Pharmacists are calling for a migraine medicine to be made available in Ireland without a prescription.

Migraine is the most common neurological condition in the world. An estimated half a million Irish people are affected. It generally features a one-sided throbbing headache, which can last hours or even days. This can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sensitivity to sound.

Pharmacists are calling for the drug, Sumatriptan, to be made available over the counter in Irish pharmacies in order to allow sufferers to access treatment without delay. The drug is already available without a prescription in the UK.

Commenting on this issue, Rory O'Donnell, president of the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), pointed out that most migraine sufferers have already been diagnosed with migraine by their doctor. Furthermore regular or severe sufferers have more than likely been prescribed Sumatriptan as a treatment before.

"Once a migraine headache starts, the sooner this medicine is taken, the more effective it is. 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," Mr O'Donnell said.

The call to make the drug available without prescription is supported by the Migraine Association of Ireland.

"The association 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," said the association's CEO, Patrick Little.

Mr O'Donnell and Mr Little made their comments ahead of the association's 20th anniversary conference on March 23.

For more information on this condition or to keep on top of your migraines, see our unique Migraine Monitor, which was developed in association with the Migraine Association of Ireland, here