Antimigraine drug consumption in Spain (1990-2000)

Objectives - New marketed antimigraine drugs (triptans) are promising in the management of migraine pain. The impact of these new drugs on the overall consumption of the antimigraine drugs merits an analysis. Material and methods - The package units of antimigraine drugs, sold and reimbursed by the Spanish National Health System, are used for estimations. Data are presented as defined daily doses per 10,000 inhabitants/day. Results - During the 1990-2000 period, antimigraine drug utilization as a whole decreased by more than 25%; triptan use increased while ergot alkaloids' declined. Conclusions - The pattern of antimigraine drug utilization in Spain has changed noticeably in accordance with recent recommendations.