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  • Title: The impact of an over-the-counter migraine medication program on quality of life.
    Author: Burk CT, Gilderman A, Salas J, Berenbeim D, Nichol MB.
    Journal: Headache; 2003 Mar; 43(3):191-201. PubMed ID: 12603637.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to assess the health-related quality of life of patients treated with samples of an over-the-counter migraine medication. BACKGROUND: Population-based epidemiologic studies have reported that over 90% of an estimated 28 million migraine sufferers in the United States use both prescription and nonprescription medications for their migraine headaches, with 60% taking over-the-counter medications exclusively. Despite the widespread use of nonprescription drugs, no published literature to date has assessed migraineurs' health-related quality of life associated with use of over-the-counter headache medication. METHODS: This prospective and observational study evaluated the impact on health-related quality of life of patients from a managed care organization who were diagnosed with migraine and prescribed migraine medications. Patients were enrolled from four different medical groups and were requested to complete health-related quality-of-life questionnaires 2 and 4 months after they were provided with educational materials on migraine and samples of an over-the-counter migraine medication containing a combination of acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. RESULTS: A total of 99 patients who chose an over-the-counter medication as their initial treatment for acute migraine occurring over the ensuing 4 months completed a baseline Short-Form 36, a validated and reliable general health status questionnaire. They then were retested at months 2 and 4. Results demonstrated significant improvements at months 2 and months 4 in one to four of the health-related quality-of-life dimensions measured relative to scores recorded before the patients were given access to the over-the-counter medication (P <.05). In addition, patients who initially took an over-the-counter medication to treat their migraine headaches reported increased frequency of relief. CONCLUSION: In the 4 months following availability of an over-the-counter migraine medication and educational migraine materials, health-related quality of life and frequency of relief improved for the managed care migraine sufferers who participated in this study.
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