Skip to main content
Top
Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain 4/2009

Open Access 01-08-2009 | Review Article

Focus on headache as an adverse reaction to drugs

Authors: Anna Ferrari, Luca Spaccapelo, Daniela Gallesi, Emilio Sternieri

Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain | Issue 4/2009

Login to get access

Abstract

There are a large number of drugs inducing headache as an adverse reaction. Nevertheless, headaches as adverse reactions to drugs have received limited attention. Non-serious adverse reactions, such as headache, are not quantified and described as accurately as serious, life threatening ones. However, non-serious reactions can also be extremely troublesome, above all when they are chronic: they can affect patients’ quality of life and contribute to non-compliance. It is absolutely possible that the number of patients with headache as an adverse reaction, which is going to increase, considering the growing use of medications. Physicians should, therefore, be aware of this issue. Indeed, it is difficult to attribute the diagnosis of adverse drug reaction to a condition, headache, which is also a very common symptom in general population.
Literature
1.
go back to reference Ferrari A (2006) Headache: one of the most common and troublesome adverse reactions to drugs. Curr Drug Saf 1:43–58, 18690914, 10.2174/157488606775252610, 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD28XitVWmtbY%3DPubMedCrossRef Ferrari A (2006) Headache: one of the most common and troublesome adverse reactions to drugs. Curr Drug Saf 1:43–58, 18690914, 10.2174/157488606775252610, 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD28XitVWmtbY%3DPubMedCrossRef
2.
go back to reference World Health Organization (1969) International drug monitoring: the role of the hospital. Tech Rep Ser 425:5–25 World Health Organization (1969) International drug monitoring: the role of the hospital. Tech Rep Ser 425:5–25
3.
go back to reference World Health Organization (1981) Cancer treatment: WHO recommendations for grading of acute and subacute toxicity. Cancer 47:207–214, 10.1002/1097-0142(19810101)47:1<207::AID-CNCR2820470134>3.0.CO;2-6CrossRef World Health Organization (1981) Cancer treatment: WHO recommendations for grading of acute and subacute toxicity. Cancer 47:207–214, 10.1002/1097-0142(19810101)47:1<207::AID-CNCR2820470134>3.0.CO;2-6CrossRef
4.
go back to reference Kessler DA (1993) MEDWatch: the new FDA medical products reporting program. Clin Pharm 12:529–532, 8354041, 1:STN:280:DyaK3szlvVGqtg%3D%3DPubMed Kessler DA (1993) MEDWatch: the new FDA medical products reporting program. Clin Pharm 12:529–532, 8354041, 1:STN:280:DyaK3szlvVGqtg%3D%3DPubMed
5.
go back to reference Cohen JS (2002) Do standard doses of frequently prescribed drugs cause preventable adverse effects in women? J Am Med Womens Assoc 57:105–110, 11991418PubMed Cohen JS (2002) Do standard doses of frequently prescribed drugs cause preventable adverse effects in women? J Am Med Womens Assoc 57:105–110, 11991418PubMed
6.
go back to reference Park BK, Pirmohamed M, Kitteringham NR (1992) Idiosyncratic drug reactions: a mechanistic evaluation of risk factors. Br J Clin Pharmacol 34:377–395, 1467132, 1:CAS:528:DyaK3sXhsFOgsA%3D%3DPubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef Park BK, Pirmohamed M, Kitteringham NR (1992) Idiosyncratic drug reactions: a mechanistic evaluation of risk factors. Br J Clin Pharmacol 34:377–395, 1467132, 1:CAS:528:DyaK3sXhsFOgsA%3D%3DPubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef
7.
go back to reference Ju C, Uetrecht JP (2002) Mechanism of idiosyncratic drug reactions: reactive metabolite formation, protein binding and the regulation of the immune system. Curr Drug Metab 3:367–377, 12093356, 10.2174/1389200023337333, 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD38XltlCqtrg%3DPubMedCrossRef Ju C, Uetrecht JP (2002) Mechanism of idiosyncratic drug reactions: reactive metabolite formation, protein binding and the regulation of the immune system. Curr Drug Metab 3:367–377, 12093356, 10.2174/1389200023337333, 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD38XltlCqtrg%3DPubMedCrossRef
