Treatment of migraine in Canada with naratriptan: A cost-effectiveness analysis

Objective.-To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of naratriptan for the treatm ent of migraine in Canada. Background.-The substantial disability brought on by migraine, coupled with the high prevalence of this disorder, leads to substantial costs. Naratrip tan is a newly developed triptan shown to be effective in the treatment of migraine. Methods.-Monte Carlo modeling techniques were used to simulate the experien ce of Canadian migraineurs over the course of I year, Data from a multinati onal study comparing oral naratriptan 2.5 mg to customary therapies were us ed in the cost-effectiveness analysis. Results.-Naratriptan leads to an annual reduction in symptom duration of 22 5 hours compared to customary therapy not including other triptans, Reducti ons in lost productivity yield savings of Can $390 (1998 Canadian dollars) relative to customary therapy, which exceed the increase in drug costs resu lting in overall savings of Can $109 per year. Conclusions.-The use of naratriptan in the treatment of migraine is an econ omically attractive option, leading to savings in overall costs. increases in drug costs seem acceptable in light of reductions in symptom duration.