Cambia (diclofenac) is a prescription anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which is approved by the FDA for the treatment of migraine headaches. It is sold as a licorice-tasting powder that has to be dissolved in water before being ingested. This drug belongs to the same family as Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), and prescription drugs, such as Relafen (nabumetone), Celebrex (celecoxib), and other. One of the drugs in this category, Viox (rofecoxib) was taken off the market because it increased the risk of heart attacks and strokes. A recent study published in an online medical journal, PLOS Medicine and translated into lay language in an NPR article indicates that diclofenac is as dangerous as Vioxx in causing heart attacks and strokes. The study also indicates that diclofenac unfortunately is one of the most popular NSAIDs in the world. It is probably safe to take Cambia a few times a month to treat migraine headaches, however, it should be avoided by people with other risk factors for heart disease and strokes. These risk factors include migraine with aura, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, oral contraceptives, family history of heart disease, and other. Aspirin (in Migralex and other products), on the other hand, is the only NSAID that has been shown to prevent strokes, heart attacks, and several forms of cancer.
