Migraine, a debilitating neurological disorder,1 affects over a billion people globally.2,3 The cause of migraine remains an active area of research–experts believe genetics, the nervous system, and the brain's blood vessels are involved in the condition.4,5 The majority of people have episodic migraine, experiencing between 0-14 days of headache per month.6 On the other hand, those with chronic migraine experience 15 or more days of headaches a month, with at least 8 of those days caused by migraine.7

A migraine attack is not simply a strong headache. People with migraine endure recurring episodes of moderate-to-severe headache pain, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.4,5 These episodes, known as migraine attacks, can last from hours to several days and are often so incapacitating that they push individuals to the sidelines of life.4 Migraine disrupts work and social activities, forcing individuals to anticipate and plan for impending attacks.8,9

Heather Derck, diagnosed with migraine as a teenager and now a Pfizer Women's Health division colleague, highlights the overwhelming pain of migraine attacks and their disruptive impact:

“The pain of migraine is relentless. I find myself planning my entire life around the potential for an attack. When one inevitably strikes, I'm forced to cancel plans or take time off work, retreating to a dark room for at least a day, sometimes longer.”

Heather's experience demonstrates not only the painful impact migraine can have but also the pervasive way it affects all aspects of life.

A different route of administration

An effective medicine is more than just its ingredients—how the medicine is administered matters too. In choosing whether to develop a pill, an injection, or a nasal spray, a myriad of factors must be considered, such as the condition being treated, the medicine's properties, and patient preferences.10 One of the most important parts of any migraine treatment is the speed at which it offers relief.11 A rapid response can make the difference between a day lost to disabling symptoms and swiftly getting back on track.

In many cases, medications typically need to reach the bloodstream before they can work.10 Nasal sprays may be beneficial for treating migraine because medications given nasally may bypass the digestive system and enter the bloodstream quickly.12,13

Pfizer colleague Dr. Nicole Shaffer, who also has migraines, emphasizes the importance of using fast delivery methods for treating the condition:

“With every individual's migraine affecting them differently, tapping into the pathophysiology of migraine is a huge next step in the development of new medicines. With ongoing research and advancements, I am glad there are additional treatment options that offer the potential for rapid relief to help those managing this disease.”

Nasal sprays appeal to many with migraine due to their potential for swift action and minimal stomach irritation.10,11,13 Jessica Jones, a Pfizer colleague diagnosed with migraine in 2004, emphasizes the importance of speedy treatments that don't aggravate her nausea:

“No two migraine attacks I have are the same. Sometimes, my nausea is so severe I can’t tolerate oral treatments, so nasal sprays provide an alternative treatment when these types of migraine attacks hit.”

This sentiment resonates deeply among those with migraine, because quick relief with nasal sprays can help people take control of their condition and improve their everyday lives.

Moving towards a life uninterrupted

Ultimately, fast-acting medications can offer a much-needed lifeline to people with migraine. These treatments can reduce or end migraine attacks swiftly, allowing people to function and reclaim their sense of normalcy. While Pfizer knows that no single therapy can fit all migraine experiences, we remain committed to providing options that meet individual’s needs. With a personalized approach, nasal sprays and other treatment options can help manage migraine attacks. For more information on different treatment options, talk to your healthcare practitioner.