We need newer preventives;
…none are all that close, unfortunately. Cambia is a powdered (mix in water) form of diclofenac (an nsaid, like ibuprofen), gets into the system pretty fast.
Sumavel is a nice, needle free injection of sumatriptan (Imitrex), very fast and effective, and convenient.
Levadex may within weeks of launching, it is an inhaled form of DHE (safe drug, DHE has been out since 1945 with fairly few side effects). This form, inhaled thru the lungs, is entirely new; however, a number of years ago we did have the ergotamine medihaler, dergotamine inhaled, but they stopped marketing that form.
As far as preventives, topiramate (Topamax) was the last one, maybe 12 years ago, and Botox Nov. of 2010…Merck was working on (Phase 3 studies) a new CGRP antagonist, looked decent, but they shelved it due to liver concerns. That was very disappointing. Will keep you apprised of any new developments, such as the occipital stimulator that you will have at home, like a cap, put it on for a minute and the headache goes away (actually looks good in studies)..or the newer skin patch of sumatriptan from NuPathe Pharm…very interesting delivery system, with a cathode and anode (battery system) on the skin.
For comments, doclarryrobbins@aol.com, also I will address coments in this blog….