I heard that the FDA was going to approve Botox for migraines this year.
I heard that the FDA was going to approve Botox for migraines this year. Is there truth to that rumor? Any predication on when?
It worked well for me several years ago. The insurance ompany paid for it several times before denying it. They deemed it experimental. I have tried virtually everything preventative for my 12-18 migraines/month. The last one on the list - calcium channel blocker - is next. If that doesn't work I plan to advocate for insurance coverage because I am out of options. (I even tried accupunture!).
Does anyone have knowledge of situations where people have appealed their insurnace company's denial of Botox for migraine and prevailed?
Thanks.
Hi eliz,
I am not aware the FDA approving Botox for Migraine treatment. We will certainly let you know when that happens.
It's difficult when insurance companies won't pay for a treatment because it's "not proven" or not FDA approved for Migraine. Some people here have had some luck with calling them and asking if them if they mean they won't pay because it's not FDA approved. If they say yes, you can always ask them if they can tell you whether or not they'll pay for some of the medications you've been considering. If they will, ask them about verapamil, amitriptyline, and gabapentin. Chance are, they'll tell you they'll pay for all of them. If they do, you can then ask them what the difference is between those medications and botox. None of those medications are FDA approved for Migraine, but I've never known an insurance company do deny any of them. Maybe worth a try.
If you'd like to talk with other Migraineurs and see how they have made out with Botox, come join our discussion forum. You'll need to register again once there because it's a separate membership database, but you can use the same member name, email address, and password that you used here. You can find our forum at http://forums.healthcentral.com/discussion/migraine/forums.
Good luck
Nancy
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Eliz,
We know that clinical trials of Botox for Migraine prevention have been ongoing. Maybe there will be an FDA approval this year, but we just don't know.
In the meantime, I know how easy it is to feel as if you've tried everything out there, but there are so many medications that can be used for Migraine and headache prevention that it's literally impossible. You can find a list of potential Migraine and headache preventives in Migraine preventive medications - too many options to give up!
Good luck,
Teri
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