Botox gets nod for treatment of chronic migraine in India

People suffering from chronic migraine may now look to Botox as the anti-wrinkle drug has received approval in India to be used for preventive treatment of such patients.

People suffering from chronic migraine may now look to Botox as the anti-wrinkle drug has received approval in India to be used for preventive treatment of such patients.

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US-based pharmaceutical company Allergan, manufacturer of neurological products including Botox, today said that it has received an approval from the Drug Controller General of India to use Botox (Botulinum Toxin Type A) for the prophylactic treatment of headaches in adults with chronic migraine.

The use of Botox to treat patients who suffer from a severe form of migraine, involving headaches on at least 15 days a month, was approved by US' Food and Drug Authority last year, as also by Britain's drug agency.

The company said in a statement that studies and clinical trials have revealed that when injected at labelled doses and in the recommended locations in the head and neck, Botox is expected to produce results lasting up to three months depending on the individual patient.

"There are a significant number of chronic migraine sufferers in India. Such patients can now avail a new preventive treatment option that will reduce their time duration spent in pain resulting in better quality of life," said Allergan India MD Raghu Kumar.

The WHO has ranked migraine as the 19th most disabling disease. Women are believed to be three times more likely than men to suffer from migraines.

Botox is being increasingly considered by neurologists worldwide as a viable option to treat people who suffer from chronic headaches.