8.
go back to reference Nebeker JR, Barach P, Samore MH (2004) Clarifying adverse drug events: a clinician’s guide to terminology, documentation, and reporting. Ann Intern Med 140:795–801, 15148066PubMedCrossRef Nebeker JR, Barach P, Samore MH (2004) Clarifying adverse drug events: a clinician’s guide to terminology, documentation, and reporting. Ann Intern Med 140:795–801, 15148066PubMedCrossRef
9.
go back to reference Hartford CG, Petchel KS, Mickail H et al (2006) Pharmacovigilance during the pre-approval phases: an evolving pharmaceutical industry model in response to ICH E2E, CIOMS VI, FDA and EMEA/CHMP risk-management guidelines. Drug Saf 29:657–673, 16872240, 10.2165/00002018-200629080-00003PubMedCrossRef Hartford CG, Petchel KS, Mickail H et al (2006) Pharmacovigilance during the pre-approval phases: an evolving pharmaceutical industry model in response to ICH E2E, CIOMS VI, FDA and EMEA/CHMP risk-management guidelines. Drug Saf 29:657–673, 16872240, 10.2165/00002018-200629080-00003PubMedCrossRef
10.
go back to reference Michels KB (1999) Problems assessing non-serious adverse drug reactions: antidepressant drug therapy and sexual dysfunction. Pharmacotherapy 19:424–429, 10212013, 10.1592/phco.19.6.424.31048, 1:CAS:528:DyaK1MXisFKrs70%3DPubMedCrossRef Michels KB (1999) Problems assessing non-serious adverse drug reactions: antidepressant drug therapy and sexual dysfunction. Pharmacotherapy 19:424–429, 10212013, 10.1592/phco.19.6.424.31048, 1:CAS:528:DyaK1MXisFKrs70%3DPubMedCrossRef
11.
go back to reference Heeley E, Riley J, Layton D et al (2001) Prescription-event monitoring and reporting of adverse drug reactions. Lancet 358:1872–1873, 11741629, 10.1016/S0140-6736(01)06898-2, 1:STN:280:DC%2BD3MjgtVClsQ%3D%3DPubMedCrossRef Heeley E, Riley J, Layton D et al (2001) Prescription-event monitoring and reporting of adverse drug reactions. Lancet 358:1872–1873, 11741629, 10.1016/S0140-6736(01)06898-2, 1:STN:280:DC%2BD3MjgtVClsQ%3D%3DPubMedCrossRef
12.
go back to reference Ioannidis JPA, Lau J (2002) Improving safety reporting from randomised trials. Drug Saf 25:77–84, 11888350, 10.2165/00002018-200225020-00002PubMedCrossRef Ioannidis JPA, Lau J (2002) Improving safety reporting from randomised trials. Drug Saf 25:77–84, 11888350, 10.2165/00002018-200225020-00002PubMedCrossRef
13.
go back to reference Neidig JL, Koletar SL (2001) Safety reporting in clinical trials. J Am Med Assoc 285:2077–2078, 1:STN:280:DC%2BD3M3ktVequg%3D%3D Neidig JL, Koletar SL (2001) Safety reporting in clinical trials. J Am Med Assoc 285:2077–2078, 1:STN:280:DC%2BD3M3ktVequg%3D%3D
14.
go back to reference Kaufman DW, Shapiro S (2002) Epidemiological assessment of drug-induced disease. Lancet 356:1339–1343, 10.1016/S0140-6736(00)02826-9CrossRef Kaufman DW, Shapiro S (2002) Epidemiological assessment of drug-induced disease. Lancet 356:1339–1343, 10.1016/S0140-6736(00)02826-9CrossRef
15.
go back to reference Hazell L, Shakir SA (2006) Under-reporting of adverse drug reactions : a systematic review. Drug Saf 29:385–396, 16689555, 10.2165/00002018-200629050-00003PubMedCrossRef Hazell L, Shakir SA (2006) Under-reporting of adverse drug reactions : a systematic review. Drug Saf 29:385–396, 16689555, 10.2165/00002018-200629050-00003PubMedCrossRef
16.
go back to reference Venulet J, ten Ham M (1996) Methods for monitoring and documenting adverse drug reactions. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 34:112–129, 8705089, 1:STN:280:DyaK283mt1Kguw%3D%3DPubMed Venulet J, ten Ham M (1996) Methods for monitoring and documenting adverse drug reactions. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 34:112–129, 8705089, 1:STN:280:DyaK283mt1Kguw%3D%3DPubMed
17.
go back to reference Headache Classification Subcommittee of the International Headache Society (2004) The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edn. Cephalalgia 24(Suppl 1):1–160 Headache Classification Subcommittee of the International Headache Society (2004) The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edn. Cephalalgia 24(Suppl 1):1–160
