Atogepant reduces triptan use: a pharmacoeconomic analysis in migraine prevention

Migraine is a leading cause of disability worldwide, impairing quality of life and productivity. Preventive therapies aim to reduce attack frequency, severity and the need for acute medications. Oral atogepant (60 mg), a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist, has recently expanded migraine prevention options. This study evaluated changes in triptan use after atogepant initiation using real-world data.

This retrospective observational study used administrative healthcare databases from the Local Health Unit of Modena (Italy). Adults with chronic or high-frequency episodic migraine initiating atogepant between November 2023 and December 2024 were identified. Triptan use and related costs were assessed in the 6 months before and after treatment initiation (index date), measured as dispensed dosage units.

Among 95 patients (86% female; mean age 53.5 years), 55 triptan users were included in the analysis. Triptan use decreased in 45 patients (82%), with ≥ 60% reduction in 27 (49%) and complete discontinuation in 10. Median consumption decreased from 76 to 24 dosage units, and mean consumption from 88.1 to 45.2. This reduction was statistically significant (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p < 0.001). This reduction corresponded to a decrease of €2,591 in triptan-related pharmaceutical expenditure within the study cohort.

Atogepant preventive treatment may substantially reduce acute migraine medication use in real-world practice, with potential clinical and economic benefits.