Abstract
BackgroundThe treatment of migraine attacks with aura by triptans is difficult since triptans most probably are not efficacious when taken during the aura phase. Moreover, there are insufficient data from randomised studies whether triptans are efficacious in migraine attacks with aura when taken during the headache phase. In this metaanalysis, we aimed to compare the efficacy of frovatriptan versus rizatriptan, zolmitriptan, and almotriptan.MethodsFive double-blind, randomized, controlled crossover trials were pooled. All trials had an identical design. Patients were asked to treat three consecutive migraine attacks with frovatriptan 2.5 mg and three consecutive migraine attacks with a comparative triptan (rizatriptan 10 mg; zomitriptan 2.5 mg; almotriptan 12.5 mg).ResultsIn this analysis, 117 migraine attacks with aura could be included (intention-to-treat population). The mean headache intensity after 2 hours was 1.2 +/- 1.0 for frovatriptan and 1.6 +/- 1.0 for the other triptans (p<0.05); all triptans showed significant improvement of headache. Frovatriptan resulted in significantly lower relapse rates at 24 hours and 48 hours when taken in migraine attacks with aura.ConclusionsOur data suggest that frovatriptan is efficacious and even superior in some endpoints also when taken during the headache phase in migraine attacks with aura. This is of particular importance for those many patients who have migraine attacks both without and with aura.
Highlights
The treatment of migraine attacks with aura by triptans is difficult since triptans most probably are not efficacious when taken during the aura phase
It has been studied whether triptans taken during the aura phase of a migraine attack are efficacious to treat the headache [1-4], which is not recommended in treatment guidelines [5]
It is of interest whether triptans are efficacious against the headache in migraine attacks both without and with aura when taken in the headache phase
Summary
The treatment of migraine attacks with aura by triptans is difficult since triptans most probably are not efficacious when taken during the aura phase. There are insufficient data from randomised studies whether triptans are efficacious in migraine attacks with aura when taken during the headache phase. The efficacy of triptans in migraine with aura refers to different questions It is of interest whether triptans are able to treat the aura symptoms [1]. It has been studied whether triptans taken during the aura phase of a migraine attack are efficacious to treat the headache [1-4], which is not recommended in treatment guidelines [5]. A direct comparison of frovatriptan to different other triptans with respect to efficacy in migraine attacks with aura is still missing
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
