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Triptan therapy impacts health and productivity
Mary Brun Weaver1, John I Mackowiak, Paul G Solari
1GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709-3398, USA. Mary.B.Weaver@gsk.com
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|August 10, 2004
Summary
Sumatriptan significantly reduces migraine impact, decreasing missed workdays and headache severity. This migraine treatment also lowers narcotic use and improves overall productivity for patients and employers.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Migraine significantly impacts daily life, affecting work and overall productivity.
- Existing migraine therapies may have limitations in efficacy and patient satisfaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of initiating sumatriptan therapy on migraine patients.
- To assess changes in absenteeism, presenteeism, and patient-reported outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A survey of new sumatriptan users in a California health plan.
- Utilized the Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6) to measure migraine impact.
- Assessed productivity and satisfaction with migraine therapy.
Main Results:
- Sumatriptan initiation led to significantly fewer missed workdays and days worked with headache.
- Participants reported increased productivity and decreased use of narcotics/opioids.
- Frequency, duration, and severity of migraines decreased, with improved HIT-6 scores.
Conclusions:
- Sumatriptan therapy improves clinical outcomes, reduces absenteeism and presenteeism, and enhances patient satisfaction.
- Benefits extend to employers through decreased lost productivity and fewer emergency room visits.
- Managed care organizations can improve member and employer satisfaction by providing sumatriptan.