There’s relief in store for migraine sufferers.
The first acute migraine relief medication for over-the-counter availability has been approved by the TGA.
Rizatriptan 5mg wafer blister packs (Maxalt Migraine Relief; Organon) will be available for patients with “a stable, well-established pattern of migraine symptoms”.
The 5mg dosage is the first of Organon’s suite of migraine medications to meet the Schedule 3 restrictions for dosage, strength, pack size and indications. Their other rizaptriptan products remain as S4 medications, requiring a prescription, and are indicated for “the acute treatment of migraine attacks, with or without aura”.
Rizatriptan is a selective serotonin receptor agonist which works by narrowing blood vessels in the brain, stopping pain signals from being sent to the brain, and blocking the release of substances that cause pain, nausea, and other symptoms of migraine. Dizziness, drowsiness and nausea are listed as possible side-effects.
Apart from Organon, other sponsors include Arrotex, Generic Health, Generic Partners, Medicianz Healthcare, and Medis Pharma.
