Cambia

The active ingredient in Cambia is diclofenac potassium, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It functions by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which are involved in the production of prostaglandins. By reducing prostaglandin synthesis, NSAIDs help relieve pain, fever, and inflammation.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-approved product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Cambia. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Cambia:

• To relieve your migraine headache, take one dose of Cambia.
• Remove and open one single-dose packet when you're ready to use it.
• Pour the contents of the packet into 1 to 2 ounces (30 to 60 mL) of water, or 2 to 4 tablespoons. Avoid using any other type of liquid.
• Mix thoroughly, then consume the powder and water mixture.
• The effectiveness of Cambia may be reduced if taken with food.

The most common side effects of Cambia include:

• Headaches.
• Dizziness.
• Gas.
• Flu-like symptoms.
• Constipation.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Cambia. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Dizziness, fatigue, cold sweats, difficulty breathing, tightness or pain in the chest, and anxiety are all signs of a heart attack.
• Stroke symptoms include fatigue, impaired vision, slurred speech, trouble walking, and weakness on one side of the body.
• Blood in your vomit, black coffee-ground-looking stool, and persistent stomach pain are all signs of stomach bleeding.
• Breathing difficulties, fatigue, body edema, and abrupt weight gain are signs of heart failure.
• Fever, chills, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, clay-colored feces, and dark urine are all signs of liver impairment.
• High potassium and kidney damage can cause tingling in your muscles, nausea, and changes in the amount of urine you produce.
• Chest pain, coughing, wheezing, and trouble breathing are symptoms of an asthma attack.
• Fever, skin rash, bodily aches, coughing, facial swelling, skin peeling, and excruciating blisters all over the body are symptoms of an allergic reaction or skin reaction.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Cambia. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Cambia, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• High blood pressure and heart disease.
• Bleeding or ulcers in the stomach.
• Asthma.
• Kidney problems or liver problems.
• If you smoke.

Boxed Warning

Cardiovascular risk: Myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and major cardiovascular thrombotic events can all be made more likely by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs).

NSAIDs are contraindicated for perioperative pain in the context of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery; using COX-2 selective NSAIDs for pain management during the first 10–14 days after CABG surgery increased the incidence of MI and stroke.

NSAIDs may raise the risk of severe gastrointestinal side effects, such as bleeding, ulceration, and potentially deadly gastric or intestinal perforation. Serious GI events are more likely to occur in patients who have previously experienced peptic ulcer disease and/or GI hemorrhage.

• History of allergic reactions, such as hives or asthma, following aspirin or another NSAID use.
• Diclofenac potassium use 10–14 days following open heart surgery.

Cambia typically works quickly. For some patients, it can be as little as fifteen minutes.

When Cambia is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Heart or blood pressure medication, including a diuretic or "water pill".
• Other forms of diclofenac (Arthrotec, Flector, Pennsaid, Solaraze, Voltaren Gel).
• A blood thinner - warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.
• Other NSAIDs - aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), indomethacin, meloxicam, and others.

Because different forms of diclofenac are absorbed by your body differently, they cannot be used interchangeably. If you would like to switch between other forms of diclofenac, talk to your doctor. Additionally, if you have liver issues, your dosage may be reduced.

Solution of diclofenac potassium powder (Cambia)

When you experience a migraine attack, you should take one packet (50 mg total) orally as a one-time dose, which is the lowest dose. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons (30 mL to 60 mL) of water to the package, then immediately drink the entire mixture.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Kowa Pharmaceuticals is the company that manufactures Cambia.

There are several lower-cost generic versions available of Cambia.

Do not stop taking the medication without speaking to your healthcare provider first.

Cambia should not be taken while pregnant unless prescribed by a physician. NSAID use in the latter 20 weeks of pregnancy may result in pregnancy troubles and major heart or kidney issues for the fetus.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.