Treximet A New Migraine Drug
On May 16th, Glaxo-Smith-Kline Pharmaceuticals, the makers of Imitrex, announced that they were releasing a new drug for the treatment of migraines. The new drug was to be called Treximet and according to the makers, was to be a vast improvement over Imitrex. Like Imitrex, it is made to be taken at the onset of a migraine, but is supposed to work faster and better to reduce migraine pain. GSK has spent several years and millions of dollars researching and “pre-marketing” Treximet in anticipation of FDA approval and product launch.
So what’s the deal? Is this really better than Imitrex alone? From a strict treatment point of view, yes, the medication probably is better than Imitrex alone for a migraine. The reason for this is twofold. First of all, several years ago, Dr. Silberstein of the Jefferson Headache Center was able to demonstrate through research, that Imitrex combined with naprosyn taken at the onset of a migraine was better in treating that migraine than either drug alone. Such a combination is deemed synergistic, meaning basically that two plus two equals ten. Naprosyn is the prescription form of Aleve which is sold over the counter and is an anti-inflammatory. Once this research was confirmed, GSK began to develop a combination drug.
The second reason this drug might be better is something called RT technology. GSK has developed this and uses it currently for its Imitrex tablets. Think of it as “burst” technology as the tablet does burst apart when it begins to dissolve. This may speed absorption, and speed is of the essence when treating a bad migraine.
All treatment benefits aside, is Treximet really a great deal? Well for some, maybe not. One of the reasons a combination drug is usually developed is because the patent on the original drug is about to expire. And sure enough, that is what is happening to Imitrex this year. Unfortunately, samples of Imitrex are rapidly disappearing from doctor’s offices. For those who have prescription coverage, the best answer is to ask for a prescription for naprosyn and take both pills at the onset of a migraine. Failing that you could just take two Aleve tablets with your Imitrex.
For those with no prescription coverage, hang in there! Two pharmaceutical companies who make generic drugs have announced that they will be manufacturing sumatriptan (generic Imitrex) by the end of 2008. Once that is available, it will open up the availability of the drug for millions of migraineurs who previously could not afford the drug. Even with no prescription coverage, the generic may be cheap enough to afford by paying cash. The downside to generics is, different fillers which are cheaper are used in manufacture. GSK still holds the patent on RT technology so it most probably will not be available in the generic sumatriptan.
As will all medications in the class of triptans, you cannot take these medications if you are pregnant, have uncontrolled hypertension or heart problems such as coronary artery disease. Check with your provider to be sure before taking any new medication and remember, treat early and treat fast to get rid of migraines.
Mary K. Betz MS RPA-C is a practicing Physician Assistant in neurology and specializes in headaches. For more information on headache treatment visit Headache-adviser.com
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Stretching Techniques
It has been proven that stretching help increase flexibility of the body and performance of the muscles and decreases the risk of muscle injuries. Traditionally stretching was done during cool down; after a workout but it is now recommended that one should even do stretching as an activity in itself apart from cardio or strength training. It should take not more than 10 minutes to complete a full body stretch. Stretching is known to enhance the range of motion of the body parts. People who stretch more are known to have a high degree of flexibility. Some of the benefits of stretching are as given below:
• Increase in the range of motion of the body parts
• Increased physical fitness
• Reduced risk of injuries during work out
• Decreased muscular soreness and muscular tension
A few stretching techniques are listed below:
Forward /Backward bending: Stand upright with both legs together. Raise both your hands above your head. Slowly bend downwards to touch your feet with your fingertips. Hold this position for a few seconds and slowly go back to the starting position. Repeat 3-4 times. This increases the flexibility of the body.
Side bending: Stand with legs apart and arms stretched wide apart and palm facing downwards. Bend towards one side with the hand on that side touching the foot on the same side and the hand on the opposite side curled over your head and pointing in the same direction as the other hand. Feel the stretch on the waist and hold the position for a few seconds. Repeat for other side. Repeat 8-10 times. This also increases the flexibility of the body.
Cobra pose: Lie flat on your stomach with hands beside your chest, legs straight. Slowly raise the upper part of your body with your face towards ceiling. Try to maintain an angle of 70 degrees between the ground and the upper part of the body. Hold this position for a few seconds. Feel the stretch at your abdomen and the lower back. Concentrate on your breathing. Draw your breath in as you stretch and exhale as you come down. Slowly go back to the starting position. Repeat 3-4 times. After a few days, try to hold the stretch for as longer times. This is a yoga pose and is known to relieve back pain and work on the tummy.
Calf stretch: Stand on a step on the front half part of your feet. Raise yourself and try to shift the weight completely on the toes. Feel the stretch on the calves. Slowly lower yourself and go slightly below the starting position and again feel the stretch on the calves. Return back to normal position. Repeat 3-4 times. This strengthens the calves.
Apart from the above there are various other techniques for various parts of the body. One is free to select the exercises one feels comfortable with. A judicious mix of these would make the body more flexible and boost the immunity against dieseases and ailments.
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