Public Drug Coverage and Its Impact on Triptan Use Across Canada: A Population-Based Study

Abstract

Background Public drug coverage for triptan medications varies across jurisdictions in Canada, which may lead to differences in usage patterns and patient risk for medication overuse headache. Methods We conducted a population-based, cross-sectional analysis of publicly funded triptan use in seven provinces across Canada from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012. All patients who had filled at least one prescription for a triptan during the study period were included. We defined quantity limits of 6, 12, and 18 triptan units per month to assess the prevalence of high volumes of triptan use, which may place patients at risk for medication overuse headaches, and compared this prevalence betwee..