Levadex – inhaled migraine drug on the way
Levadex is something new, and it isn’t. It’s a new formulation of dihydroergotamine mesylate (DHE), known by many as DHE 45 (an injection) or Migranal (a nasal spray where the drug is accompanied by caffiene). DHE was introduced in the 40s, so it’s been around in various versions for a long time.
This new version known as Levadex is an inhaled version, brought to you by MAP Pharmaceuticals. Levadex will use the Tempo inhaler, designed especially for asthma and migraine patients.
In the United States, Levadex took a big step forward when the FDA decided not to ask for another phase III study. MAP Pharmaceuticals will go right ahead with their study of long term safety.
This part of the study is expected to be completed this year (2010).
So far Levadex looks promising for some patients, dealing not only with pain but other common symptoms – nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. It’s believed that in a few years Levadex will be a major player in the migraine market. Then again, our understanding of migraine is changing and increasing at such a rapid rate, it’s hard to say what will be going on in a few years.
20 January 2010 @ 7:57 pm
I am in this trial! So far I really like the medicine!
26 January 2010 @ 5:26 pm
Thanks for the input, Cassanndre! I hope it keeps working well for you.
6 April 2010 @ 2:22 pm
Hi, im very interested in this product, how can I try it?, or when its gonna be relesed?, I need mor infoo, pleaseee.
16 October 2010 @ 9:07 am
How I can buy it?
12 March 2011 @ 11:16 pm
I too was a part of this study. My first 2 neurologists had given up on me when I found a headache specialist an hour a way willing to take me on. I had already failed every abortive and preventive on the market including some “off label” uses my Drs tried. Botox gave me a 3 month long migraine. Neurontin could have been a sugar pill. Topamax made me almost bipolar. Imitrex made migraines worse. Finally this new Dr asked if I had ever tried DHE injections. I wasn’t excited about shots but gave it a go and it worked! It certainly had it’s fair share (or more) of side effects so it had to be a really nasty migraine for me to use it. But it was nice to.have another option than waiting it out. My Dr was participating in the safety trial and invited me to join as her first asthma patient. She figured since I was already using DHE it would get me my meds for free if nothing else. But I had WAY fewer side effects with Levadex. The ones I still had were not as severe and best of all, it worked faster.
Levadex consistently had me pain free within 15-30 minutes.
I would encourage people to give it a try once it’s available. If nothing else an inhaler is more convenient than pills or injections. No need for water or needles. Just shake and inhale!