Introduction of a novel self-injector for sumatriptan. A controlled clinical trial in general practice

Abstract

A novel self-injector for the administration of subcutaneous sumatriptan in the treatment of migraine attacks was tested in 138 patients recruited by family physicians in Denmark: 108 patients completed the initial double-blind, crossover part of the study. Sumatriptan 6 mg s.c. was significantly better than placebo at 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after injection in relieving moderate or severe headache to mild or none as well as relieving any headache to none. At 60 min after injection, the treatment response rate was 61% for sumatriptan and 6% for placebo. During the following open-phase trial of four attacks treated with sumatriptan, treatment response rates were 68-74%. During the total of 538 attacks treated, 12 attempts at using the self-injector failed. In the double-blind and open phases, 81% and 90% of patients respectively found the device easy or very easy to use. Adverse effects were benign and short-lasting, but led seven patients to discontinue the study. In conclusion, subcutaneous sumatriptan administered with a novel self-injector is an effective treatment for migraine compared to placebo in patients treated by their family physician.