Objective: Evaluate triptan prescriptions in ambulatory medicine.
Methods: Collection of medical data from 301 patients treated with triptans reimbursed by the French National Health Fund in the region of Midi-Pyrenees.
Results: Ninety-five per cent of selected patients suffered from migraine condition according to the International Headache Society diagnosis criteria [Confidence interval (CI) 95%: 93-98]. Co-morbidity factors contra-indicating triptan therapy were present in 6% of patients (CI 95%: 3-9). 2% of patients were prescribed other medicinal products contra-indicated with their triptan therapy (CI 95%: 0-4). Twenty-six per cent of patients were taking triptan medicines more than 8 times per month over a period of three months (CI 95%: 21-31) and 8% were taking this treatment more than 12 times per month (CI 95%: 5-11). Eleven per cent kept written information of their migraine crises (CI 95%: 7-15). Thirty-nine per cent benefited from dedicated prophylactic treatments (CI 95%: 33-45).
Conclusion: In a context of sustained increase in prescriptions of migraine treatments, it appears necessary to remain cautious about clinical and pharmacological contra-indications. Prevention of abuse of medicines is based on a better use of crises agendas and introduction of prophylactic therapies.
Keywords: migraine disorders; migraines; quality of health care; qualité soins; triptans.
Copyright © 2007 Société Française de Pharmacologie et de Thérapeutique. Publié par Elsevier Masson SAS.