Eptinezumab (Vyepti) is a drug that your doctor may prescribe to help prevent migraines. If you get these painful headaches often, they can make it very hard for you to go to work, take care of your family, and do daily activities that you enjoy.
Eptinezumab may make living with regular migraines easier. Here are some key things to know about this medication:
Eptinezumab (Vyepti) Is a Monoclonal Antibody
A monoclonal antibody is a type of protein that’s made in a laboratory. It attaches itself to a certain target in your body. Eptinezumab targets a protein called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). When CGRP is released in your brain, it causes intense inflammation that can, for some people, trigger pain.
Eptinezumab blocks your body from absorbing CGRP, so it’s less likely to cause a migraine.
Eptinezumab (Vyepti) Is Given as an IV
You get eptinezumab through a needle placed in a vein in your arm. It’s done in your doctor’s office. Each IV takes about 30 minutes, and you get one every 3 months. This is less often than most other drugs used to prevent migraines.
The usual dose is 100 milligrams at a time. Some people do better with a higher dose. Here are some things to know about getting an IV:
- You should drink plenty of water before your appointment. It’s easier to place the needle if you’re well-hydrated.
- Wear comfy clothes. Since the IV will be in your lower arm, make sure long sleeves can easily be rolled up above your elbow. Bring a sweater or an extra layer, in case the office is cold, since you’ll be there for a while.
- Once you’re ready, a nurse or technician will start the dose and answer any questions you have.
- During the IV, you can read, browse on your phone, or just relax.
- Once you’re finished, you can go about your day as usual.
An IV delivers medicine directly into your bloodstream. This usually means it starts to work faster than a pill or shot.
You May Notice Certain Side Effects From Eptinezumab (Vyepti)
Some of the most common side effects you might notice when you take eptinezumab are:
Stuffy nose and scratchy throat. These were the side effects that came up most often in the drug’s clinical trials. Fewer than 1 in 12 people reported them.
Allergic reactions. These were even less common but did cause some people to stop taking eptinezumab. Talk to your doctor if you notice itching, hives, a rash, or redness and warmth at the spot where you got the IV.
Very rarely, eptinezumab could cause a severe allergic reaction like swelling in your throat or trouble breathing. If you have these symptoms, tell your doctor right away or, if you’re not at their office, call 911.
Like other monoclonal antibodies, eptinezumab can trigger an immune response against the drug itself. That has happened in clinical trials. But researchers don’t yet know whether it will eventually stop the drug from working.
Some People Shouldn’t Take Eptinezumab (Vyepti)
Reasons include if you’ve recently had a heart attack or a stroke. If you’ve had an allergic reaction from taking eptinezumab before, you shouldn’t take it again.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor. There isn’t enough information to know whether eptinezumab might harm an unborn baby. But since women with migraines may have a higher risk of life-threatening pregnancy complications like preeclampsia, your doctor may feel that it’s better for you to take it.
The drug hasn’t been tested in kids.
Eptinezumab appears to be safe to take with other drugs, including the headache medicine sumatriptan. But tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Unlike some other migraine drugs, eptinezumab is OK to take if you have liver or kidney disease.
Eptinezumab (Vyepti) Works Quickly
In clinical trials, eptinezumab worked better than a placebo to cut the number of monthly headache days both for people who have episodic migraines (fewer than 15 a month) and chronic migraines (15 or more a month).
What’s more, some people taking eptinezumab get migraine relief right away. Clinical studies showed fewer people who were given the drug had migraines during the first week after their IV than those who were given a placebo. You'll need to take this medicine for 3 months to give it enough time to see if it works for you.
Keep in mind that everyone is different. That’s why it’s important to keep track of your monthly migraine days so you can talk about them with your doctor. This way, you’ll get a better sense of whether the drug helps you.
