One of life’s most common and incapacitating conditions is migraine, which is characterised by recurrent episodes of moderate to severe throbbing and pulsing pain on one side of the head.
Migraine headache prevalence worldwide is between 14% and 15% of the population. It accounts for 4.9% of all illnesses worldwide, measured in years lived with disability.
According to Medi-Clinic, women are known to get migraine at a disproportionate rate of 18%, while males only experience it at 6%.
Global pharmaceutical company Dr Reddy’s Laboratories has announced the release of Nerivio®. It is a wearable device for drug-free, non-invasive migraine therapy, in South Africa.
Launched in South Africa
The device uses Remote Electrical Neuromodulation (REN) for migraine treatment and prevention. It was recently launched at the Neurological Association of South Africa congress.
Dr Rashem Mothilal, Country Head at Dr Reddy’s South Africa, lauded the launch of the device in South Africa. He said the launch marks their commitment to meet the unmet patients’ needs with innovative solutions.
“This device has proven efficacy in not only effectively treating the pain. It also treats and prevents associated symptoms in migraine, such as nausea and vomiting.
“[The device] has been shown to reduce the need for drugs used for acute treatment in nearly nine out of 10 patients. It is contraindicated for individuals with implantable medical devices and those with uncontrolled epilepsy,” said Mothilal.
Successful launch in India, Germany and Spain
The launch in South Africa follows its successful launch in India, Germany and Spain.
Dr Stewart Tepper, Vice President of the New England Institute of Neurology and Headache, elaborated on the device. He said it has a proven track record of successfully treating patients with migraine across the markets it has launched in.
“In the US it is integrated routinely and extensively in migraine care with excellent results. The device is used for acute and preventive treatment of migraine,” said Tepper.
It wraps around the upper arm using a Remote Electrical Neuromodulation (REN). This activates peripheral nerves on the back of the arm that control the passage of pain signals to the brain.
“It is a novel breakthrough non-pharmacological non-invasive neuromodulation device. The device provides optimal acute and preventive therapy for migraine in those 12 years of age and older. It does so without the risk of significant side effects. The device eliminates the risk of medication side effects and the potential for drug-drug interactions,” Tepper said.
Worn on upper arm and managed via app
It can be managed through an app that comes with in-built features. These include an interactive migraine diary to log symptoms, track responses and share insightful analytics.
“This works out to a cost of approximately R150 per treatment. It presents a comparable treatment option to many existing therapies. And it does so without the risk of associated medication side effects, with 18 uses per device.”
Where can one purchase this product in Johannesburg Gauteng?
Hi Chris. The device can be ordered through ScriptWise – 018 011 5205/ nerivio@scriptwise.co.za