Dr. Fred Sheftell -- founder and directory of the New England Center for Headache, Medical Advisor Chair for MAGNUM, President of the American Council for Headache Education (ACHE), and Chairman of the World Headache Alliance (WHA) -- commented:
"The data from the Triptan Cardiovascular Safety Expert Panel gives us a thoughtful and scientific review of safety issues related to a class of medication that in my experience represents the most significant advance in the treatment of the acute attack of migraine in the past one hundred years. It is important to recognize that no triptan should be regarded as 'safer' than another. Indeed all provide a margin of safety that should give clinicians and patients alike comfort in their use. Nevertheless, one must still pay attention to the contraindications for the class."
Take Note:
- One out of ten people have Migraine disease.
- Migraine disease is more common than asthma and diabetes combined.
- 90% of Migraineurs report some disability cause by their attacks according to the American Migraine Study II.
- The World Health Organization ranks Migraine among the world's most disabling illnesses.
- Triptans are effective for approximately 80% of Migraineurs, BUT
- triptans are prescribed for only 20% of Migraineurs, SO
- many Migraineurs haven't had the opportunity to try triptans.
Thus, just a bit beyond the ten-year mark Dr. Silberstein mentioned, the Panel gives us safety information about triptans that will hopefully benefit millions of sufferers. While those Migraineurs who have coronary and other contraindications still should not take triptans, those who don't have those contraindications and their doctors should now be far more comfortable in taking advantage of the benefits triptans can offer.
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References:
¹ Dodick, David, Lipton, Richard B., Martin, Vincent, Papademetriou, Vasilios, Rosamond, Wayne, MaassenVanDenBrink, Antoinette, Loutfi, Hassan, Welch, K. Michael, Goadsby, Peter J., Hahn, Steven, Hutchinson, Susan, Matchar, David, Silberstein, Stephen, Smith, Timothy R., Purdy, R. Allan & Saiers, Jane (2004). Consensus Statement: Cardiovascular Safety Profile of Triptans (5-HT1B/1D Agonists) in the Acute Treatment of Migraine. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain 44 (5), 414-425. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2004.04078.x
² Mundell, E.J.; HealthDay Reporter. "Migraine Sufferers Not Getting Best Drugs." Forbes.com. May 5, 2004.
³ U.S. Newswire Press Release. "Triptans Safer Than Many Common Drugs; Underused Treatment Most Effective Migraine Medication." May 5, 2004.
Interview with Dr. Fred Sheftell by Teri Robert. May 8, 2004.
