title: Cost-minimization analysis comparing topiramate with standard treatments in migraine prophylaxis.
abstract: Migraine is a common disorder with a relatively high burden of disease from the perspective of both society and the individual patient. Optimizing the use of prophylactic treatment may decrease the frequency and severity of attacks thus reducing the burden of disease. In this regard, topiramate has been found to be as effective as propranolol in the prevention of migraine attacks. In the present study, a cost-minimization analysis was performed. Monthly preventive medication cost and price per migraine attack reduced were used as measures. In comparison with propranolol and flunarizine, topiramate was identified as being the most costly option for migraine prophylaxis with a monthly drug cost of USD 24.97-45.04 as compared with propranolol (USD 1.72-6.87) and flunarizine (USD 6.09-12.18). Current treatment options would appear to offer better value for money in achieving effective migraine prophylaxis unless additional benefits can be identified for topiramate in this patient group.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. hergun@medicine.ankara.edu.tr
authors.forename: Hakan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ergun
authors.forename: Sinem Ezgi
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Gulmez
authors.forename: F Cankat
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Tulunay
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005632:Fructose / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000191:economics* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000191:economics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods; D000077236:Topiramate