Migraine matters: the role of triptans in relieving the burden in managed care

To provide managed care pharmacists with information regarding the prevalence and burden of migraine in the United States, approaches to diagnosing and managing migraine, and implications for managed care organizations.

Migraine is a common chronic condition that imparts tremendous disability to those afflicted. Economic costs associated with migraine are staggering, with the majority of costs resulting from lost workdays. Barriers to the proper management of migraine patients include misdiagnosis and a limited understanding of available pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment options. Use of screening tools in primary care may help diagnose migraine and point to appropriate treatment plans. The use of migraine-specific therapies is discussed, with special emphasis on triptans, which have demonstrated efficacy and modest side effects. Use of triptans has been shown to reduce migraine-associated disability and overall costs associated with migraine. Studies comparing the effectiveness and costs of individual triptans are also described.

Migraine-associated pain and disability can be significantly reduced with proper treatment. Use of diagnostic tools, such as ID Migraine, can facilitate the identification of migraine patients who need treatment. A stratified care approach with appropriate treatment can improve the lives of migraine sufferers as well as reduce migraine-associated costs for managed care organizations.