Treximet Approved for Migraines

FRIDAY, April 18 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Pozen Inc.'s Treximet to treat migraines, the agency said Friday on its Web site.

The drug combines GlaxoSmithKline's Imitrex with the anti-inflammatory naproxen. Pozen had sought approval since 2005, and twice was asked by the FDA to provide more data, the Associated Press reported.

There are nearly 30 million migraine sufferers in the United States, CNBC reported, costing some $15 billion annually in lost worker productivity. The network cited a migraine expert who said for many users, the combination drug would prove more effective than taking either medication alone.

The combination drug will include warning labels that it could increase users' risks of stroke, stomach bleeding, ulcers and heart problems, the AP said.

More information

The FDA has more information about the drug's history.