An economic evaluation of triptan products for migraine.

Objective: A composite outcome measure in migraine treatment assessment is useful to clinical decision-makers and payers as it can provide a more accurate reflection of effectiveness and allows for more complete modeling of economic value. The objective of this study was to compare the total triptan cost to treat 100 migraine patient attacks and the cost per successfully treated patient (CPSTP) for six marketed triptans using a composite measure of effectiveness, the "successfully treated" migraine (defined as requiring only one triptan dose to treat one migraine attack during a 24-h period).

Methods: This analysis was conducted from the perspective of the payer.

Economic and patient-reported outcomes of oral triptans in the treatment of migraine.

Migraine places a tremendous burden on patients, employers, the healthcare system and society. Triptans often effectively reduce pain and suffering caused by migraine and return patients to their typical routine. Seven triptans are marketed in the USA, and prescribers and payers need information to compare their effectiveness and value.

Functional Assessment in Migraine (FAIM) questionnaire: development of an instrument based upon the WHO's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health.

Objective: The goal of this project was to develop a migraine functional measurement instrument, derived from the World Health Organization International Classification of Impairments, Disabilities, and Handicaps version 2 classification system, which focuses on functional outcomes, and is both reliable and valid.

Methods: The Functional Assessment in Migraine (FAIM) questionnaire was developed using a multistep approach to ensure the brevity, relevance, reliability, and validity of items. A test set of 71 Mental Functioning and 50 Activity and Participation items was generated and administered to migraineurs in the United States and Germany.

Triptans for migraine therapy: a comparison based on number needed to treat and doses needed to treat.

Objective: Managed care and other decision makers need sound comparative information to support the formulary selection process and reimbursement decisions for the treatment of migraine. The objective of this study was to compare currently marketed triptan therapies using number-needed-to-treat (NNT) and doses-needed-to-treat (DNT) measures. DNT was further used to derive triptan treatment cost to achieve 100 successfully treated patients such that the cost-effectiveness of each treatment regime could be compared from the payer perspective.