Analysis of galcanezumab and fremanezumab for chronic migraine, June 2024
Page last updated: 22 November 2024
Drug utilisation sub-committee (DUSC)
June 2024
Abstract
Purpose
At its September 2023 meeting, the DUSC noted the increased consumer awareness of medicines for chronic migraine. DUSC considered that a review of the use of both galcanezumab and fremanezumab for chronic migraine should be undertaken, including a predicted vs. actual analysis of their utilisation since listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) on the 1st of June and August 2021, respectively. DUSC also requested an analysis on co-prescribing of analgesics and other migraine medicines with galcanezumab or fremanezumab and geospatial analyses to examine the supply of the medicines through specialty migraine clinics.
Date of listing on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
Galcanezumab was first listed on the PBS for chronic migraine on 1 June 2021.
Fremanezumab was first listed on the PBS for chronic migraine on 1 August 2021.
Data Source / methodology
Authorities data and prescriptions data was extracted from the prescription database and
Authorities database maintained by the Department of Health and Aged Care, processed by
Services Australia from between 1 June 2021 and 29 February 2024, respectively. Data were extracted based on the date of supply.
Key Findings
- Actual script numbers for fremanezumab were different than predicted over the first two years of listing.
- Predicted patient numbers for galcanezumab were different than the actual patient numbers over the first two years of listing.
- The age and gender pattern of those dispensed galcanezumab and fremanezumab mirrored that of migraine in Australia where the condition was more common in females.
- Only a small number of patients were being co-dispensed an analgesic with galcanezumab or fremanezumab while more were being co-dispensed a triptan and/or a first line medication for prophylaxis along with their galcanezumab and fremanezumab.
- While there was a consistent geographic pattern of dispensing of galcanezumab and fremanezumab provided through the PBS, this pattern did not match up with the provision of Botulinum toxin type A (Botox) services provided through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS)
Full Report
