Triptans--why once?
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate triptan use patterns in a large Israeli HMO district.


BACKGROUND
Triptans, 5HT(1B/1D) agonists, provide an effective and safe relief of headache and accompanying symptoms during an acute migraine attack.


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed the computerized prescription filling data of 1498 patients who filled a first triptan prescription between July 2003 and June 2004.


RESULTS
During a 1-year follow-up period, 841 patients (56.1%) purchased triptans only once. Single-time users were significantly more prevalent among men and in patients younger than 30 or older than 70 years.


CONCLUSIONS
It seems that many migraine patients choose not to use triptans after their first experience with the drug.
Ifergane
Gal
G
Headache Clinic, Department of Neurology, Soroka Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
Wirguin
Itzhak
I
Shvartzman
Pesach
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists