Migraines Impact Lives: Call for Funding Effective Treatments

Living with chronic migraines can lead to significant personal and economic challenges for many individuals. Those affected often find themselves unable to work, struggling for access to effective treatments that remain unfunded by healthcare systems. Advocacy for better funding and availability of migraine-specific medications is gaining momentum, as the impact of these debilitating headaches becomes increasingly evident.

For many, a headache is a minor inconvenience, easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Yet for others, such as Lisa Hindmarsh, the reality is far more severe. Hindmarsh, who began experiencing migraines two years ago, describes a harrowing journey marked by debilitating pain and a loss of normalcy in her life. Initially characterized by blurry vision, her migraines escalated to a point where she was bedridden for approximately three weeks each month. This took a toll on her family, with her parents stepping in to care for her children and her husband working tirelessly to maintain their household.

Hindmarsh’s struggle is compounded by the difficulty in finding effective treatments. Standard over-the-counter medications provided no relief, leading her to seek alternatives. After trying various non-specific medications, including nortriptyline and propranolol, she encountered frustrating side effects without alleviating her pain. Ultimately, it was the introduction of anti-CGRP medications, such as Aquipta, that offered her a glimpse of relief—albeit at a steep cost of $350 per month.

The financial burden of migraine treatment is a critical issue for many. Hindmarsh emphasizes the emotional toll that lack of access to necessary medications can have on individuals already grappling with chronic pain. She stated, “Some people just don’t have access to these medications, and it’s just cruel.” The absence of government funding for these treatments means that many individuals must either forgo them or face significant financial hardship.

The situation extends beyond Hindmarsh. Kat Soper has faced her own battle with migraines and cluster headaches following a head injury in 2020. Once a successful business coach, she found herself unable to work for extended periods, ultimately transitioning to a part-time role as a teacher aide. Soper, too, turned to anti-CGRP treatment, specifically Emgality, which she had to finance herself at approximately $300 per month after an initial loading dose of $600. This financial strain complicates her ability to maintain a stable income, as she attempts to balance work and ongoing medical expenses.

The financial implications of chronic migraines extend beyond individual experiences. According to the Migraine Foundation, more than 50% of those who attempt preventive medications stop due to side effects or lack of efficacy. Dr. Ray Bose, a neurologist based in Auckland, highlights the significant unmet need for effective migraine treatment, stating that approximately 10% of the population suffers from migraines, exacerbated by limited access to effective therapies.

The economic costs associated with chronic headaches are substantial. Data from Alberta, Canada, suggests that healthcare expenditures for individuals with chronic migraines are significantly higher, estimated at CAD$5,059 (approximately NZD$6,276) annually per person. When factoring in lost productivity due to migraine-related absenteeism, the total economic impact could exceed $1 billion annually in New Zealand.

Despite these pressing concerns, funding for migraine medications remains limited. Claire Pouwels, manager of pharmaceutical funding at Pharmac, acknowledges the agency’s constrained budget, which forces difficult decisions about which medications to fund. Currently, eight applications for four different anti-CGRP medications are pending assessment. Pouwels indicated that while these treatments are recognized as beneficial, funding depends on budget availability and prioritization against other medications.

The lack of funding for effective migraine treatments has led individuals like Soper and Hindmarsh to advocate for change, emphasizing the importance of access to these life-altering medications. Associate Health Minister David Seymour has expressed his commitment to securing additional funding for Pharmac, highlighting the need for evidence-based decisions independent of political influence.

As the call for better access to migraine treatments grows louder, it is clear that the lives of many depend on the recognition of migraines as a serious health concern. The stories of individuals like Hindmarsh and Soper illustrate the urgent need for effective treatments that are financially accessible. Their experiences serve as a reminder of the invisible battles fought daily by those living with chronic pain, underscoring the critical need for systemic change in healthcare funding for migraines.