Following is a news release based on an article published in the November issue of Neurology, the scientific journal of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN). The AAN is an association of more than 14,500 neurologists and neuroscience professionals dedicated to improving patient care through education and research. For a copy of the full article or for more information, contact the Communications Area at 612-695-1940 or by e-mail at [email protected].
EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UNTIL FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1997
New Drug Successful in Relieving Migraine Headaches ST. PAUL, MN (November 21, 1997) Two recent studies show that the drug zolmitriptan (brand name Zomig) begins to relieve severe or moderate migraine headache in as little as 30 minutes. The studies were published in the November issue of Neurology, the American Academy of NeurologyÃs scientific journal.
"The first study proved that zolmitriptan taken orally is an effective migraine treatment that substantially reduces the symptoms and disability associated with a severe or moderate migraine attack," says the first study lead author, Alan Rapoport, MD, director of The New England Center for Headache in Stamford, CT, and Assistant Professor of Neurology at Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, CT. "Many patients improved between 30 minutes and one hour of taking the drug and were able to return to their normal activities within two to four hours. The second study confirmed that 2.5 mg of zolmitriptan is the best dose based on effectiveness, rate of headache recurrence and patient tolerability of the drug."
In the first study, 999 patients received zolmitriptan in doses of 1, 2.5, 5 or 10 mg, or placebo (inactive pill) for treatment of a moderate or severe migraine. Of those receiving 2.5 mg or higher amounts of zolmitriptan, 44 to 51 percent had a reduction in pain within one hour, 65 to 67 percent were better at two hours, and 75 to 78 percent had relief at four hours. Zolmitriptan also relieved migraine-associated symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light and noise, allowing patients to return to normal activities. For patients whose headache persisted or reoccurred, a second dose of zolmitriptan brought relief to 54 percent.
In the second study, 327 patients received either 2.5 mg zolmitriptan or placebo. Headache relief at two hours was 62 percent with zolmitriptan and 36 percent with placebo. At four hours, 70 percent of patients had relief with zolmitriptan and 37 percent with placebo.
Patients reported few side effects during the studies. Eight percent of patients receiving the 2.5 mg dose reported nausea compared with five percent of those receiving a placebo. Other side effects included dizziness, sleepiness, tingling in fingers, warm sensations and chest pain or tightness. Side effects were usually mild and brief.
Rapoport cautions, "Zolmitriptan and other similar drugs constrict dilated blood vessels and reduce inflammation in the covering of the brain called the meninges, thus stopping the pain associated with migraine. Because the drugs may constrict all blood vessels, including those in the heart, patients with any cardiac risk factors, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, or patients that smoke, should be carefully evaluated before being using these medications."
Results also show that zolmitriptan provides consistent headache relief across patients with different types of migraine, including headaches that are menstrually-associated and headaches present on awakening. Zolmitriptan is effective when taken at any time during the migraine.
Zolmitriptan is similar to sumatriptan, a drug currently used in treatment for migraine headache. Considering these findings, Rapoport estimates that zolmitriptan will be available to those with migraine in early 1998. "Sumatriptan has been a good drug and has helped many people. However, not all patients respond well to one drug, says Rapoport. "Zolmitriptan offers patients an excellent option."
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