[The use of triptan in ambulatory medicine in Midi-Pyrénées Region: clinical and pharmacological contra-indications and drug abuse].
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate triptan prescriptions in ambulatory medicine.


METHODS
Collection of medical data from 301 patients treated with triptans reimbursed by the French National Health Fund in the region of Midi-Pyrenees.


RESULTS
Ninety-five per cent of selected patients suffered from migraine condition according to the International Headache Society diagnosis criteria [Confidence interval (CI) 95%: 93-98]. Co-morbidity factors contra-indicating triptan therapy were present in 6% of patients (CI 95%: 3-9). 2% of patients were prescribed other medicinal products contra-indicated with their triptan therapy (CI 95%: 0-4). Twenty-six per cent of patients were taking triptan medicines more than 8 times per month over a period of three months (CI 95%: 21-31) and 8% were taking this treatment more than 12 times per month (CI 95%: 5-1 I). Eleven per cent kept written information of their migraine crises (CI 95%: 7-15). Thirty-nine per cent benefited from dedicated prophylactic treatments (CI 95%: 33-45).


CONCLUSIONS
In a context of sustained increase in prescriptions of migraine treatments, it appears necessary to remain cautious about clinical and pharmacological contra-indications. Prevention of abuse of medicines is based on a better use of crises agendas and introduction of prophylactic therapies.
Roussel
Henri
H
Direction Régionale du Service Médical de la région Midi-Pyrénées, CNAMTS, Toulouse, France. henri.roussel@ersm-midipyr.cnamts.fr
Lo Re
Geneviève
G
Honorat
Christian
C
Alonso
Michèle
M
Sciortino
Vincent
V
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005260:Female; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D014363:Tryptamines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D014363:Tryptamines