EHMTI-0277. Monitoring the use of symptomatic drugs in headache patients: a 6 month follow-up

Abstract

Headache is an extremely common neurological problem. Italy is the first European country for OTC consumption with related problems of self-medication and risk of medication overuse headache (MOH). Aimto monitor the consumption of symptomatic drugs for headache and to prevent drugs abuse/dependence. Materials and methods274 patients using symptomatic drug for headache were recruited in 32 pharmacies in the Pavia Health District. A telephonic interview was carried out in 199 patients; 179 entered the study at baseline (T0) and 112 (22 M and 90 F, mean age 45.0 ± 11.5 yrs.) were followed-up at 6 months (T6).Results patients with chronic migraine or MOH at T0 were 39 and 7 at T6. Days/month with headache at T6 vs T0 were 4.3 ± 0.6 vs 9.7 ± 0.8 (p < 0.0001). Attacks/month at T6 vs T0 were slightly reduced (1.9 ± 0.2 vs 7.6 ± 0.8 p = 0.09). A significant decrease of the doses of analgesics consumption/month was noted (T6 = 13.2 ± 1.2 vs T0 = 17.0 ± 2.2, p = 0.013). An increase in quality of life was found on MIDAS scores at T6 vs T0 (13.4 ± 1.8 vs 23.7 ± 2.5; p = 0.00) and in the quality of treatment received (HURT)(5.6 ± 0.4 vs 9.9 ± 0.5; p = 0.00). ConclusionsOur results highlight that the change from self medication to medical care may reduce the numbers of symptomatic treatment, the headache days/ month and ameliorate the quality of life in patients with headache. A longer follow-up (i.e. 12 month) may provide further evidence on improvement of the clinical picture of headache patients and prevention of MOH.No conflict of interest. AcknowledgmentsResearch grant from the Italian Ministry of Health (2013) to IRCCS C. Mondino.