- A preliminary study suggests that GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, commonly prescribed for diabetes and weight loss, could significantly reduce the need for migraine medication and emergency care.
- Researchers compared 11,000 chronic migraine sufferers starting GLP-1 drugs with an equal number starting topiramate, a drug typically used to prevent migraines.
- Over a year, individuals on GLP-1 drugs were approximately 10 per cent less likely to visit the emergency department and 14 per cent less likely to be hospitalised for any reason.
- Patients taking GLP-1 drugs were also almost 50 per cent less likely to be prescribed new preventive migraine medications compared to those on topiramate.
- The study, which will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting, indicates an association rather than causation, suggesting GLP-1 drugs' anti-inflammatory and neurovascular effects may play a role beyond weight loss.
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