IRISH PHARMACISTS ARE calling for migraine medicine to be made available over the counter.

The Irish Pharmacy Union want the migraine drug, Sumatriptan, to be available here without prescription, as it is in the UK.

They say this will “allow migraine sufferers access appropriate and effective treatment from their pharmacist without delay”.

Around half a million people suffer from migraines in Ireland.

A migraine headache can last for a number of hours or a number of days and causes a throbbing pain.

It’s often associated with nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.

Rory O’ Donnell, President of the IPU, said,

“The majority of migraine sufferers have already been diagnosed with migraine by their doctor and have more than likely been previously prescribed Sumatriptan as a treatment.

As pharmacists are the most accessible part of the healthcare system, they are ideally placed to provide the assistance needed and to support the sufferer in treating their migraine attack in a timely fashion.

The Migraine Association of Ireland supports the campaign to make Sumatriptan available without prescription under strict guidelines.

CEO of the Migraine Association of Ireland Patrick Little said, “The Migraine Association of Ireland believes that pharmacists have a key role to play in improving services and responses to migraine sufferers.

Increased access to appropriate headache medications and advice would be a distinct advantage for migraine patients in Ireland.

Read: Group wants increase in number of medicines available without prescription>