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A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study of subcutaneous sumatriptan in general practice
M B Russell1, O E Holm-Thomsen, M Rishøj Nielsen
1Department of Neurology, Glostrup Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Cephalalgia : an International Journal of Headache
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Sumatriptan injections effectively treated acute migraine attacks in general practice. This subcutaneous sumatriptan (autoinjector) treatment was well-tolerated and provided significant headache relief compared to placebo.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Migraine is a common neurological disorder.
- Acute treatment options for migraine are crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic response to sumatriptan in acute migraine attacks.
- To assess the efficacy and tolerability of subcutaneous sumatriptan in a general practice setting.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study involving 230 migraineurs.
- Patients self-administered subcutaneous sumatriptan or placebo via autoinjector for two separate migraine attacks.
- Neurological assessment and patient interviews were conducted post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher headache relief with sumatriptan vs. placebo at 1 hour (56% vs. 8%) and 2 hours (62% vs. 15%).
- Sumatriptan led to greater resolution of nausea, photophobia, and phonophobia (p < 0.001).
- Adverse events were generally mild and transient, with a low withdrawal rate (3 patients).
Conclusions:
- Subcutaneous sumatriptan administered at home via autoinjector is an effective acute treatment for migraine.
- The treatment demonstrated good tolerability in a general practice population.
- Sumatriptan offers a valuable therapeutic option for managing acute migraine attacks.