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Triptans utilization in Italian population: A real-life study in community pharmacies
Francesca Baratta1, Gianni Allais2,3, Roberto Gnavi4
1Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Plos One
|September 8, 2023
Summary
Headache disorders are undertreated, with only 25% of patients receiving triptan prescriptions. This study analyzed factors influencing triptan use and explored community pharmacies
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Headache disorders (HD) represent a significant neurological burden, often underestimated and undertreated.
- Triptans are a primary treatment for moderate to severe migraine, yet their utilization remains suboptimal.
- In Italy, triptans require a medical prescription, potentially limiting accessibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze factors associated with triptan prescription and use in Italian patients with headache disorders.
- To investigate the potential role of community pharmacies in improving triptan therapy management.
- To identify reasons for the low prescription rates of triptans.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of data from a 2016-2017 study involving 4,424 pharmacy users across 19 Italian regions.
- Data collected via questionnaires administered by 610 trained pharmacists in 514 pharmacies.
- Multivariable analysis to identify associations between triptan use and patient/clinical variables.
Main Results:
- Only 25% of patients with headache disorders were prescribed triptans.
- Triptan use was higher among older patients, those with definite migraines, chronic disorders, and those attending specialist headache centers.
- Multivariable analysis confirmed these associations.
Conclusions:
- A significant gap exists in triptan prescription and utilization for headache disorders in Italy.
- Further investigation into the barriers of triptan use is warranted.
- Community pharmacies could play a vital role in monitoring migraineurs' needs and ensuring therapy adherence.
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