Millions of migraine sufferers have been offered fresh hope after researchers claimed that a treatment for the condition is as existing drugs but with fewer side effects.
In the journal Lancet, researchers have reported that they have found that drug telcagepant is as effective at treating the crippling pain associated with a migraine attack as more traditional medicines currently used by millions worldwide, but has fewer side effects.
Advertisement
Migraine is caused by an "oversensitive" brain, which reacts to triggers such as fatigue, hunger, stress or the weather with a throbbing, one-sided headache, often accompanied by nausea and visual disturbances. It affects three times more women than men.
Telcagepant is a rescue treatment that interrupts the sequence of chemical reactions in the brain that cause the migraine at a different point from existing drugs, reports the Independent.
![Headache / Cephalgia]( "Headache / Cephalgia")
A headache literally means 'pain in the head'. It is a common complaint that may occur frequently in some
In a randomised study of 1,380 people with moderate or severe migraine telcagepant was as effective as zolmitriptan, the most commonly used triptan, and was associated with fewer adverse effects, Dr Tony Ho of Merck Research Laboratories in Philadelphia said in the report.
The main advantage of telcagepant was reduced side effects. Triptans can cause a tight chest and throat, dizziness, numbness of skin and is thought to have a potential constricting effect on the blood vessels. As a result, patients with heart disease and high blood pressure are advised not to take it.
Telcagepant does not appear to have the same vasoconstricting (blood vessel narrowing) properties, but heart patients were excluded from the trial.
Source: ANI
LIN
Headache / Cephalgia
A headache literally means 'pain in the head'. It is a common complaint that may occur frequently in some
Advertisement
In a randomised study of 1,380 people with moderate or severe migraine telcagepant was as effective as zolmitriptan, the most commonly used triptan, and was associated with fewer adverse effects, Dr Tony Ho of Merck Research Laboratories in Philadelphia said in the report.
The main advantage of telcagepant was reduced side effects. Triptans can cause a tight chest and throat, dizziness, numbness of skin and is thought to have a potential constricting effect on the blood vessels. As a result, patients with heart disease and high blood pressure are advised not to take it.
Telcagepant does not appear to have the same vasoconstricting (blood vessel narrowing) properties, but heart patients were excluded from the trial.
Source: ANI
LIN
Promising New Migraine Drug
Scientists have revealed the prospects of a novel anti-migraine drug which promises to be better than the prevailing treatments and with fewer side effects
Advertisement
 Botox may Cure Migraines as WellBotox maker Allergan Inc has revealed that late-stage clinical trials show the cosmetic wonder may treat chronic migraines as well. | Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Readings
Latest Drug News
Amoxicillin-clavulanate use in acute sinusitis patients is associated with a higher incidence of adverse events.
Professionals advocate for enhanced education of patients and caregivers, and creation of more effective child-resistant systems for monitoring ADHD medication.
In June, WHO raised concerns about 7 Indian cough syrups after complaints from several countries about contamination and health issues.
Women using hormonal contraception, along with their healthcare providers, should explore alternative pain relief options instead of NSAIDs.
The recently created assay identifies antipsychotic drugs present in sweat.
