An open-label study to assess changes in efficacy and satisfaction with migraine care when patients have access to multiple sumatriptan succinate formulations.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Because a patient's migraines often differ in duration, intensity, and accompanying symptoms, as well as the conditions and circumstances at the time of the headache, the mode for treatment also may change.

OBJECTIVE:

The goal of this study was to determine whether migraine management is improved by providing 3 formulations of sumatriptan succinate to patients, together with education to assist them in selecting the most appropriate formulation for specific attacks.

METHODS:

This was an open-label study conducted in 3 family practice settings. Patients were recruited who had at least a 1-year history of migraine meeting International Headache Society criteria and experienced 2 to 6 attacks per month within the previous 3 months. Patients received instructions on oral, intranasal, and subcutaneous (SC) sumatriptan and were provided with all 3 formulations to treat 6 headaches. Migraine features, formulation used, reason for selecting specific formulation, migraine symptom relief, and use of follow-up doses were recorded in diaries. At follow-up, patients completed a questionnaire assessing satisfaction with access to multiple formulations.

RESULTS:

Of the 33 enrolled patients (26 women, 7 men; mean age, 38.5 years [range, 23-54 years]), 25 (75.8%) completed all visits. Of 149 headaches treated, 39 (26.2%) were mild at onset, 70 (47.0%) were moderate, and 40 (26.8%) were severe. Eighty (53.7%) headaches were treated with tablets, 35 (23.5%) with nasal spray, and 34 (22.8%) with SC injection. Primary reasons for selecting specific formulations included "fewer side effects" for tablets, "convenience" for nasal spray, and "quick onset of action" for SC injection. Twenty-one (84.0%) patients reported being either very satisfied or satisfied with their ability to manage their headaches. Physicians reported that 18 of 24 (75.0%) patients had an improved attitude toward managing their headaches. All formulations were well tolerated. Eight (32.0%) patients reported adverse events, the 2 most common being chest pressure and fatigue.

CONCLUSION:

The patients in this study reported greater satisfaction with migraine management when given access to multiple sumatriptan formulations and education regarding their appropriate use.

• Authors: Eric Weidmann, Jeffrey Unger, Stephen Blair, Christopher Friesen, Carolyn Hart, Roger Cady
• Journal: Clinical therapeutics (Clin Ther) Vol. 25 Issue 1 Pg. 235-46 (Jan 2003) ISSN: 0149-2918 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12637123 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Serotonin Receptor Agonists
• Sumatriptan

Topics

• Administration, Intranasal
• Administration, Oral
• Adult
• Female
• Humans
• Injections, Subcutaneous
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Migraine with Aura (drug therapy)
• Migraine without Aura (drug therapy)
• Patient Education as Topic
• Patient Satisfaction
• Self Administration
• Serotonin Receptor Agonists (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Sumatriptan (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Surveys and Questionnaires