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Published on: June 2, 2014
Self-medication of regular headache: a community pharmacy-based survey
E Mehuys1, K Paemeleire, T Van Hees
1Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. els.mehuys@ugent.be
European Journal of Neurology
|February 25, 2012
Summary
Many individuals with regular headaches self-medicate without a physician diagnosis, leading to underdiagnosis of migraine and high rates of medication overuse. Community pharmacists can play a key role in educating and referring these patients.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Observational study in community pharmacies focusing on self-medication for regular headaches.
- Investigated headache characteristics and medication patterns in individuals seeking over-the-counter treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of undiagnosed headaches, particularly migraine.
- To evaluate current acute and prophylactic medication use, including overuse.
- To understand the role of community pharmacists in managing self-medicating headache patients.
Main Methods:
- 1205 participants completed questionnaires on headache medication and diagnosis history.
- Utilized the ID Migraine Screener (ID-M) and Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) questionnaires.
- Assessed acute medication use, including specific drug classes and overuse patterns.
Main Results:
- 44% of participants lacked a physician diagnosis for their headache; 42.6% of these were ID-M positive.
- Commonly used acute medications included paracetamol (62%), NSAIDs (39%), and combination analgesics (36%).
- Medication overuse affected 24% of the sample, with combination analgesics being most frequent; only 14.5% received advice on limiting intake frequency.
Conclusions:
- Significant underdiagnosis of migraine and low utilization of appropriate migraine therapies (prophylaxis, triptans) were observed.
- High prevalence of medication overuse headache was identified among self-medicating individuals.
- Community pharmacists are well-positioned to educate patients and facilitate referrals for better headache management.
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