18.
go back to reference Rief W, Avorn J, Barsky AJ (2006) Medication-attributed adverse effects in placebo groups: implications for assessment of adverse effects. Arch Intern Med 166:155–160, 16432082, 10.1001/archinte.166.2.155PubMedCrossRef Rief W, Avorn J, Barsky AJ (2006) Medication-attributed adverse effects in placebo groups: implications for assessment of adverse effects. Arch Intern Med 166:155–160, 16432082, 10.1001/archinte.166.2.155PubMedCrossRef
19.
go back to reference Hazard E, Munakata J, Bigal ME et al (2009) The burden of migraine in the United States: current and emerging perspectives on disease management and economic analysis. Value Health 12:55–64, 10.1111/j.1524-4733.2008.00404.xPubMedCrossRef Hazard E, Munakata J, Bigal ME et al (2009) The burden of migraine in the United States: current and emerging perspectives on disease management and economic analysis. Value Health 12:55–64, 10.1111/j.1524-4733.2008.00404.xPubMedCrossRef
20.
go back to reference De Langen J, van Hunsel F, Passier A et al (2008) Adverse drug reaction reporting by patients in the Netherlands: three years of experience. Drug Saf 31:515–524, 18484785, 10.2165/00002018-200831060-00006PubMedCrossRef De Langen J, van Hunsel F, Passier A et al (2008) Adverse drug reaction reporting by patients in the Netherlands: three years of experience. Drug Saf 31:515–524, 18484785, 10.2165/00002018-200831060-00006PubMedCrossRef
22.
go back to reference Veehof LJ, Stewart RE, Meyboom-de Jong B et al (1999) Adverse drug reactions and polypharmacy in the elderly in general practice. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 55:533–536, 10501824, 10.1007/s002280050669, 1:CAS:528:DyaK1MXls1Cqt7c%3DPubMedCrossRef Veehof LJ, Stewart RE, Meyboom-de Jong B et al (1999) Adverse drug reactions and polypharmacy in the elderly in general practice. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 55:533–536, 10501824, 10.1007/s002280050669, 1:CAS:528:DyaK1MXls1Cqt7c%3DPubMedCrossRef
23.
go back to reference Jensen R, Stovner LJ (2008) Epidemiology and comorbidity of headache. Lancet Neurol 7:354–361, 18339350, 10.1016/S1474-4422(08)70062-0PubMedCrossRef Jensen R, Stovner LJ (2008) Epidemiology and comorbidity of headache. Lancet Neurol 7:354–361, 18339350, 10.1016/S1474-4422(08)70062-0PubMedCrossRef
24.
go back to reference Zopf Y, Rabe C, Neubert A et al (2008) Women encounter ADRs more often than do men. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 64:999–1004, 18604529, 10.1007/s00228-008-0494-6, 1:STN:280:DC%2BD1cnktF2lsQ%3D%3DPubMedCrossRef Zopf Y, Rabe C, Neubert A et al (2008) Women encounter ADRs more often than do men. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 64:999–1004, 18604529, 10.1007/s00228-008-0494-6, 1:STN:280:DC%2BD1cnktF2lsQ%3D%3DPubMedCrossRef
25.
go back to reference Ferrari A, Leone S, Vergoni AV et al (2007) Similarities and differences between chronic migraine and episodic migraine. Headache 47:65–72, 17355496, 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2006.00629.xPubMedCrossRef Ferrari A, Leone S, Vergoni AV et al (2007) Similarities and differences between chronic migraine and episodic migraine. Headache 47:65–72, 17355496, 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2006.00629.xPubMedCrossRef
26.
go back to reference Franceschi M, Scarcelli C, Niro V et al (2008) Prevalence, clinical features and avoidability of adverse drug reactions as cause of admission to a geriatric unit: a prospective study of 1756 patients. Drug Saf 31:545–556, 18484788, 10.2165/00002018-200831060-00009PubMedCrossRef Franceschi M, Scarcelli C, Niro V et al (2008) Prevalence, clinical features and avoidability of adverse drug reactions as cause of admission to a geriatric unit: a prospective study of 1756 patients. Drug Saf 31:545–556, 18484788, 10.2165/00002018-200831060-00009PubMedCrossRef
27.
