Rapid Responders to Frovatriptan in Acute Migraine Treatment: Results from a Long-Term, Open-Label Study

Background. the Chronic Nature of Migraine and the Reliance on Acute Treatment Constitute the Basis of the Present Long-Term, Open-Label Study. Objectives. First, Assessment of the Tolerability and Safety of Frovatriptan, 2.5-7.5 Mg Taken Orally over 24 Hours, for the Acute Treatment of Migraine, Repeatedly over a 12-Month Period. Second, Assessment of the Efficacy and Tolerability of a Second, Double-Blind Dose of 2.5-Mg Frovatriptan, Compared with Placebo, for Nonresponse at 2 Hours after Treatment of Moderate or Severe Headache with 2.5-Mg Frovatriptan. Results. with Regard to the First Attack Treated, 173 (36%) of the 486 Subjects in the Study Did Not Take a Second Dose at 2 Hours for Nonresponse. at 2 Hours and 4 Hours, These Rapid Responders Experienced a Decrease in Headache Intensity from Moderate or Severe to Mild or No Pain in 84% and 98%, Respectively ( Headache Response ). Six Percent of Them Experienced Recurrence of Moderate or Severe Headache within 24 Hours Following a Response at 4 Hours and 12% Took Rescue Medication. the Response, Measured in Terms of Median Time to Complete Migraine Relief, Was Maintained over 30 Subsequent Migraine Attacks, Treated from Attack 2 Onwards over the Course of 12 Months. Conclusion. Frovatriptan Provides a Remarkably Fast and High Headache Response in a Subgroup of More Than One-Third of Migraineurs, with a Very Low 24-Hour Headache Recurrence and Low Rescue Medication Intake. © 2009 American Academy of Pain Medicine