Patterns of triptans use: a study based on the records of a community pharmaceutical department.
Studies performed in selected populations show that the use of triptans for migraine is low. Our study was aimed at establishing patterns of triptan utilization in a large community using the drug prescription database of a regional Health Authority in Italy. In a population of 224,065 residents, 0.55% received at least one prescription of triptans in 1 year: 77.9% were female and 22.1% male. Oral dosage forms accounted for 94% of prescriptions. About 60% of patients received a single prescription (containing one or two packages) of one triptan in 1 year. Age distribution showed that 7% of patients were aged > 65 years. They received 14% of packages, prevalently sumatriptan and zolmitriptan (the two triptans with the longest commercialization in Italy); 5.7% of patients received 40% of packages. Moreover, 3.2% of triptans users received > 120 dosage units in the year in the form of tablets (>10 single doses/month), and were potential triptan abusers. Our data indicate suboptimal treatment of migraine patients and also incorrect treatment of some patients (potential triptans abusers, the elderly).
Pavone
E
E
Pharmaceutical Department ASL 11, Empoli, Florence, Italy. e.pavone@usl11.toscana.it
Banfi
R
R
Vaiani
M
M
Panconesi
A
A
D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003151:Community Health Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017723:Drug Utilization Review; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010604:Pharmacy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012042:Registries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014363:Tryptamines / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D014363:Tryptamines