Rebound Headaches!
You have a headache. Taking medications is one of the logical things to do. There is something to consider before you take that medication though -- the dreaded rebound headaches. They're caused by taking medications too often. Sometimes just taking a drug for two or three consecutive days can cause rebound.
You have a headache. Taking medications is one of the logical things to do. There is something to consider before you take that medication though -- the dreaded rebound headaches. They're caused by taking medications too often. Sometimes just taking a drug for two or three consecutive days can cause rebound.
Before You Buy OTC Meds
There has been a proliferation of new over-the-counter headache and Migraine medications. On the shelves, you'll now find products including: Advil Migraine®, Excedrin Migraine®, Motrin Migraine, and Excedrin Tension Headache®. Before you buy over-the-counter (OTC) medications for headache and/or Migraine, there are vital concerns that should not be overlooked.
There has been a proliferation of new over-the-counter headache and Migraine medications. On the shelves, you'll now find products including: Advil Migraine®, Excedrin Migraine®, Motrin Migraine, and Excedrin Tension Headache®. Before you buy over-the-counter (OTC) medications for headache and/or Migraine, there are vital concerns that should not be overlooked.
Butalbital Meds Rebound: Breaking the Cycle
Dr. Elizabeth Loder and Dr. David Biondi, noted headache and Migraine specialists have outlined a safe, effective, and humane method for withdrawing butalbital-containing medications from patients in a rebound headache cycle from medication overuse.
Dr. Elizabeth Loder and Dr. David Biondi, noted headache and Migraine specialists have outlined a safe, effective, and humane method for withdrawing butalbital-containing medications from patients in a rebound headache cycle from medication overuse.
Botox for Head Pain, Largest Study Yet
The results of the largest study to date regarding Botox as a headache and Migraine preventive are out: Botulinum toxin type A, brand name Botox®, is an effective preventative therapy for headache and Migraine pain in chronic sufferers, according to the largest study performed to date, presented at the 45th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Headache Society.
The results of the largest study to date regarding Botox as a headache and Migraine preventive are out: Botulinum toxin type A, brand name Botox®, is an effective preventative therapy for headache and Migraine pain in chronic sufferers, according to the largest study performed to date, presented at the 45th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Headache Society.
Medications are Medications
Medications Are Medications: Consumers need to remember that OTC medications are still medications, with the same risks and concerns as prescription medications.
Medications Are Medications: Consumers need to remember that OTC medications are still medications, with the same risks and concerns as prescription medications.
Frova for Menstrually Associated Migraine
Two studies presented at the annual meeting of the American Headache Society showed that Frova (frovatriptan) is effective as a preventive medication for menstrually Associated Migraine. Frova does not seem to induce rebound headaches. It's efficacy is not affected by the use of oral contraceptives.
Two studies presented at the annual meeting of the American Headache Society showed that Frova (frovatriptan) is effective as a preventive medication for menstrually Associated Migraine. Frova does not seem to induce rebound headaches. It's efficacy is not affected by the use of oral contraceptives.
Teenager Dies from Acetaminophen Overdose
17-year-old Kellie Lynn McWilliams was suffering with a Migraine attack and turned to Tylenol for pain relief. In pain and tired and groggy, Kellie took approximately 20 of the 500 mg acetaminophen capsules. That translates to ingesting 10 grams of acetaminophen; tha maximum recommended within 24 hours is four grams. This led to her death. How can we take meds safely to prevent such tragedies?
17-year-old Kellie Lynn McWilliams was suffering with a Migraine attack and turned to Tylenol for pain relief. In pain and tired and groggy, Kellie took approximately 20 of the 500 mg acetaminophen capsules. That translates to ingesting 10 grams of acetaminophen; tha maximum recommended within 24 hours is four grams. This led to her death. How can we take meds safely to prevent such tragedies?
Neurontin: Good Medicine or Bad News?
There's been some controversy lately about Neurontin (gabapentin), a medication that is being prescribed off-label for prevention of cluster headaches and Migraine attacks. It's important to recognize what the controversy actually entails and be able to separate it from the positive clinical information about Neurontin.
There's been some controversy lately about Neurontin (gabapentin), a medication that is being prescribed off-label for prevention of cluster headaches and Migraine attacks. It's important to recognize what the controversy actually entails and be able to separate it from the positive clinical information about Neurontin.
Topamax for Prevention: Proper Dosage and Taper
Topamax (topiramate), a medication originally developed for seizure control, has been prescribed for several years now for prevention of cluster headaches and Migraine attacks. Here's important information about how to best use this medication.
Topamax (topiramate), a medication originally developed for seizure control, has been prescribed for several years now for prevention of cluster headaches and Migraine attacks. Here's important information about how to best use this medication.
Topamax: Take With Caution
Manufacturer Ortho-McNeil has issued a warning letter to health care professionals regarding newly discovered potential side effects of Topamax, myopia and glaucoma.
