Dosage for Cambia: What You Need to Know

Introduction

If you have migraine, your doctor might suggest Cambia as a treatment option. It’s a prescription drug used in adults to treat migraine with and without aura.

It’s important to note that Cambia is only used to treat a migraine episode that’s already happening. It should not be used to prevent migraine headaches. And it’s unknown whether Cambia is safe to take for a cluster headache.

The active ingredient in Cambia is diclofenac potassium. (The active ingredient is what makes the drug work.) It belongs to a group of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Cambia comes as a powder in a packet. You’ll dissolve the powder in water and take it by mouth.

This article describes the dosage of Cambia, as well as its strength and how to take it. To learn more about Cambia, see this in-depth article.

Note: This chart highlights the basics of Cambia’s dosage. Be sure to read on for more detail. And please keep in mind that this article covers Cambia’s standard dosage schedule, which is provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But always follow the dosing instructions given to you by your doctor.

What is Cambia’s dosage?

Before starting treatment with Cambia, talk with your doctor about any medical conditions you have and other medications you take. They can help determine the best dosage of Cambia for you.

What is Cambia’s form?

Cambia comes as a powder in a packet. The powder is mixed into water and taken as a liquid solution you swallow.

What strength does Cambia come in?

Cambia only comes in one strength of 50 milligrams (mg) per packet.

What is the usual dosage of Cambia?

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. Your doctor will start you on the recommended dosage of Cambia. Be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

The usual dosage for a migraine episode that’s already occurring is 50 mg. This is also the maximum daily dose of Cambia. Although you may be able to repeat some other migraine treatments, there’s no recommended repeat dose of this drug.

You should not use this medication to treat a cluster headache since it’s not known if the drug may be safe or effective for this use.

You should also not use Cambia to prevent migraine episodes. This is not a drug you take a dose of once per day. It should only be used as needed to treat a migraine episode that’s already happening.

You should try not to take Cambia 10 or more days per month. Doing so may cause medication overuse headaches, which may be more frequent or more severe than your original migraine headaches. If you develop medication overuse headaches, your doctor will likely pause your treatment with Cambia until your symptoms go away.

If you have questions about the dosage or dosage frequency of Cambia, talk with your doctor.

Is Cambia used long term?

Yes, Cambia can be used as a long-term treatment. But remember that this medication should only be used as needed for already-occurring migraine episodes. If you and your doctor determine that Cambia is safe and effective for treating this condition, you’ll likely use it long term.

How is Cambia taken?

Cambia comes as a powder in a packet. Each packet contains 50 milligrams (mg) of the drug. To take your dose, empty the packet into a cup with 1 to 2 ounces* of water. Then mix the powder into the water to create a liquid solution. Drink this as soon as you mix it. (Do not mix other liquids with Cambia. You should only mix it with water.)

Cambia may work better if you take it on an empty stomach.

For information on Cambia expiration, storage, and disposal, see this article.

* This is equal to 2 to 4 tablespoons or 30 to 60 milliliters (mL).

Accessible drug containers and labels

If you find it hard to read the prescription label on your medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies may provide medication labels that:

• have large print or use braille
• feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio

Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.

What should be done in case of overdose?

Do not use more Cambia than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to serious side effects.

Symptoms of overdose

Symptoms caused by an overdose of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as Cambia can include:

• sleepiness
• nausea
• vomiting
• belly pain
• high blood pressure
• difficulty breathing
• kidney problems
• stomach or intestinal bleeding
• coma

What to do in case you take too much Cambia

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Cambia. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

What should I ask my doctor?

The sections above describe the usual dosage provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Cambia for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.

Remember, you should not change your dosage of Cambia without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Cambia exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage. Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask them:

• Will my other medications affect my dose of Cambia?
• If I’m also taking a migraine prevention medication, will my dose of Cambia be different?
• If I have side effects from Cambia, can my dosage be decreased?
• Will other medical conditions I have affect my dosage of Cambia?

For helpful information about migraine treatments and advice on managing symptoms of your condition, sign up for Healthline’s online newsletter. And if you’re looking to connect with others who live with migraine, check out the Bezzy Migraine community.

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.