   |
|
         
|
Millennium Migraine Awareness Month Underscores Need for Treatment OptionsMigraine Sufferers May Benefit From Preventive TreatmentABBOTT PARK, Ill., Jan. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Migraine headaches are disabling and can make the new year anything but happy for sufferers. During Migraine Awareness Month in January, attention is being drawn to this devastating disease in hopes of raising public awareness and providing education about available treatment options such as preventive therapy. "January can be a particularly painful time of year for migraineurs. Disrupted sleep patterns, changes in climate and altitude associated with travel, and also common seasonal indulgences containing alcohol and preservatives such as nitrates often trigger attacks," said Michael John Coleman, executive director of MAGNUM, the National Migraine Association. "Appropriate diagnosis and treatment are essential." Patients who suffer fewer than two migraines per month may benefit from acute medications, taken after the onset of migraine to reduce or eliminate pain and related symptoms. However, acute therapy is just one piece of the "treatment puzzle." For migraineurs who suffer four or more migraines per month, or those whose attacks are debilitating and last three or more days each month, preventive (prophylactic) therapy should be considered. In contrast to acute therapies, preventive medications, such as Depakote(R) (divalproex sodium) tablets, are taken daily to reduce the frequency of migraine headaches. |
|
"For nearly four years, I suffered from painful migraines. Many of the things people take for granted -- like enjoying family activities, having dinner with friends, traveling -- even going to work -- were nearly impossible when my schedule revolved around my headaches," explained migraineur, Ellen Savage. "After trying different medications and finding little relief, my doctor prescribed Depakote to prevent my migraines." For Ellen Savage and others like her, Depakote (divalproex sodium) has been proven effective for migraine prevention. In clinical trials, Depakote significantly reduced mean four-week headache rates. In addition, up to 48 percent of all Depakote users reduced their migraine frequency by half. Depakote is generally well-tolerated and offers convenient dosing. Most frequent adverse events reported by patients receiving Depakote were nausea, dyspepsia, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness and fatigue, sleepiness and dizziness. Events leading to discontinuation included hair loss, nausea, vomiting, weight gain and tremors. Other safety considerations include hepatic failure, which has resulted in fatalities in patients receiving valproic acid and its derivatives, usually in the first six months of treatment. Valproic acid can produce teratogenic effects in the offspring of women receiving the drug during pregnancy. Safety and effectiveness of Depakote for migraine prevention in patients over 65 has not been studied. Full prescribing information is available from your pharmacist or physician. Divalproex sodium is a derivative of valproic acid. The use of Depakote tablets for migraine prophylaxis in women of childbearing potential requires that the benefits of its use be weighed against the risk of injury to the fetus. A patient information leaflet regarding the use of Depakote in migraine patients who could become pregnant is available. "Migraine is a terrible disease that may affect sufferers' abilities to function normally at home and work," explained John Rothrock, M.D., professor of neurology, and director of the Jefferson Headache Center, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. "For millions of people whose activities are affected by frequent attacks, a preventive treatment can help reduce the frequency of migraines." A migraine is not an ordinary headache. Characterized by recurrent attacks of headaches, with pain on one or both sides of the head, migraines often are preceded or accompanied by other symptoms, such as heightened sensitivity to light and/or noise, nausea and vomiting. Although the exact cause of migraines is not known, certain triggers are dietary, environmental, psychological or hormonal in nature. Though migraines affect an estimated 26 million people in the United States -- 11 million of whom endure moderate to severe headaches that are disabling -- it remains poorly understood. Estimates of the negative economic impact of migraine in the United States alone range from $1 to $17 billion annually. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) is committed to research and development of treatments for neurological disorders. Abbott is a global, diversified health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceutical, diagnostic, nutritional and hospital products. The company employs 56,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries. Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's Web site at www.abbott.com . Full prescribing information available upon request. Contact: Jennifer Smoter, 847-935-8865, or Tina Brookhouse, 847-935-9390, both of Abbott Laboratories |
|