Mefenamic acid - AIBU not to take it?

[GlasgowGal82]

I've been struggling with heavy, painful periods recently and have recently been prescribed Mefenamic Acid as a painkiller by my GP, although he didn't really tell me anything about it. I was speaking to someone about this who said it can be worse than naproxen in terms of the impact it has on your digestive system, but with naproxen you are normally prescribed something to protect your stomach. I've read the side effects sheet that came with the packet and it seems pretty dramatic, although I am aware that not everyone taking this drug will experience all those issues. My period has started overnight and I have pain radiating around my torso and down my legs. I already have nausea and an upset stomach from the period pain so could do without more digestive issues. I've never taken anything stronger than ibuprofen in my life, so am possibly overthinking this. I am hoping that there are women here that can share their experiences of taking Mefenamic Acid and help my decide whether I am being unreasonable in avoiding using it!

You are being unreasonable - take the drug that's been prescribed
You are not being unreasonable - the potential side effects aren't worth it

Mefenamic acid was a total game changer for me as a teen and no side effects at all. Tranexamic acid on the other hand which is often recommended is completely intolerable for me, gastric side effects were horrific. So I think you have to just try it and see how it goes. Both of them are helpful for millions of women, as with everything some people will get side effects.

You've got it spot on. I initially spoke to my GP last year and said my periods had become intolerable (advice for anyone else reading is don't wait until it gets that bad to seek help, because it's a long wait to get any kind of resolution!). Initially tried tranexamic acid which helps with the flooding but not the pain, and then was encouraged to try the pill which had horrendous mental health side effects for me so am back on the tranexamic acid but was this time given the mefenamic acid alongside. Looking forward to my long-awaited gyno appointment next month, and if you have any tips on how to get the most out of this I'd really appreciate you sharing them!

It saved me as a teen and I’m fine at 30

I take it with no side effects, always with food and don't drink alcohol for 12 hrs after last dose. I never take it for more than three days every few months though, as I tri cycle my periods due to pain. I've found cbd tampons almost as effective as painkillers though so I'm hoping to take even fewer NSAIDs

Mefanamic Acid revolutionised my life. It allowed me be pain free whereas previously I would have been bed bound during my periods. I had no side effects at all. I’d urge you to try it.

I hope you find it helps; and I hope you don't have to wait too long for gynae appointments and investigations for more definitive advice and management.

One thing I thought I'd share for anyone who doesn't know this already - NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen and mefenamic acid directly work on early stages in the prostaglandin pathways that trigger period pain. As such, the sooner you take them the more effective they can be. As a teenager I didn't properly appreciate this until I was at uni (medical sciences) and started to understand the mechanisms, and that it really was worth prioritising taking the first dose asap as sometimes I didn't need any more whereas if I tried to "cope" I'd end up needing to take more for longer.

And I agree, that for many or perhaps most, if you only need to take a few doses over a couple of days then gastric side effects are less likely than when you are taking these medications on a more regular basis. I think naproxen may be prescribed for some arthritis pain for example, and that would be a situation where also taking omeprazole regularly would be more important.

@LuckyOrMaybe - that is so helpful thank you!

For your appointment I would write stuff down, even in notes app on your phone

Like day 1 period, pain 5/10, changed pad X times, had to cancel gym class, took x amount of painkillers

I was sent for an MRI, now waiting for an MDT meeting and then surgery

I’ve just been prescribed this alongside tranexamic acid and am also reluctant to take it after reading the side effects! Though it did help a little bit, I feel it caused more pain in the morning then I took a second dosage at lunch time and felt OK. GP didn’t ask if I was on any medication or anything and as I get quite worried about starting new medications I decided to research it, turns out it’s completely contra-indicated with another medication I’ve been on for nearly five years now so not intending to keep on taking it.

She has EDS and POTs. It's normal for her to react this way to pain. It's nothing other than that.

You will not know benefits vs side effects unless you try it.

Watch out for skin rash for dd this looked like weird bruising took ages to identify the cause