Barriers to Treatment

Possible Barriers to Early Treatment

All triptans can be more effective when taken early on during a migraine attack. However, patients may delay taking their migraine medication for a number of reasons, especially if their headaches strike during the day. Click on the possible barriers below to see how you can help your patients overcome them.

Is it really a migraine?See how you can helpClose

Many times, patients may wait until their headache pain becomes moderate or severe before taking their migraine medication-just to be sure it really is a migraine. Since early treatment is associated with improved outcomes in triptan therapy, encourage your patients to keep a headache diary to become familiar with their symptoms, so they can treat at the earliest onset of a migraine attack. With a proven tolerability and efficacy profile, AXERT may be the option your patients need to treat their migraines earlier.

Concerns about Side EffectsSee how you can helpClose

In a survey of 1,160 migraineurs, concerns about adverse events led to a delay in taking medication in 37% of treated episodes. Feeling sleepy/tired was the most common and most bothersome side effect reported by a subset of triptan users who completed the survey.* This can be particularly problematic for patients who experience migraines especially during the day when they need to be more productive. Minimal side effects may give AXERT patients the confidence to treat early, which could result in improved outcomes.

* Gallagher RM, Kunkel R. Migraine medication attributes important for patient compliance: concerns about side effects may delay treatment. Headache. 2003;43:36-43.

CostSee how you can helpClose

In a survey of 1,160 migraineurs, 11% reported not filling a migraine medication prescription at some point. One of the major reasons was high costs (33%). The AXERT AXESS card can help your patients save up to $25 per prescription at the pharmacy. And with a proven efficacy and tolerability profile, AXERT may be an effective solution.

Insurance CoverageSee how you can helpClose

Because of the limitations on pill quantity and reimbursements imposed by insurance companies and other healthcare organizations, patients may hesitate to use a triptan when pain is mild.* With the AXERT AXESS card, your patients can save up to $25 per prescription for up to 6 refills. AXERT tablets also come in a convenient 12-pack, so patients may treat their migraines earlier with less concern over quantity and cost.

* Dowson AJ, Mathew NT, Pascual J. Review of clinical trials using early acute intervention with oral triptans for migraine management. Int J Clin Pract. 2006;60,6:698-706.

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