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Migraine triptan counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ

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EasyCNS TherapeuticsMigraine triptan counsellingGPhC CRA

A patient buying sumatriptan tablets for migraine says she usually waits until the aura starts and then takes a tablet before the headache begins. What would you advise the patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: B — Take sumatriptan when the headache phase starts rather than during aura

Triptans are used for the headache phase of migraine and are not generally taken during aura to prevent headache. The patient should follow the labelled dosing and maximum daily dose. Frequent use can contribute to medication-overuse headache. Ergotamine combinations are not appropriate because of additive vasoconstrictive risk.

Reference: BNF; NICE CKS