Neural Regeneration Research ›› 2020, Vol. 15 ›› Issue (7): 1340-1343.doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.272630

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Pattern of triptans use: a retrospective prescription study in Calabria, Italy

Damiana Scuteri1 , Annagrazia Adornetto1 , Laura Rombolà1 , Maria Diana Naturale2 , Adele Emanuela De Francesco3 , Stefania Esposito3 , Mariacristina Zito3 , Luigi Antonio Morrone1 , Giacinto Bagetta1, * , Paolo Tonin4, #, Maria Tiziana Corasaniti2, 5, #   

  1. 1 Preclinical and Translational Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Health Science and Nutrition, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy 2 School of Hospital Pharmacy, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy 3 Pharmacy Unit, “Mater Domini” University Hospital, Catanzaro, Italy 4 Regional Center for Serious Brain Injuries, S. Anna Institute, Crotone, Italy 5 Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
  • Online:2020-07-15 Published:2020-09-15
  • Contact: Giacinto Bagetta, MD, g.bagetta@unical.it or giacinto.bagetta@unical.it.
  • Supported by:
    DS is a post-doc recipient of a research grant salary in the frame of a research project (Tutor: Prof. Giacinto Bagetta) on “Pharmacoepidemiology of drugs used in the treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms and pain in aged (over 65) people with dementia” funded by Calabria Region “POR Calabria FESR-FSE 2014/2020 - Linea B) Azione 10.5.12.

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Abstract: Triptans are 5-hydroxytryptamine 1B/1D receptor agonists used in moderate to severe migraine attacks as first line when non-specific, symptomatic, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are not effective. To gain insight in the treatment of migraine in the regional context, this retrospective (from January to August of the years 2017 and 2018) study aimed at monitoring the use of triptans approved by the regional health authority in Calabria. The data demonstrate that the overall treatment of migraine with triptans in the different provinces of Calabria falls in the average regional prescription/dispensation. Interestingly, Crotone showed a trend to an increased amount of defined daily dose/1000 inhabitants per day. The present analysis might stand for homogeneity of treatment of migraineurs in Calabria and highlights the need for better understanding the apparent differences in the local pattern of almotriptan use to improve the appropriateness.

Key words: 5-HT 1B/1D receptor agonists, almotriptan, Calabria, DDD/1000 inhabitants per day, migraine, pharmacoepidemiology, pharmacology of migraine, prescriptions, treatment, triptans