Statin and Vitamin D for Prevention of Migraine (S52.006)

Objective: Our aim was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of simvastatin plus vitamin D3 for migraine prevention in adults with episodic migraine. Background: Both statins and higher vitamin D levels have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. We previously identified a beneficial interaction between statins and higher vitamin D levels on the outcome of pain. We hypothesized that combining a statin with a vitamin D3 supplement would decrease migraine attacks. Design/Methods: We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with a 12-week baseline period and 24-week intervention period in 57 adults with episodic migraine. Participants were randomly assigned to simvastatin 20mg tablets twice-daily plus vitamin D3 1,000 international units capsules twice-daily or matching placebo tablets and capsules. Results: Participants using simvastatin plus vitamin D3 experienced 9 fewer migraine days from the baseline period to the final intervention 12-week period, while those in the placebo group experienced 3 more days of migraine (p Conclusions: Simvastatin plus vitamin D is effective for prevention of episodic migraine. The combination was well tolerated and may also provide an economical approach to reduce the increased risk for vascular diseases among migraineurs. Study Supported by: Dr. Buettner’s time was supported by an NIH K23AR055664 award and by the Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC). Dr. Burstein’s time was supported by NIH Awards R37 NS079678 and RO1 NS079678. This work was conducted with support from the Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, BIDMC, and with support from the Harvard Catalyst | The Harvard Clinical and Translational Science Center (National Center for Research Resources and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health Award UL1 TR001102) and financial contributions from Harvard University and its affiliated academic health care centers. Disclosure: Dr. Buettner has nothing to disclose. Dr. Nir has nothing to disclose. Dr. Burstein has received personal compensation for activities with Allergan, GSK, and Merck as a consultant or member of the scientific advisory board.