Ask the expert

Q MY DOCTOR SAYS I SHOULDN’T REGULARLY TAKE THE DRUGS I USE FOR MIGRAINES. WHY NOT?

ADiclofenac is one of the group of painkillers called ‘non-steroidal anti-inflammatories’ (NSAIDs) that also includes ibuprofen and naproxen. As well as pain, it reduces swelling, inflammation and stiffness. NSAIDs have been used for many years, as they are very effective, although we already knew of the risk of gastrointestinal bleeds and kidney damage.

However, more recent research has shown that people who take NSAIDs, especially diclofenac, may have a higher risk