Question:
Will I be able to take NSAIDS by suppository?

I am preop and mourning the loss of Advil and Aleve in advance. I have some joint pain that I hope will improve with weight loss, but I suffer badly from migraines and the thought of being without NSAIDS is frightening. I am allergic to Celebrex, and I don't react well to Imitrex. I don't want to have to take narcotics every time I have a headache (which can be almost daily at times). I had headaches quite a bit as a teenager at normal weight, so I am not counting on the weight loss to change the headaches. It occurred to me that I might be able to get ibuprofen or aleve by suppository, from a compounding pharmacy if it's not made commercially. Does anyone have any info about this? A web search seemed to indicate that Indocin was the only NSAID available by suppository, and that drug didn't seem to be for casual use. Toradol by injection works, but I can't use it with the frequency (or convenience) I'd like. Thanks in advance.    — Catherine H. (posted on January 9, 2003)

January 9, 2003
I used to have daily headaches also. Talk to your doctor about Neurontin. It has few side effects, doesn't interact with hardly anything, and it's been a miracle for me. I'm a month post-op, and I don't have to worry about my constant headaches anymore! This is an off-label use for this drug, but the list that I subscribe to has MANY people that take it for pain related ailments. Anyway, just thought I'd pass that along. Take care, Diana
   — Diana L.

January 9, 2003
There is a hair of a chance you will lose the headaches with wt loss. You're not a teen any more, so there is more balance in your hormones & diet now. There is a sliver of hope. I was given Ketoprofen (same family) by CREAM (special compounded rx) for my wrist. And it still came with the stomach warning! I asked if it was in error & they said, no, because it is systemic (gets into the blood) and alters things. So, it's wise of you to ask. The pharmacist should have the answer. Ask if an ulcer victim can take it that way.
   — vitalady

January 10, 2003
This is the original poster again - I called a compounding pahrmacy and the pharmacist said that ibuprofen or naproxen suppositories would be no problem, they have done them in the past. I didn't have time for her to look up the cost, but she guessed at about $35 for 30 suppositories, which I can live with. They would require a prescription. Hope this helps someone!
   — Catherine H.