To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: Axert (Almotriptan Malate) Relieves Migraine With Fewer Side Effects than Imitrex (Sumatriptan Succinate) URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/1FA54E.htm Doctor's Guide May 8, 2001
WELLESLEY HILLS, MA -- May 8, 2001 -- Throbbing, disabling headaches are nothing new for 28 million people suffering from migraine -- mostly 25 to 55 year-old women. And for many sufferers, side effects of treatment may be as bad as the headache itself. Research shows a new migraine treatment is highly effective, comparable to the most commonly prescribed medication in its class, but with fewer side effects. The comparison study of Axert™ (almotriptan malate) tablets, a newly approved anti-migraine medication, and Imitrex® (sumatriptan succinate) tablets was conducted by Boston Clinical Research Center in Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts. In a double-blind study, patients receiving Axert 12.5 mg for moderate or severe migraine headache showed similar pain relief at two hours to patients receiving sumatriptan 50 mg. However, patients taking Axert reported significantly fewer side effects compared to the sumatriptan-treated group -- particularly less chest pain. "Axert is an important new addition to our migraine treatment arsenal," said Egilius L.H. Spierings, M.D., Ph.D., general medical director of the Boston Clinical Research Center and Axert principal investigator. "In our studies, it demonstrated highly effective pain relief, with an occurrence of side effects similar to placebo." Migraine is an intense, throbbing headache characterized by pain on one or both sides of the head, often accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and noise. Migraine headaches can last from four to 72 hours if left untreated. The World Health Organization has rated migraine as one of the most disabling conditions, giving it a rating of 7 on a scale of 1-7, where 7 is "disability as bad as death." Dr. Spierings says side effects from medications can impact patient compliance, efficacy of treatment, and overall patient satisfaction. "Side effects from medications can be a real problem for migraine sufferers, causing them to delay taking their prescriptions, or use over-the-counter medications first -- and as a result, their headaches often become worse and more difficult to treat," says Dr. Spierings. "A product that offers high efficacy with improved tolerability can increase compliance, and ultimately improve treatment outcome."
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