Migraine is characterised by recurrent episodes of
head pain, often accompanied by other symptoms, such as
nausea and
vomiting. In addition to
migraine impairing a patient's ability to function normally during an attack, fear of the next attack can detract from quality of life between attacks. Of those migraineurs who consult a physician for
headache, the minority are prescribed
migraine-specific
triptans and many are dissatisfied with current
therapy. Clinical trials have shown that
triptans are capable of providing rapid and effective relief of
headache pain, which is what patients primarily desire from acute
migraine therapies. Patients generally prefer to administer acute
migraine therapies orally, but conventional
tablets do not suit all patients and situations. Some patients dislike swallowing
tablets,
nausea can make swallowing difficult and can be exacerbated by fluid intake, and attacks can easily strike when fluids are not readily available, especially as many young migraineurs lead busy, active lives. Patients need a treatment that enables any
migraine attack to be treated promptly and effectively in any given situation.
Tablets that dissolve rapidly on the tongue without a requirement for extra fluid intake are a popular alternative to conventional
tablets, allowing discreet, convenient and early treatment of
migraine anywhere and anytime it strikes. Several
triptans are currently on the market in conventional
tablet form, but some are available in other formulations, such as orally disintegrating
tablets or
nasal sprays, making it possible to prescribe rapidly effective
migraine treatments in formulations that suit individual patient preferences, lifestyles and attack characteristics.