UK OTC triptans market dominated by Imigran Recovery with a 100% value share

The UK OTC triptans market increased by 19% in current value terms to reach a value of £7 million in 2012.

Consumers continued to suffer from rising anxiety and stress levels, caused by concerns over their jobs and financial security, resulting in an increase in migraines and headaches in general.

Some patients with mild migraines respond well to over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers, particularly if they take a full dose of the medicine at the very first sign of an attack.

Triptans are a family of tryptamine-based drugs used as abortive medication in the treatment of migraines and cluster headaches. They were first introduced in the 1990s. While effective at treating individual headaches, they do not provide preventative treatment and are not considered a cure.

They are the most important migraine drugs currently available. They help maintain serotonin levels in the brain, and so specifically target one of the major components in the migraine process.

The problem with OTC access to triptans is medication overuse; therefore, patients should be warned of this and advised to use a triptan on fewer than 10 days per month.

Pharmacists should be educated regarding migraine types and symptoms and on contraindications to triptans, so they are then able to discern the patients who should receive triptans and, as importantly, those who should not.

In 2012, Imigran Recovery was the only treatment available in the UK OTC triptans market for the treatment of migraines, and therefore held a 100% value share, with sales of £7 million. The Imigran Recovery brand was purchased by Forest Laboratories UK from GlaxoSmithKline in July 2011.

Over the next five years, the UK OTC triptans market has been forecast to experience a decreased growth rate, recording a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3% in constant value terms. Growth is expected, as consumers are likely to continue to suffer as their lifestyles remain quite stressful.

For more information on the UK OTC triptans market, see the latest research: UK OTC Triptans Market

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