[It's possible to influence prescriptions patterns by producer-independent information].

Following the publication of a metaanalysis over effectiveness and tolerability of triptanes for acute treatment of migraine we investigated whether a short oral information by clinical pharmacologists, describing the rationale for prescribing a certain triptane, combined with memory cards could influence the prescription by general practitioners. The primary care units, which had received the information, showed a significantly better adherence to prescription of the recommended triptane than units that had not received such information. The desired influence on prescription was, however, transient and not statistically significant for more than three months following the prescription. The finding underlines the need for repeated information when effects on prescription habits are wanted.