Good for migraines. It consists of two painkillers and buclizine, an anti-sickness treatment, which is useful because, in migraine, nausea and vomiting can be a problem.

But not for other forms of headache; the buclizine component is unnecessary.

Watch out for a lack of effect. Because the stomach tends to seize up during a migraine, straightforward painkillers are not always absorbed. You may need stronger, or soluble, tablets, or a more effective anti-sickness treatment.

Alternatives Try a soluble codeine/paracetamol combo, taken as soon as you feel the headache starting. Ibuprofen is another useful alternative.

See your GP if over-the-counter treatment doesn’t ease the pain, vomiting is preventing any pills from staying down, or the headaches are happening more frequently. Your GP can prescribe a variety of medications to ease each attack, or preventive treatment to cut down the number of episodes.

Cost of treating Migraleve Pink costs £4.35 for 12, or £7.95 for 24.

Check with your pharmacist on any restrictions to the sale of the paracetamol, codeine and buclizine mixture

KEITH HOPCROFT, GP