Adolescents, ages 12-17, who suffer from Migraine disease and Cluster headaches now have a new abortive tool in their arsenal as September 1 marked the launch of a new abortive medication. Adult Migraineurs and cluster headache sufferers have long benefited from the use of Imigran (aka Imitrex, sumatriptan) 20mg Nasal Spray. Now Imigran 10mg Nasal Spray has been licensed for use by adolescents, making it the first and only triptan class medication approved for patients in this age range. Hopefully, Imigran 10mg Nasal Spray will be approved and introduced in other countries soon.
It's estimated that up to 10% of adolescents are affected by Migraine and that up to 2.75 million school days are missed annually because of Migraine attacks in children and adolescents.¹ As difficult as Migraine can be for adults, for children and adolescents, it can be even more difficult. Migraine attacks often cause them to not do as well academically, not be able to participate in extracurricular activities, and miss out on social events and relationships with their peers.
Ann Turner, Director of the Migraine Action Association in London commented, "Migraine is not just a headache but a potentially debilitating neurological condition. Adolescents suffering from Migraine attacks should seek help as doctors, nurse specialists, and pharmacists are important allies in the battle against Migraine and their advice and support can be invaluable. Although there is no cure for Migraine, it is possible to bring the condition under control with the range of treatments now available and the introduction of a management programme tailored to each patient."
Dr. Manuela Fontebasso, General Practitioner and clinical assistant at the Headache Clinic at York District hospital said, "Historically, it has not been possible to routinely prescribe triptan medication to migraineurs of this age group. The introduction of new treatments such as Imigran for adolescents will be welcomed by both physicians and patients battling with this incapacitating condition. We look forward to Imigran 10mg Nasal Spray offering migraine patients in this age group, an improved outlook and quality of life."
Developed and manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, Imigran is also available in these forms:
- 25, 50, and 100mg tablets
- 20mg Nasal Spray
- 6mg STATdose injection system
- 6mg individual dose vials for injection
Sumatriptan is available in the United Kingdom and Australia under the brand name Imigran® and in the United States and Canada under the brand name Imitrex®.
GlaxoSmithKline also developed and produces another triptan family drug, naratriptan. Naratriptan is available in the United Kingdom and Australia under the brand name Naramig® and in the United States and Canada under the brand name Amerge.
¹ Hartmaier SL, et al. Development of a brief 24-hour adolescent migraine functioning questionnaire. Headache 2001; 41: 150-156.
