A study comparing Sumatriptan in transdermal (skin) patch form (known as Zelrix) to other available Sumatriptan transmission methods (oral, subcutaneous injection and nasal spray) determined it is as effective as these other methods in transmitting sumatriptan into the patient's blood stream.

Researchers have been working to develop new ways to transmit abortive medications to patients because vomitting and something called gastric stasis (delayed emptying of the stomach) can make it difficult for the body to process oral medications and delay the effectiveness of the medication. Nasal sprays, subcutaneous injections, inhalers and transdermal patches are able to address these concerns.

According to the researchers, patients experienced few side effects and the patches caused minimal skin irritation.

Zelrix has not been approved by the FDA. It is currently in phase 3 clinical trials.

Sources:
NuPathe: Zelrix
Zelrix: A Novel Transdermal Formulation of Sumatriptan
Gastric Stasis Linked to Migraine
Understanding Clinical Trials

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Content by Diana E. Lee.