Axert FDA Approved For Adolescents.

Almotriptan, better known as Axert and Almogran, is one of eight triptan medications developed to abort a Migraine attack in adults. Until now, there has not been an FDA approved Migraine abortive treatment for adolescents under the age of 18.

This week there was exciting news: the FDA approved Axert for episodic Migraine treatment in adolescents, ages 12- to 17-years-old.

Migraine is a genetic neurological disease thought to be caused by overactive neurons in our brains and genetics. Triptans such as Axert are selective serotonin receptor agonists, each working on different combinations of serotonin receptors helping to stop the Migrainous process by slowing the pain process, reducing the vascular changes that may come with a Migraine attack, and reducing inflammation.

Between 4 and 10% of adolescents have Migraine disease. Our article Adolescent Migraine has more information that may be helpful. Not having any abortive medication approved for adolescents has been problematic. Finally, we have a Migraine abortive we can add to our teens' "toolbox."

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Sources:

Press Release. "Almotriptan (Axert®/Almogran®) approved by the FDA for the treatment of migraine in adolescents." Barcelona. Almirall. June 3, 2009.

Rucinski, Tracy. "Almirall gets FDA approval for migraine drug." Reuters. June 3, 2009.

© Nancy H. Bonk, 2009.

Last updated June 7, 2009.