What’s the first thing you reach for when you feel a migraine attack coming on? Many people would say pills or oral tablets.

While oral medications may reduce symptoms like headache and nausea during migraine attacks, they’re not the only noninjection treatment option. Some people look for skin patches because nausea and vomiting can make it hard to swallow pills.

However, it’s important to know that there are currently no prescription migraine patches approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the market in the United States.

A prescription sumatriptan patch was previously available, but it was withdrawn from the market in 2016. Today, products sold as “migraine patches” are generally over-the-counter (OTC) cooling patches or supplement patches, which are different from FDA-approved prescription treatments.

Why Do People Ask About Migraine Patches?

It’s up to you and your doctor to decide which migraine treatment works best for your attacks. People with migraine may be interested in patch-based treatments for several reasons.

Nausea and vomiting during an attack can make it hard to take oral medication. Others may want to avoid injections or are looking for a more convenient option.

In theory, transdermal (through the skin) drug delivery could help medicine bypass the gastrointestinal system. That may be especially appealing to people with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or slowed stomach emptying.

Similarly, some people prefer to avoid injections because of needle discomfort, needle anxiety, or concerns about using injections in public. A patch could theoretically offer a more discreet, needle-free option.

What Happened to the Prescription Sumatriptan Patch?

A prescription patch containing sumatriptan, a triptan used to treat acute migraine attacks, was once available in the United States. This patch used a mild electrical current to help deliver the medication through the skin.

However, the product was taken off the market in 2016 after reports of serious skin burns and scarring where the patch was placed.

Other prescription migraine patches have been tested in recent years, but they haven’t been approved by the FDA. There are currently no FDA-approved prescription migraine patches on the U.S. market.

If you’re looking for a nonoral treatment for migraine attacks, your doctor may be able to recommend other currently available options, such as nasal sprays, injections, or other acute migraine medicines.

What About Over-the-Counter Migraine Patches?

Some OTC products are marketed as migraine patches. They are not FDA-approved prescription migraine treatments. Instead, they generally fall into two categories.

Cooling Patches

Cooling patches are nonmedicated products designed to create a cooling sensation on the forehead or skin. Some people find that cooling therapies, such as ice packs or gel packs, may help briefly ease headache pain.

However, cooling patches are not proven to stop a migraine attack, and they may not help with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or light sensitivity.

You can find nonmedicated OTC cooling patches at many pharmacies. They’re often marketed toward people who experience migraine attacks.

Supplement Patches

Some products sold for migraine contain vitamins, minerals, or herbal ingredients in patch form. These products are not FDA-approved migraine medications, and there is limited evidence on how well patch-based supplements work.

Nutritional patches for migraine attacks can include a variety of supplements, including coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 has been studied for migraine prevention in oral form, but evidence for patch formulations is limited.

Other supplements you might see in patches advertised to treat migraine attacks include:

• Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
• Magnesium
• Feverfew
• Ashwagandha

Although you don’t need a prescription for supplement patches, some supplements can cause side effects or interact with other medications.

Consult your doctor or migraine specialist before trying any topical nutritional patches or other supplements.

What To Know Before Trying a Product Marketed as a Migraine Patch

If you’re considering a product marketed as a migraine patch or treatment, check whether it’s FDA-approved or an OTC product making general wellness claims.

If swallowing pills is difficult during migraine attacks, ask your doctor about other nonoral treatment options, such as nasal sprays or injectable medicines.

Before trying a supplement patch, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Even nonprescription products can cause side effects or interact with other medicines.

Possible Side Effects of Over-the-Counter Migraine Patches

Depending on the product, side effects may include:

• Skin irritation
• Redness or discoloration
• Itching
• Rash
• Burning or discomfort where the patch is applied

If a patch causes pain, skin damage, or worsening symptoms, remove it and contact your healthcare provider.

Talk to Your Doctor

If you’re interested in alternatives to oral migraine medicines, talk to your doctor or headache specialist. Although there are currently no FDA-approved migraine patches available in the U.S., there are other nonoral treatment options for acute migraine attacks.

Let your healthcare provider know before trying OTC supplement patches or other alternative products. And if you use cooling patches, ask whether they’re safe to combine with your current migraine treatment plan.

Join the Conversation

On MyMigraineTeam, people share their experiences with migraine, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you tried using patches to treat migraine attacks? Let others know in the comments below.