What are Nurofen Max Strength Migraine Caplets

Nurofen Max Strength Migraine Pain caplets provide pain relief from migraine and headaches. They contain ibuprofen that eases pain, swelling and high temperature. Managing symptoms of migraine can be difficult and severe migraines can be debilitative, but Nurofen Max Strength caplets help to ease your pain fast, so you can get on with your day.

What is a migraine?

A migraine is a headache that causes moderate to severe symptoms and is usually felt as a throbbing pain on 1 side of the head. Migraines are a common health problem affecting around 1 in every 5 women and 1 in every 15 men. They usually start in early adulthood. There are several types of migraine including:

• Migraine with aura- where there are specific warning signs just before the migraine begins, such as seeing flashing lights
• Migraine without aura- which is the most common type, where the migraine happens without the specific warning signs
• Migraine aura without headache (silent migraine)- Where an aura or other migraine symptoms are experienced without a headache

Symptoms of migraine

The main symptom of a migraine is a painful headache on 1 side of the head. It usually causes a throbbing sensation that becomes worse when you move and prevents you from carrying out normal activities. Other symptoms that can be caused by a migraine can include:

• Feeling sick
• Being sick
• Increased sensitivity to light and sound
• Sweating
• Poor concentration
• Feeling very hot or very cold
• Pain in the tummy
• Diarrhoea

Migraine symptoms can last between 4 hours and 3 days, but you may still feel tired for up to a week afterwards.

Symptoms of aura

Around 1 in 3 people who experience migraines have temporary warning symptoms, known as aura before the migraine starts. These include:

• Visual problems- seeing flashing lights, zig-zag patterns or blind spots
• Numbness or a tingling sensation (like pins and needles) which typically starts in 1 hand before moving up your arm and affecting your face, lips and tongue
• Feeling dizzy or off-balance
• Difficulty speaking
• Loss of consciousness- in rare cases

Aura symptoms usually develop over a period of around 5 minutes and can last for up to an hour. Some people may experience aura followed by only a mild headache or no headache at all.

Causes

It is not known what exactly causes a migraine, but they’re thought to be the result of abnormal brain activity that temporarily affect nerve signals, chemicals and blood vessels in the brain. Although it’s is still unknown what causes this change in brain activity, it is possible that your genes can make you more likely to experience migraines as a result of a specific trigger. Migraine triggers include:

Hormonal Changes

• Some women experience migraines between 2 days before the start of their period, up to 3 days after
• Some women only experience migraines around this time, which is known as pure menstrual migraine
• Many women find their migraines improve after the menopause, although the menopause can also trigger migraines or make them worse in some women

Emotional Triggers

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Tension
• Shock
• Depression
• Excitement

Physical triggers

• Tiredness
• Poor-quality sleep
• Shift work
• Poor posture
• Neck or shoulder tension
• Jet lag
• Low blood sugar
• Strenuous exercise

Dietary triggers

• Missed, delayed or irregular meals
• Dehydration
• Alcohol
• Caffeine products, such as tea and coffee
• Specific foods, such as chocolate and citrus fruit
• Foods containing the substance tyramine, such as cured meats, yeast extracts, smoked fish and certain cheeses. 

Environmental triggers

• Bright lights
• Flickering screens, such as a television or computer screen
• Smoking
• Loud noises
• Changes in climate
• Strong smells
• A stuffy atmosphere

Medicines

• Some types of sleeping tablets
• The combined contraceptive pill
• Hormone replacement therapy

When should you see a doctor?

You should seek medical advice from your GP if you have severe migraine symptoms or if you have frequent migraines (more than five days a month), as you may benefit from preventative treatment.

You should call 999 immediately if the following are experienced:

• Paralysis or weakness in 1 or both arms or 1 side of the face
• Slurred or garbled speech
• A sudden agonising headache resulting in a severe pain unlike anything that you’ve experienced before
• Headache, along with a high temperature (fever), stiff neck, mental confusion, seizures, double vision and a rash.

These symptoms may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as stroke or meningitis.

How will Nurofen Migraine help to ease pain?

The active ingredient in Nurofen is ibuprofen. It belongs to a group of medicines known as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Ibuprofen provides relief by reducing hormones that cause pain and swelling in the body and usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes to work if you take it orally.

Can I take Nurofen with other medication?

To reduce the risk of side effects, do NOT take this product with other NSAID containing products (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen). Nurofen may affect or be affected by some other medicines. Avoid using Nurofen if you are taking:

• Anti-coagulants
• Medicines that stimulate your heart
• Medicines that reduce high blood pressure
• Diuretics
• Medicines that temporarily suppress the immune system
• Treatment for mania or depression
• Medicine used for pregnancy termination
• Treatment for HIV

Always check the label BEFORE using any medicinal product, to ensure that it is suitable for you.

When to NOT take Nurofen Max Strength

Do NOT use this Nurofen product if you:

• Are allergic to ibuprofen or any of the other ingredients (see ingredients tab for full list)
• Are allergic to aspirin or other painkillers
• Have (or have had two or more episodes of) a stomach ulcer, perforation or bleeding
• Have had a worsening of asthma, skin rash, itchy runny nose or facial swelling when previously taking ibuprofen, aspirin or similar medicines
• Have had gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation when previously taking NSAIDs
• Are taking other NSAID painkillers or more than 75 mg aspirin a day
• Have severe liver or kidney problems
• Have heart problems, high blood pressure or blood coagulation disorder
• Have breathing difficulties
• Are in the last 3 months of pregnancy
• Are under 12 years of age

Check with your doctor or a pharmacist BEFORE taking this product if you:

• Have or have had asthma
• Have kidney, heart, liver or bowel problems
• Have high cholesterol or previously have had a heart attack/stroke
• Have a history of gastrointestinal disease (e.g. ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease).
• Have Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (a condition of the immune system that causes joint pain, skin changes and other organ disorders)
• Are a smoker
• Are in the first 6 months of pregnancy

How to take Nurofen Max Strength

This product is for short term use only and you should take the lowest dose for the shortest time necessary to relieve your symptoms.

Take 1 caplet with water, up to three times a day as required. Leave at least four hours between doses. Do NOT take more than 3 caplets in 24 hours.

Do NOT take for longer than 10 days unless advised to do so by a medical professional if you are over the age of 18. For children and adolescents between 12 and 18 years, medical advice if this product is required for more than 3 days or if symptoms worsen.

Side Effects

Like all medicines, Nurofen can cause side effects, although not everybody will experience them. If you experience any of the following, discontinue use and seek immediate medical help:

Signs of intestinal bleeding

• Bright red faeces
• Black tar-like stools
• Vomiting blood
• Vomiting dark particles that look like coffee grounds

Signs of a serious allergic reaction

• Difficulties in breathing or unexplained wheezing
• Dizziness or faster heartbeat
• Severe forms of skin reactions such as redness, skin rash, itchiness, peeling, flaking or blistering

Signs of kidney problems

• Passing less or more urine
• Cloudy urine or blood in the urine
• Pain in the back and/or swelling (particularly in the legs)

Signs of aseptic meningitis

• Neck stiffness
• Headache
• Feeling sick
• Being sick
• Fever
• Disorientation

See patient information leaflet for a full list of possible side effects.

Important Information

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.

Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.

Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.

Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.

Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction

For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.

If you are concerned about addiction to 'over the counter' medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:

• NHS Help & Advice on Drug Addiction
• Talk To Frank - Drug Addiction Help & Support