New migraine drug recommended for NHS use

Written by David Fletcher 11 Apr 2024
New migraine drug recommended for NHS use

Atogepant, an oral medication for preventing chronic and episodic migraines, may soon be accessible via the NHS in England. This treatment, poised to benefit up to 170,000 people, is especially for those unresponsive to other medications or unable to take injections. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends it for patients who have tried and found no relief with three different medications. Clinical trials have shown its effectiveness in some adults. Migraines, often marked by severe pain, dizziness, and light sensitivity, can last several days. Atogepant is meant for daily use to prevent both chronic (over 15 times a month) and episodic (4-15 times a month) migraines. Initially, it will be prescribed by specialists in secondary care. The Migraine Trust has welcomed this development but stressed the need for swift access, citing past difficulties in accessing new treatments due to limited awareness among doctors and long specialist waiting lists.

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