go back to reference Edwards IR, Aronson JK (2000) Adverse drug reactions: definitions, diagnosis, and management. Lancet 356:1255–1259, 11072960, 10.1016/S0140-6736(00)02799-9, 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3cXot1agsr8%3DPubMedCrossRef Edwards IR, Aronson JK (2000) Adverse drug reactions: definitions, diagnosis, and management. Lancet 356:1255–1259, 11072960, 10.1016/S0140-6736(00)02799-9, 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3cXot1agsr8%3DPubMedCrossRef
28.
go back to reference White TJ, Arakelian A, Rho JP (1999) Counting the costs of drug-related adverse events. Pharmacoeconomics 15:445–458, 10537962, 10.2165/00019053-199915050-00003, 1:CAS:528:DyaK1MXjtF2mu78%3DPubMedCrossRef White TJ, Arakelian A, Rho JP (1999) Counting the costs of drug-related adverse events. Pharmacoeconomics 15:445–458, 10537962, 10.2165/00019053-199915050-00003, 1:CAS:528:DyaK1MXjtF2mu78%3DPubMedCrossRef
29.
go back to reference Iversen HK, Olesen J (1994) Nitroglycerin-induced headache is not dependent on histamine release: support for a direct nociceptive action of nitric oxide. Cephalalgia 14:437–442, 7535192, 10.1046/j.1468-2982.1994.1406437.x, 1:STN:280:DyaK2M3htFyhtg%3D%3DPubMedCrossRef Iversen HK, Olesen J (1994) Nitroglycerin-induced headache is not dependent on histamine release: support for a direct nociceptive action of nitric oxide. Cephalalgia 14:437–442, 7535192, 10.1046/j.1468-2982.1994.1406437.x, 1:STN:280:DyaK2M3htFyhtg%3D%3DPubMedCrossRef
30.
go back to reference Ross SD (2001) Drug-related adverse events: a readers’ guide to assessing literature reviews and meta-analyses. Arch Intern Med 161:1041–1046, 11322836, 10.1001/archinte.161.8.1041, 1:STN:280:DC%2BD3M3kvFehsA%3D%3DPubMedCrossRef Ross SD (2001) Drug-related adverse events: a readers’ guide to assessing literature reviews and meta-analyses. Arch Intern Med 161:1041–1046, 11322836, 10.1001/archinte.161.8.1041, 1:STN:280:DC%2BD3M3kvFehsA%3D%3DPubMedCrossRef
31.
go back to reference Steiger MJ, Farrah T, Rolles K et al (1994) Cyclosporin associated headache. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 57:1258–1259, 7931392, 10.1136/jnnp.57.10.1258, 1:STN:280:DyaK2M%2Fhs1Ortg%3D%3DPubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef Steiger MJ, Farrah T, Rolles K et al (1994) Cyclosporin associated headache. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 57:1258–1259, 7931392, 10.1136/jnnp.57.10.1258, 1:STN:280:DyaK2M%2Fhs1Ortg%3D%3DPubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef
32.
go back to reference Kruuse C, Lassen LH, Iversen HK et al (2006) Dipyridamole may induce migraine in patients with migraine without aura. Cephalalgia 26:925–933, 16886928, 10.1111/j.1468-2982.2006.01137.x, 1:STN:280:DC%2BD28vmsVajtQ%3D%3DPubMedCrossRef Kruuse C, Lassen LH, Iversen HK et al (2006) Dipyridamole may induce migraine in patients with migraine without aura. Cephalalgia 26:925–933, 16886928, 10.1111/j.1468-2982.2006.01137.x, 1:STN:280:DC%2BD28vmsVajtQ%3D%3DPubMedCrossRef
33.
go back to reference Thomsen LL, Kruuse C, Iversen HK et al (1994) A nitric oxide donor (nitroglycerin) triggers genuine migraine attacks. Eur J Neurol 1:73–80PubMedCrossRef Thomsen LL, Kruuse C, Iversen HK et al (1994) A nitric oxide donor (nitroglycerin) triggers genuine migraine attacks. Eur J Neurol 1:73–80PubMedCrossRef
34.
go back to reference Evans RW, Kruuse C (2004) Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors and migraine. Headache 44:925–926, 15447704, 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2004.04177.xPubMedCrossRef Evans RW, Kruuse C (2004) Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors and migraine. Headache 44:925–926, 15447704, 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2004.04177.xPubMedCrossRef
35.
go back to reference Khromov A, Segal M, Nissinoff J et al (2005) Migraines linked to interferon-beta treatment of multiple sclerosis. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 84:644–647, 16034235, 10.1097/01.phm.0000171012.86932.10PubMedCrossRef Khromov A, Segal M, Nissinoff J et al (2005) Migraines linked to interferon-beta treatment of multiple sclerosis. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 84:644–647, 16034235, 10.1097/01.phm.0000171012.86932.10PubMedCrossRef
36.
