Adherence to migraine treatment does not depend on the number of prescribed medications

Abstract

ObjectiveTo compare the adherence between monotherapy and politherapy in prophylactic migraine treatment.MethodFive hundred consecutive patients with migraine from a tertiary center were retrospectively studied as to the number of preventive medications prescribed during the first visit. Adherence, defined as returning for the next consultation after 4 to 6 weeks and following the prescribed regimens, were also evaluated and compared between patients.Results71.8% were women, and 6% of the patients did not receive any preventive medication, 11.4% received one drug, 22.2% two drugs, 41.4% three drugs, and 19% four drugs for the prevention of migraine. The overall adherence was 79.6%. Respectively, 73.7, 71.8, 82.6 and 86.3% of those who received the prescription of one, two, three and four drugs returned, complying with the treatment.ConclusionThere is no difference in adherence to monotherapy or politherapy (one to four drugs) for the prophylaxis of migraine.