What you need to know about the Excedrin Migraine Production Halt

Migraine sufferers may have to find an alternative over-the-counter treatment for Excedrin Migraine because it has been discontinued until further notice. Both caplet and gel tablets of Excedrin Extra Strength and Excedrin Migraine will be temporarily unavailable as the company, GlaxoSmithKline, works to resolve an inconsistency in how the ingredients are weighed. The manufacturer stated that this production halt is a precautionary measure and there are no risks associated with the products.

According to the Migraine Research Foundation, migraines impact an estimated one in four households in the U.S. with about 90 percent of migraine sufferers having a family history of migraines. What does this temporary pause in production mean for those people? While Excedrin Migraine is the most frequently used over-the-counter drug for migraines, try looking for substitute medications with the same formula as Excedrin Migraine (250 mg acetaminophen, 250 mg of aspirin and 65 mg of caffeine.) Excedrin Tension Headache and Excedrin PM Headache have not been affected by the production halt and are both still available. You should consult with your pharmacist to find temporary alternatives.

One thing migraine sufferers should watch out for when using Excedrin Migraine or a combination of its alternatives is “Medication Overuse Headaches.” The excessive use of caffeine, acetaminophen and aspirin to treat migraines more than twice a week for 3 or more consecutive months can create a dependence on the medication, rendering it less effective and triggering more frequent attacks. If you experience migraines regularly and rely on Excedrin Migraine for relief, talk with your doctor about other potential preventative options.