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US approves fast-acting nasal spray for migraines

The spray can relieve migraine pain in 15 minutes.

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by LINDWE DANFLOW

News13 March 2023 - 08:55
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In Summary


  • The World Health Organisation says most people start getting migraines during their puberty. 
  • "Migraine most often begins at puberty and most affect those aged between 35 and 45 years," WHO said. 
An image of a lady experiencing severe headache, massaging her temples.

United States Food and Drug Administration has approved a nasal spray for migraine, also known as extreme headache. 

The spray will be a move away from oral medication to treat migraines. 

The spray named Zavzpre/Zavegepant was designed by Pfizer, a large pharmaceutical company, and can relieve migraine pain in 15 minutes.

The drug could be in pharmacies by mid-year. 

"As a nasal spray with rapid drug absorption, Zavzpret offers an alternative treatment option for people who need pain relief or cannot take oral medications due to nausea or vomiting," Pfizer quoted Kathleen Mullin who is an associate medical director at the New England Institute for Neurology and Headache.

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The World Health Organisation says most people start getting migraines during their puberty. 

"Migraine most often begins at puberty and most affect those aged between 35 and 45 years," WHO said. 

Migraines are more common in women by an estimated factor of 2:1. 

WHO explained that this is due to hormonal influences.  

Migraines are caused by the activation of a mechanism deep in the brain which leads to the release of inflammatory substances that produce pain around the nerves and blood vessels in the head. 

WHO added that migraines are recurrent and often, life-long. 

When a migraine attack comes, it is usually one-sided and pulsating in quality. 

The headache can last for hours to an extreme of three days. 

A migraine is also characterised by nausea. 

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