On October 11, 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a new acute, short-term treatment for patients with migraine.
Eli Lilly’s Reyvow (lasmiditan) tablets have been approved for patients suffering from migraines, who may or may not experience visual or sensory disturbances called aura. These oral tablets are meant for the acute treatment of this condition, and its effectiveness was shown through its randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Among the 3,177 participants, the percentage of patients who experienced relief from the most “bothersome” migraine symptoms was greater for those using the treatment compared to those on placebo.
Nick Kozauer, MD, the FDA’s deputy director of the division of neurology products, has stated the following about Reyvow’s approval: “Reyvow is a new option for the acute treatment of migraine, a painful condition that affects one in seven Americans… We know that the migraine community is keenly interested in additional treatment options, and we remain committed to continuing to work with stakeholders to promote the development of new therapies for the acute and preventive treatment of migraine.”
Nurses and other healthcare providers should be aware of Reyvow’s risks and potential adverse events, including central nervous system (CNS) depression, dizziness, fatigue, and paresthesia. Patients should be advised to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for up to 8 hours after taking the medication and they should avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants.
Please read more about the approval here.
