Treatments of Migraine with Triptans in Individuals with Elevated Cardiovascular Risk and in Pregnant Women

Migraine is a very common condition that can be associated with significant morbidity. For the acute treatment of migraine attacks, the use of triptans, NSAIDs, acetaminophen, dihydroergotamine, calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonists, lasmiditan, and some nonpharmacologic treatments are associated with improved pain and function. The effectiveness of these therapies has been documented in various studies and summarized in systematic reviews. However, systematic reviews have demonstrated evidence gaps in two groups of patients that were excluded from treatment trials. These are patients with cardiovascular disease or at high risk of cardiovascular events, and pregnant women.

Triptans, the mainstay treatment for migraine attacks and the one supported by the highest quality evidence, are considered vasoactive and are contraindicated per formulary in individuals who have a history of myocardial infarction, stroke, or uncontrolled vascular risk factors such as hypertension. These individuals are usually excluded from randomized trials. Similarly, pregnant women have been excluded from triptans trials and the observational studies offered low certainty evidence about their safety. Yet, 44% of surveyed members of the American Headache Society reported being somewhat or very comfortable using triptans in pregnancy.

Therefore, the investigators intend to evaluate the safety of triptan treatment of migraine in individuals with cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors, and in pregnant women in two target trial emulations.