Cambia
Generic Name:
Diclofenac potassium
Brand Names:
Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren, Voltaren-XR, Zipsor
Cambia Description:
Cambia is a prescription medication marketed by Kowa Pharmaceuticals that belongs to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory class of drugs. Cambia is primarily prescribed for the treatment of migraine attacks, though it cannot prevent or lessen the frequency of migraines. It is not indicated to treat any other types of headaches.
Cambia Uses:
Cambia is an anti-inflammatory drug prescribed for the treatment of migraine attacks that have already begun. Cambia cannot prevent future migraine attacks from occurring, and it does not reduce the frequency of attacks. The drug can only relieve pain once a migraine attack has already begun.
Migraine headaches are a form of vascular headache caused by the enlargement of blood vessels and a release of chemicals into the bloodstream. Migraines are usually accompanied by nausea and a deep throbbing and pulsating pain that can last anywhere from 4 to 24 hours.
Cambia is not recommended for those who suffer from cluster headaches, which tend to be shorter and more intense than migraines, triggering watery eyes and a runny nose.
In addition to relieving migraine pain, Cambia may also be an effective treatment for photophobia (sensitivity to light), phonophobia (sensitivity to sound), and nausea for migraine patients.
Cambia Interactions:
Many drugs can interact with Cambia treatment, especially anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and ACE inhibitors.
Avoid using the following anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs while taking Cambia, due to an increased risk of gastrointestinal problems:
- Aspirin (Bayer and generics)
- Cilostazol (Pletal)
- Clopidogrel (Plavix)
- Dipyridamole (Persantine)
- Eptifibatide (Integrilin)
- Heparin or heparin-like products, including dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), or tinzaparin (Innohep)
- Other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Celecoxib (Celebrex)
- Diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren)
- Etodolac (Lodine)
- Ibuprofen
- Warfarin (Coumadin)
- Jantoven
Avoid using the following ACE inhibitor drugs while taking Cambia because of an increased risk of an additive toxicity effect:
- Ramipril
- Quinapril
- Lisinopril
- Fosinopril
- Enalapril
Avoid using the following diuretic drugs while taking Cambia because of an increased risk of adverse reactions:
- Torsemide
- Metolazone
- Hydrochlorothiazide
- Ethacrynic acid
- Chlorethiazide
- Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune)
- Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
- Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
Cambia Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendation:
Cambia comes in a packet containing 50 mg of the medication in a powdered form. The packet is mixed with 1 to 2 ounces of water and taken on an empty stomach.
Missing a Dose:
Cambia is generally taken on an as-needed basis, so missing a dose is unlikely. Never take two doses of the medication at one time.
Overdosing:
Overdosing on Cambia can be dangerous, and serious side effects are possible. Signs of an overdose include:
- Lethargy
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach bleeding
- High blood pressure
- Coma
Cambia FDA Approval:
June 17, 2009
Cambia Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Cambia carries the following Black Box warnings:
Cardiovascular Risk
Cambia use may increase the risk of serious and potentially fatal cardiovascular thrombotic events, heart attack, and stroke. Likewise, these risks may increase with the durational use of Cambia. Cambia may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and the risk factors involved with the disease.
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft
Cambia usage should be avoided for patients undergoing a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), a type of heart surgery.
Gastrointestinal Risk
Cambia may increase the risk of serious gastrointestinal effects including bleeding, ulceration, and stomach or intestine perforation, all of which can be fatal. Elderly patients are at a greater risk for serious gastrointestinal events.
Other Warnings
Pregnancy Warning
If taken during pregnancy, Cambia can cause harm to a fetus, including miscarriage, birth defects, poor kidney function, congenital heart defects, and pulmonary hypertension. Women who are pregnant should avoid using Cambia.
-
September 7, 2010, 9:59 am
-
September 2, 2010, 12:51 pm
-
September 1, 2010, 3:16 pm
-
August 31, 2010, 2:01 pm