go back to reference Khan RB (2002) Migraine-type headaches in children receiving chemotherapy and ondansetron. J Child Neurol 17:857–858, 12585731, 10.1177/08830738020170111706PubMedCrossRef Khan RB (2002) Migraine-type headaches in children receiving chemotherapy and ondansetron. J Child Neurol 17:857–858, 12585731, 10.1177/08830738020170111706PubMedCrossRef
37.
go back to reference Ferrari U, Empl M, Kim KS et al (2005) Calcineurin inhibitor-induced headache: clinical characteristics and possible mechanisms. Headache 45:211–214, 15836594, 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2005.05046.xPubMedCrossRef Ferrari U, Empl M, Kim KS et al (2005) Calcineurin inhibitor-induced headache: clinical characteristics and possible mechanisms. Headache 45:211–214, 15836594, 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2005.05046.xPubMedCrossRef
38.
go back to reference Munera PA, Goldstein A (2001) Migraine and sertraline. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 40:1125–1126, 11589524, 10.1097/00004583-200110000-00005, 1:STN:280:DC%2BD3Mrkt1emtA%3D%3DPubMedCrossRef Munera PA, Goldstein A (2001) Migraine and sertraline. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 40:1125–1126, 11589524, 10.1097/00004583-200110000-00005, 1:STN:280:DC%2BD3Mrkt1emtA%3D%3DPubMedCrossRef
39.
go back to reference Bank J (2001) Migraine with aura after administration of sublingual nitroglycerin tablets. Headache 41:84–87, 11168608, 10.1046/j.1526-4610.2001.111006084.x, 1:STN:280:DC%2BD3Mzit1Wiug%3D%3DPubMedCrossRef Bank J (2001) Migraine with aura after administration of sublingual nitroglycerin tablets. Headache 41:84–87, 11168608, 10.1046/j.1526-4610.2001.111006084.x, 1:STN:280:DC%2BD3Mzit1Wiug%3D%3DPubMedCrossRef
40.
go back to reference Toth CC, Burak K, Becker W (2005) Recurrence of migraine with aura due to tacrolimus therapy in a liver transplant recipient successfully treated with sirolimus substitution. Headache 45:245–246, 15836601, 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2005.05053_1.xPubMedCrossRef Toth CC, Burak K, Becker W (2005) Recurrence of migraine with aura due to tacrolimus therapy in a liver transplant recipient successfully treated with sirolimus substitution. Headache 45:245–246, 15836601, 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2005.05053_1.xPubMedCrossRef
41.
go back to reference Larson EW (1993) Migraine with typical aura associated with fluoxetine therapy: case report. J Clin Psychiatry 54:235–236PubMed Larson EW (1993) Migraine with typical aura associated with fluoxetine therapy: case report. J Clin Psychiatry 54:235–236PubMed
42.
go back to reference Dinn RB, Wall M (2006) Tadalafil associated with typical migraine aura without headache. Cephalalgia 26:1344–1346, 17059442, 10.1111/j.1468-2982.2006.01188.xPubMedCrossRef Dinn RB, Wall M (2006) Tadalafil associated with typical migraine aura without headache. Cephalalgia 26:1344–1346, 17059442, 10.1111/j.1468-2982.2006.01188.xPubMedCrossRef
43.
go back to reference Ekbom K (1968) Nitrolglycerin as a provocative agent in cluster headache. Arch Neurol 19:487–493, 4971733, 1:STN:280:DyaF1M%2FhtlCnsQ%3D%3DPubMedCrossRef Ekbom K (1968) Nitrolglycerin as a provocative agent in cluster headache. Arch Neurol 19:487–493, 4971733, 1:STN:280:DyaF1M%2FhtlCnsQ%3D%3DPubMedCrossRef
44.
go back to reference Evans RW (2006) Sildenafil can trigger cluster headaches. Headache 46:173–174, 16412168, 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2006.00316_4.xPubMedCrossRef Evans RW (2006) Sildenafil can trigger cluster headaches. Headache 46:173–174, 16412168, 10.1111/j.1526-4610.2006.00316_4.xPubMedCrossRef
Metadata
Title
Focus on headache as an adverse reaction to drugs
Authors
Anna Ferrari
Luca Spaccapelo
Daniela Gallesi
Emilio Sternieri
Publication date
01-08-2009
Publisher
Springer Milan
Published in
The Journal of Headache and Pain / Issue 4/2009
Print ISSN: 1129-2369
Electronic ISSN: 1129-2377
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10194-009-0127-1

Other articles of this Issue 4/2009

The Journal of Headache and Pain 4/2009 Go to the issue