17 August 2008
Media release
New treatment option for persistent migraines
People having trouble controlling persistent migraines will have a new treatment option from 1 September.
PHARMAC is widening access to topiramate (Topamax), an existing funded treatment for epilepsy, so that it can also be
used to prevent migraines. This is the second new treatment option for migraine sufferers that PHARMAC has provided this
year.
The widening of access to topiramate means it will also now be funded as a first-line treatment for epilepsy.
PHARMAC’s Acting Medical Director Dr Dilky Rasiah says that, with the relatively large number of treatments available
for people with migraines, and the drug’s side-effects, topiramate is likely to be used a “last resort” for people with
migraines.
“People who have experienced migraines know just how debilitating these can be, and people respond differently to
different treatments,” she says. “What we have seen is that topiramate can cut back the recurrence of migraines by about
45% on average.
“To a non-migraine sufferer that may not seem a lot, but these are people who can suffer migraines frequently and know
just how severe it can be.”
Dr Rasiah says it’s difficult to estimate the number of people who will be prescribed topiramate as a result of the
decision, but estimates show about 2700 people will be treated with topiramate (epilepsy and migraine) this year, rising
to 4700 by 2011.
ENDS