Abstract

AREST Migraine (An Evaluation of Riboflavin 200mg + Magnesium 200 combination Efficacy and Safety in Migraine Headache)

Author(s): Harmohan Sahoo, Anand G Diwan and Manjusha Patanka

Background: Migraine is a common cause of recurrent headaches. Although drugs for prophylaxis of migraine are effective in reducing the frequency and severity of migraine headaches, less than 13% of patients take prophylactic medications. Often, adverse drug reactions lower the adherence of patients to prophylactic therapies. Riboflavin and magnesium have been demonstrated to be effective agents for prophylaxis of migraine.

Methodology: 69 neurologists from across India participated in the study. 699 patients diagnosed with migraine were enrolled in the study. Patients were treated with the combination of Riboflavin 200 mg and Magnesium 200 (One tablet twice a day) for duration of 3 months. The primary endpoint was a reduction in migraine headache frequency per month as per the diary reviewed at follow-up. The secondary endpoint was a reduction in pain intensity as per headache severity score (Wong-Baker Faces Rating Scale) at end of treatment as compared to baseline. The safety of the treatment was assessed by the adverse events reported by the patients during the study.

Results: The mean duration of migraine was 14.29 months ± 16.48 months. A 3-fold reduction in frequency and pain intensity of migraine was observed after treatment with the combination of magnesium, and riboflavin. 96% of physicians rated the efficacy of the combination of magnesium, and riboflavin treatment as Excellent to good

Conclusion: The need for prophylactic therapy for migraine is increasing since migraine adversely affects work-life balance in patients. Current evidence proves the efficacy and safety of the combination of magnesium and riboflavin in reducing the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. The fixed dose formulation of magnesium and riboflavin has a definite place in the prevention of migraine in the real-world setting.