Authors' recommendations: After considering the strength of the available evidence in relation to the safety, clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of injecting botulinum toxin type A (Botox®) in refractory chronic migraine, MSAC supports its public funding via a new MBS item, with an MBS fee of $124.85 and an item descriptor, aligned with the PBS restriction, of: Botulinum toxin type A (Botox®), injection of, including all injections in one day, for the treatment of chronic migraine if: (a) the patient is an adult; and (b) the patient has experienced an inadequate response, intolerance or a contraindication to at least three prophylactic migraine medications prior to commencement of treatment with botulinum toxin as manifested by an average of 15 or more headache days per month, with at least 8 days of migraine, over a period of at least 6 months, prior to commencement of treatment with botulinum toxin; and (c) the requirements relating to botulinum toxin type A under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme are complied with; and (d) treatment is only continued if the patient achieves and maintains a 50% or greater reduction from baseline in the number of headache days per month after two treatment cycles (each of 12 weeks duration).

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2012

URL for published report: http://www.msac.gov.au/internet/msac/publishing.nsf/Content/1168-public

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Australia

Organisation Name: Medical Services Advisory Committee

Contact Address: MSAC (MDP 107), GPO Box 9848, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia. Tel: +61 2 6289 6811; Fax: +61 2 6289 8799.

Contact Name: msac.secretariat@health.gov.au

Contact Email: msac.secretariat@health.gov.au

Copyright: Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC)