Short-term frovatriptan for the prevention of difficult-to-treat menstrual migraine attacks

Cephalalgia. 2009 Nov;29(11):1133-48. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2982.2009.01840.x.

Abstract

The efficacy of a 6-day regimen of frovatriptan for menstrual migraine (MM; attacks starting on day -2 to +3 of menses) prevention in women with difficult-to-treat MM was assessed. Women with a documented inadequate response to triptans for acute MM treatment were included in this placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial. Women were randomized to double-blind treatment for three perimenstrual periods (PMPs) with either frovatriptan 2.5 mg (q.d. or b.i.d.) or placebo initiated 2 days before anticipated MM. The efficacy analysis included 410 women with 85% completing three double-blind PMPs. The mean number of headache-free PMPs was 0.92 with frovatriptan b.i.d., 0.69 with frovatriptan q.d. and 0.42 with placebo [P < 0.001 (b.i.d.) and P < 0.02 (q.d.) vs. placebo]. When migraine occurred, severity was reduced with frovatriptan q.d. (P < 0.001) and b.i.d. (P < 0.001) vs. placebo. Both frovatriptan regimens were well tolerated. In women with difficult-to-treat MM, a 6-day regimen of frovatriptan significantly reduced MM incidence and severity.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase III
  • Historical Article
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Carbazoles / therapeutic use*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • History, 16th Century
  • Humans
  • Menstruation*
  • Middle Aged
  • Migraine Disorders / etiology
  • Migraine Disorders / prevention & control*
  • Serotonin Receptor Agonists / therapeutic use*
  • Tryptamines / therapeutic use*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Carbazoles
  • Serotonin Receptor Agonists
  • Tryptamines
  • frovatriptan