triptan

18 February 2009

Triptans and NSAIDs: 1 better than 2?

It’s become very common to use NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen (ie Advil) or naproxen (ie Aleve, Naprosyn) along with other medications. But, as a recent study points out, sometimes more is less.

This study from Merk & Co. surveyed 8440 oral triptan users. The idea of the study was to find out what combinations were being used, and how effective they were.

Patients were put into 6 categories – some took NSAIDs first, then triptans. Others took them both at the same time, and so on.

The patients who seemed to get the most relief were those taking only triptans, triptans and NSAIDs together, or NSAIDs first, then triptans.

But one interesting outcome was that, not only were those taking only triptans comparatively satisfied with their treatment, they also had less nausea than any other groups. In other words, at times it seems that triptans by themselves are better than triptans with NSAIDs.

Though common wisdom would say that attacking your migraine on two fronts will be more effective, we certainly don’t want to take more medication than we need to. If you’re frequently using these medications, you may find that cutting out the NSAID won’t hurt. It will also avoid the dangers of long term use, such as significant gastrointestinal problems.

Talk to your doctor, and try simplifying your therapy. You might find that your symptoms even improve over time.

12 March 2008

Rationing drugs due to insurance concerns

James Discoveries & Stats, Medications, Tips 2

Let’s face it. Stocking up on drugs is not an idea that makes your insurance company happy. But the challenge of having the right drugs on hand at the right time is adding to worldwide migraine pain.

This is actually a study from June 2007, but it’s worth looking at. Dr. Robert A. Nicholson, assistant professor at Saint Louis University School of Medicine and School of Public Health headed up a study of 233 migraine sufferers who took triptan drugs. Here’s what he found…

42% of patients said that their insurance plan restricted the number of triptan doses covered each month. 37% said they had a prescription for triptan drugs, but hadn’t filled it because of the cost.

Of those with no limitations, 79% took a triptan at first sign of a migraine attack (as most doctors recommend). Of those with prescriptions, only 49% took a triptan at the first sign of an attack. Of those who took a triptan right away, 51% said that migraine had a severe negative impact on their lives. But of those who hesitated to take the drug, 79% said that migraine had a severe negative impact on their lives. In fact, one in three of these people ended up in the emergency room at least once in the previous 12 months.

In summary – if someone’s insurance company is limiting their triptans per month, or if cost is keeping people from using them, they have more severe attacks and more frequent visits to the hospital. Not only does this seem bad for health, it doesn’t seem very cost effective for the insurance company.

The good news is that triptans, when used right away, are working.

One more interesting note. Dr Nicholson notes that many people delay in taking migraine medication because they want to be sure it’s really a migraine. Don’t worry, he says. Statistics show that your first guess is almost always right.

What can we do about this? Look for another insurance company? Find other alternative treatments (for when your pills run out)? What’s your strategy?

11 August 2005

Triptan discussion in the UK

James News 0

What drugs should be available "over the counter", and what drugs should only be given under a doctor’s supervision? Around here you’re encouraged to always talk to your doctor before taking a new drug. But as far as regulations go, every country answers the question differently.

The question is being discussed in the UK right now when it comes to two of the most popular migraine drugs – Zomig and Imitrex. The U.K. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has decided to start a public consultation on the topic. The thought process so far is that making them more available would be a positive move, because they need to be taken as early as possible during a migraine attack.

If you live in the UK, stop by the MHRA home page and give them your opinion right now.

There is a growing amount of information on this website about various migraine treatments. There’s a new article as of August 2005 on drugs such as Zomig and Imitrex – read all about the "triptans" here!