Migraine sufferers get relief
Saturday, 20 May 2006 11:15
Migraine sufferers get relief
Health In Focus
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Migraine sufferers will soon be able to get relief through their pharmacy, without a prescription.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved a drug made by GlaxoSmithKline to treat migraines, for over-the-counter sales.
Imigran Recover, will be the first migraine drug available without prescription in the UK to treat the cause of migraine attacks, rather than the symptoms. It will become widely available in June.
The news will come as relief to around 15 per cent of the population who are believed to suffer from migraine attacks, which can last for up to three days.
Professor Kent Woods, chief executive of the MHRA, said: "The ability to buy these medicines in a pharmacy under carefully controlled conditions will enable patients to get treatment straight away and will reduce the burden of migraine."
Mr Woods said that tripitans, types of drugs that treat the cause of migraines, should be taken as early as possible and having the drug available over the counter will help patients treat their migraines as early as possible, without having to wait for a doctor's appointment or keep prescriptions at hand.
The Migraine Association welcomed the news. "It gives patients more flexibility in how they want to manage their migraines," said director Ann Turner.
