Now Available in Canada: First and Only Triptan Indicated for Migraine Relief in Adolescents

Canada NewsWire

MARKHAM, ON, Sept. 8, 2011

Johnson & Johnson Inc. announced that Health Canada has approved AXERT® (almotriptan malate tablets) for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adolescents, ages 12 to 17.1 With this new indication, Canadian adolescents with migraine pain now have a treatment option available that is well-tolerated and effective at achieving and maintaining pain relief.1, 2 AXERT® has been used effectively in Canadian adults with acute migraine pain since 2003.

The availability of AXERT® represents a new option for the 10 to 15 per cent of Canadian adolescents who suffer from migraines.3,4 A key clinical trial demonstrated that significantly more adolescents achieved two-hour pain relief with AXERT® versus placebo (72.9% of AXERT® 12.5 mg patients and 71.8% of AXERT® 6.25 mg patients achieved pain relief within two hours).1

"Migraine headaches in teenagers are common, disabling and insufficiently treated, which is why it is encouraging to see a treatment option now available that we know has been very beneficial in the adult population," says Dr. Jonathan Gladstone, a neurologist and Director of the Gladstone Headache Clinic in Toronto. "The efficacy of AXERT® along with its well-tolerated side effect profile makes it a welcomed new treatment option for physicians, parents and adolescents."

IMPACT OF MIGRAINES ON DAILY LIFE

Headache is one of the most common health issues in childhood and adolescent years.5 One-third of teenagers experience a headache at least once a week, with more than 30 per cent of those being migraineurs.6 Migraines have a large impact on the daily lives of adolescents and parents. Teens frequently miss school, social events, activities with their families and may be at a heightened risk for psychological disorders, such as anxiety and depression.5 Of school-aged children and adolescents, 10 to 15 per cent report headaches that result in significant functional impairment.5

"There is a general lack of awareness that teens can suffer from migraines and the impairment that the symptoms can cause is often under-appreciated. Accordingly, migraines in the adolescent population are under-diagnosed and under-treated," says Dr. Gladstone. "This new indication for AXERT® represents an important clinical advancement in the treatment of migraines in adolescents. Teenagers have a welcomed new option available for their migraine management and parents can be reassured by the data that supports the effectiveness and safety of AXERT®.



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