June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month. The numbers say it all:
Migraine impacts one billion people and is the second leading cause of disability.
Migraine impacts over 37 million people in the U.S.
One in four households in America has a member with migraine.
Migraine is three times more common in women than men.
Migraine affects over 30% of women over a lifetime.
The World Health Organization (WHO) places migraine as one of the ten most disabling medical illnesses on Earth.
Migraine costs more than $20 million each year in the U.S. due to direct medical expenses and lost productivity.
Patients who struggle with migraine or headaches can find several treatment
options at Norland Avenue Pharmacy.
Over-the-Counter Solutions
Quality Choice Headache Relief Extra Strength (72¢/day): This store brand
product is comparable to Excedrin Migraine. It includes Acetamiophen, Aspirin,
and Caffeine. Adults can take two tablets with a full glass of water every six hours as needed.
Akeso MigreLief (97¢/day): This product features a triple action nutritional response to support those with migraine. Puracol® Feverfew is a proprietary combination that supports proper cerebrovascular tone and function, and platelet aggregation that can otherwise lead to vasospasms (the contraction and dilation of blood vessels in the brain). Riboflavin (vitamin-B2) is an important neuro-protective mitochondrial nutrient that mitigates oxidative stress and neuro-inflammation, as well as elevates mitochondrial function in the brain. The third ingredient, Magnesium, provides numerous effects that support cerebrovascular tone and is
critical in controlling vasospasms.
LifeSeasons Migra-T ($1.09/day): This product is formulated with all-natural ingredients to help ease tension and soothe your body’s neurological response to light and sound. Ingredients include Feverfew, Ginger, White Willow, Magnesium, and CoQ10. Ginger helps support healthy blood flow to the head and calms the nervous system. White Willow contains salicin and flavonoids that have been shown to ease discomfort. And CoQ10 energizes the cells and counteracts muscle discomfort.
MigraSoothe Roll-On ($10.35/3mL): This is a fast-acting blend of natural Peppermint and Lavender essential oils that provides a cooling, calming, and soothing sensation when you need it most.
Compounded Solution
Piroxicam Troches ($2-3 each): Piroxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain or inflammation. A troche is a small medicated lozenge designed to dissolve in your mouth. Therefore, a Piroxicam troche can provide rapid symptom relief due to the fast acting absorption while at the same time
protecting your liver and gallbladder from damage.
A study of 40 patients was completed comparing a 40mg Piroxicam troche to a placebo for the treatment of migraine without aura. The medication was taken within two hours of the beginning of a migraine attack. In the group of patients treated with the Piroxicam troches, a significant reduction of pain intensity was observed after only 15 minutes. After an hour, headache had disappeared in 15 patients, became mild in four, and remained unchanged in only one subject. No side-effects were reported.
As always, compounded medications require a prescription. If you would like a handout to take to your practitioner regarding Piroxicam troches, please stop by the pharmacy and ask. We would be happy to provide you with one.
If you have questions about any of these solutions or about other migraine or headache medications, please don’t hesitate to stop by or call. Our pharmacists would be happy to answer whatever questions you may have.
*These statements are culmination of the knowledge and experience of the team at Norland Pharmacy. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare provider with questions concerning any medical condition or treatment. Compounded medications are not reviewed by the FDA for safety or efficacy. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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