Manufacturer Ortho-McNeil has issued a warning letter to health care professionals regarding newly discovered potential side effects of Topamax, myopia and glaucoma.
Topamax Safety Alert: Decreased sweating and hyperthermia
A safety alert has been issued for Topamax (topiramate) concerning reports of oligohidrosis (decreased sweating) and hyperthermia. Potentially serious consequences may be prevented by promptly recognizing the symptoms and seeking immediate treatment. Patients should be monitored closely for evidence of decreased sweating and increased body temperature, especially in hot weather.
A safety alert has been issued for Topamax (topiramate) concerning reports of oligohidrosis (decreased sweating) and hyperthermia. Potentially serious consequences may be prevented by promptly recognizing the symptoms and seeking immediate treatment. Patients should be monitored closely for evidence of decreased sweating and increased body temperature, especially in hot weather.
Eletriptan: Switching Triptans for Greater Efficacy
If your triptans aren't working as well as they used to, you frequently need a second dose, or think you may be experiencing rebound headaches from some of the older triptans, you'll definitely want to continue reading about a study conducted with Relpax (eletriptan).
If your triptans aren't working as well as they used to, you frequently need a second dose, or think you may be experiencing rebound headaches from some of the older triptans, you'll definitely want to continue reading about a study conducted with Relpax (eletriptan).
Midrin or Imitrex? Should both be first-line migraine meds?
A study compared Midrin and Imitrex taken at first sign of attack. Which one worked better? Should they both be considered first-line drugs for treating migraine attacks?
A study compared Midrin and Imitrex taken at first sign of attack. Which one worked better? Should they both be considered first-line drugs for treating migraine attacks?
Zomig Now Approved In Nasal Spray Form
Migraineurs and cluster headache sufferers who rely on triptans for relief, now have three formulas of Zomig available as the FDA has approved AstraZeneca's new Zomig (zolmitriptan) Nasal Spray, available in 5.0, 2.5, 1.0, and 0.5 mg dosages, for Migraine with or without aura. Zomig Nasal Spray joins the other two Zomig formulas, regular tablets and Zomig-ZMT orally disintegrating tablets.
Migraineurs and cluster headache sufferers who rely on triptans for relief, now have three formulas of Zomig available as the FDA has approved AstraZeneca's new Zomig (zolmitriptan) Nasal Spray, available in 5.0, 2.5, 1.0, and 0.5 mg dosages, for Migraine with or without aura. Zomig Nasal Spray joins the other two Zomig formulas, regular tablets and Zomig-ZMT orally disintegrating tablets.
Sumatriptan (Imitrex) Safe During Pregnancy?
GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of sumatriptan (Imitrex, Imigran) set up a registry in 1996 to gather data regarding prenatal exposure to sumatriptan. After seven years of gathering data, a report was recently presented at the 11th Congress of the International Headache Society (IHS). Although not yet conclusive, the results are encouraging.
GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of sumatriptan (Imitrex, Imigran) set up a registry in 1996 to gather data regarding prenatal exposure to sumatriptan. After seven years of gathering data, a report was recently presented at the 11th Congress of the International Headache Society (IHS). Although not yet conclusive, the results are encouraging.
New Migraine Abortive for Adolescents
Adolescents in the UK, ages 12-17, who suffer from Migraine disease and Cluster headaches now have a new abortive tool in their arsenal as September 1 marked the launch of a new abortive medication. Imigran (sumatriptan) 10mg Nasal Spray has been licensed for use by adolescents, making it the first and only triptan class medication approved for patients in this age range.
Adolescents in the UK, ages 12-17, who suffer from Migraine disease and Cluster headaches now have a new abortive tool in their arsenal as September 1 marked the launch of a new abortive medication. Imigran (sumatriptan) 10mg Nasal Spray has been licensed for use by adolescents, making it the first and only triptan class medication approved for patients in this age range.
Caution: Herbals + Migraine/Cluster Meds Could = Danger
Findings presented at the American Headache Society annual meeting indicate that some herbal supplements can make Migraine medications ineffective or perhaps toxic.
Findings presented at the American Headache Society annual meeting indicate that some herbal supplements can make Migraine medications ineffective or perhaps toxic.
5-HTP: Check Before You Swallow
5-HTP is a potentially valuable dietary supplement that promotes the body's production of serotonin. It's important, however, to treat such supplements as you would any other drug.
5-HTP is a potentially valuable dietary supplement that promotes the body's production of serotonin. It's important, however, to treat such supplements as you would any other drug.
Coral Calcium Supreme Claims Challenged
The Federal Trade Commission has charged the marketers of a dietary supplement called Coral Calcium Supreme with making false and unsubstantiated claims about the product's health benefits.
The Federal Trade Commission has charged the marketers of a dietary supplement called Coral Calcium Supreme with making false and unsubstantiated claims about the product's health benefits.