New Fixed-Dose Combination therapy Offers Novel Approach to Acute Migraine Management, Highlighting Pharmacist‘s Critical Role
A new fixed-dose combination of meloxicam and rizatriptan (Symbravo; axsome Therapeutics) recently approved for acute migraine in adults is poised to reshape treatment protocols and underscores the expanding role of pharmacists in optimizing patient care. The therapy’s unique formulation,utilizing MoSEIC technology for enhanced absorption and preventing component substitution,demands pharmacist expertise in guiding safe and effective use.
migraine affects millions, substantially impacting quality of life and productivity. Existing treatments frequently enough require patients to take multiple medications, potentially leading to adherence challenges and suboptimal outcomes. Symbravo offers a multi-mechanistic approach with standardized dosing, addressing a critical unmet need. Pharmacists are now central to ensuring appropriate utilization, preventing medication overuse headache, and connecting patients with specialized resources when necessary.
Shivang Joshi, MD, MPH, PRh, FAHS, director of Headache Medicine and Clinical Research at Community Neuroscience Services and assistant professor of neurology at UMass Chan medical School, discussed the clinical rationale and pharmacy implications of Symbravo in a recent Pharmacy Times® Pharmacy Focus podcast. Joshi emphasized the benefits of the fixed-dose tablet over prescribing meloxicam and rizatriptan separately.
Key counseling points for pharmacists, as outlined by Joshi, include advising patients to administer Symbravo early in the migraine attack and to limit use to no more than 2 to 3 days per week to mitigate the risk of medication overuse headache. Complete assessment of contraindications to both NSAIDs and triptans – such as uncontrolled hypertension,cardiovascular disease,or a history of gastrointestinal ulcers – is also crucial.
Joshi highlighted the pharmacist’s pivotal role in recognizing unmet patient needs,guiding appropriate therapy,and providing access to credible educational resources or headache specialists.
readers can connect with Shivang Joshi on LinkedIn here.
