11.05.12
NICE to approve Botox for chronic migraine
Botox could soon be prescribed as treatment for migraine sufferers, after NICE reversed its original decision on the injections.
In final draft guidance issued today, NICE stated it will approve the use of botulinum toxin type A for adults with chronic migraine whose condition has not been alleviated by taking at least three previous preventative medications and who are not overusing medications.
In February, NICE stated that there was too little evidence to justify approval. It will issue its final guidance in June, with treatment to cost £349.40 for a 12-week cycle of injections to the head and neck.
Dr Fayyaz Ahmed, chair of the British Association for the Study of Headache (Bash) said: “The headache experts with first-hand experience in treating chronic migraine know how debilitating the condition can be for some patients and Botox can be a life-changing treatment.
“The medical evidence shows that Botox can provide significant benefit to patients with chronic migraine, helping to reduce the number of days disrupted by migraine or headache and improving their quality of life.”
Wendy Thomas, chief executive of the Migraine Trust: “Chronic migraine is a disabling condition and in many cases ruins people’s lives. For patients who suffer with this condition Botox may offer a safe and effective preventative treatment option to help them manage and improve their quality of life.”
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