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The effectiveness and side effects of migraine patches

Comparing a headache and a migraine is akin to comparing a normal storm and a hurricane. Migraines are different than headaches and are more prolonged, sometimes causing acute pain and discomfort that hinders one’s quality of life completely.

Thankfully though, the advent of a migraine patch in 2013 can help such individuals gain more control of their migraines and work at reducing the intensity of the attacks. However, are these patches really worth the pain and trouble? And are they truly effective in controlling migraines? Let’s take a closer look.

What is a Migraine Patch? How does it work?

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The FDA approved a medication called sumatriptan for migraines back in 2013. However, instead of taking the drug orally, individuals had to wear a transdermal patch which would administer the drug via the skin over a course of four hours.

Called Zecuity, the patch can be wrapped around one’s thighs or arms. It is powered by battery and makes use of an electric current to move the ionized drug particles in the right dosage via the skin. It does this while also monitoring any resistance the skin may have to the transfer of the drug during the four hours in which it is administered via the skin.

Benefits of Zecuity Migraine Patch

Zecuity Migraine Patch (2)

The Zecuity migraine patch offers a much needed alternative to those who suffer from debilitating pain and discomfort caused by frequent migraines. In most cases, migraines can be treated with pills, nasal sprays and injections. Zecuity is a favourable alternative to those who find it hard to swallow a pill during a migraine attack, don’t like the taste of the nasal spray or are apprehensive about injecting themselves for the same purpose.

Side Effects Noted with Zecuity Migraine Patch

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However, of late, a number of complaints have risen about the possible effects of the Zecuity migraine patch. Some of the most noted complaints and side effects are given below.

Large Size: The size of the Zecuity migraine patch is large enough to show out from underneath shorts or short sleeved shirts. This may not be appealing to those who don’t like to rush into a room whenever they need to remove or replace the patch. It may also not be preferable for those who consider taking a pill for the migraine more immediate.

Skin related side effects: Complaints of the battery powered patch causing redness in the skin have been on the rise ever since Zecuity hit the markets. Customers have also reported other common side effects like a tingling or warm sensation, itchiness and discoloration of the skin at the application site.

However, the more alarming side effects caused by Zecuity include an acute burning sensation on the skin at the application site. There have also been instances where the patch has caused burns on the skin so severe that they caused permanent scars. Allergic side reactions leading to the appearance of severe blisters at the application site has also been noted with the patch.

Latest Update about Zecuity

Zecuity Migraine Patch (1)

Following the rising complaints about the use of the Zecuity migraine patch, Teva Pharmaceuticals has chosen to temporarily suspend the sales and distribution of the migraine patch.

The company has also sent out a request to medical professionals to stop prescribing the patch to patients and prescribe alternative drugs for migraines until the issues related to the patch have been sorted out. It has also requested patients currently using Zecuity to stop using the same with immediate effect.

FDA Recommendations about Zecuity

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The FDA has recommended individuals suffering from migraines to use the Zecuity migraine patch with caution. It has intimated users to remove the patch immediately if they were to experience a pain or burning sensation at the application site. In addition to this, it has also issued a warning to never shower, bathe or swim with the patch on the arms or thighs.

Migraines can be controlled effectively with the help of a migraine patch called Zecuity. However, pending the rising complaints of side effects of the patch, the makers have suspended its sales and distribution on a temporary basis to investigate the issues.

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