Topical cream for migraine

A topical cream seems to be effective in treating migraine headaches. Achelios Therapeutics announced results from a Phase IIa placebo-controlled clinical trial in moderate and severe migraine sufferers treated with Topofen, the company’s proprietary topical anti-migraine therapy. This is a well-known non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ketoprofen, which is applied to the face and seems to provide relief for patients suffering from acute migraine.

The results of the clinical trial were presented at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting in Washington, D.C. Surprisingly, this study showed that it may be possible to relieve severe migraine with a topical application to facial nerve endings. Topical application avoids potentially serious side effects of NSAIDs, such as stomach bleeding and ulcers. The randomized, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involved only 48 adults with a history of episodic migraine with and without aura. Of the severe migraine patients, 77 percent experienced relief of pain and migraine-associated symptoms and 45 percent had sustained pain relief from two to 24 hours compared to 15 percent on placebo. Also, 50 percent of patients who treated their severe pain with Topofen were pain free at 24 hours compared to 25 percent of placebo-treated patients. Some patients experienced application-site irritation, which was mild or moderate in severity. That was the only reported side effect, which resolved quickly.

Such a small study does not prove that this treatment is in fact effective. A typical drug trial required for an FDA approval usually involves hundreds of patients. However, you do not need to wait for this cream to appear on the market because there are creams containing an NSAID already available by prescription (Voltaren Gel) and over-the-counter (Aspercreme). It is possible that the cream tested in the study may be better because it is a different NSAID, but Voltaren Gel is already approved and you can ask your doctor for a prescription. It is possible that insurance companies will not pay for it since it is not approved for migraines. A tube of Voltaren Gel will cost you about $55 (go to GoodRx.com to get the lowest price).