Cost of migraine attack control: comparative characteristics of rizatriptan preparations on the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine

Abstract

The aim of the study was to conduct a marketing and pharmacoeconomic study of rizatriptan drugs circulation in Ukraine for abortive migraine therapy, analyzing availability and treatment cost. Materials and Methods. The study was observational, retrospective-prospective. Objects included data from the State Register of Medicines of Ukraine (December 2024–2025), pharmacy network data, and official instructions. Webometric method, comparative analysis, and pharmacoeconomic cost minimization analysis were applied. The cost of migraine attack control (VCP) was calculated considering dosage, frequency, and packaging in six regional centers: Dnipro, Kyiv, Lutsk, Lviv, Odesa, Kharkiv. Results. Positive market dynamics were established: registered trade positions increased by 40% (from 5 to 7). Manufacturer geography expanded due to the Indian company "MacLeods" (28.6% share). The 10 mg dosage is more cost-effective than 5 mg, as the latter requires two tablets, increasing cost by 4.5 UAH. The most beneficial drug is "RIZAMIGREN 10 mg No. 3" by LLC "Pharmaceutical Company Health" (VCP 53.99–56.50 UAH). The most expensive is "RIZOPTAN® 10 mg No. 3" (up to 80.16 UAH). Treatment cost varies by location: minimum in Lutsk, maximum in Odesa. Larger packaging reduces single dose cost by almost 20%. Conclusions. The rizatriptan market in Ukraine is evolving, attracting new manufacturers. For patients, the optimal choice is "RIZAMIGREN 10 mg No. 3". There is significant cost variability between regions and trade names, amounting to overpayment up to 48%. As of 2025, rizatriptan is absent from the reimbursement program, but growing competition and domestic manufacturers create prerequisites for its possible inclusion in the "Affordable Medicines" program soon.