If you have migraines often, your doctor may suggest that you take medication to prevent them. One option is a drug called eptinezumab (Vyepti). Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions about this drug.
What Is Eptinezumab (Vyepti)?
It’s a prescription medication that’s used to help prevent migraine in adults. It belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. It blocks certain natural substances in the body that can trigger a migraine.
Is Eptinezumab (Vyepti) a CGRP Inhibitor?
Yes. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a protein that attaches to and activates specific receptors in your brain that are thought to trigger migraine. Eptinezumab blocks that process to stop migraine pain.
Does Eptinezumab (Vyepti) Cause Weight Gain?
There isn’t any research to suggest that eptinezumab causes weight changes. But some other migraine drugs have been associated with weight gain, including:
- Valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene)
- Amitriptyline (Elavil)
- Verapamil (Verelan)
- Propranolol (Inderal)
- Gabapentin (Neurontin)
Is Eptinezumab (Vyepti) an IV?
Yes. You get eptinezumab through a needle that goes into a vein in your arm. It takes about 30 minutes in your doctor’s office. You get it four times a year, or every 3 months. Because it’s delivered directly into your bloodstream, it may work faster than medicines that come as a pill or a quick-injection shot.
How Much Does Eptinezumab (Vyepti) Cost?
The list price of eptinezumab without insurance is $1,650 for the recommended dose, which is a 100-milligram treatment every 3 months. The amount you pay depends on your insurance plan. There may also be other costs for the IV from your doctor’s office. Since prescription drug prices can be confusing, it’s a good idea to reach out to your insurance carrier for more information. The company that makes Vyepti offers a copay assistance program that may completely cover your out-of-pocket costs if you qualify.
Is Eptinezumab (Vyepti) Covered by Medicare?
It may be covered through a Medicare Part B plan. This helps pay for doctor visits, including drugs given to you in a doctor’s office, like eptinezumab. You usually pay a 20% coinsurance after you meet your deductible. If you have Medicare supplemental insurance, or a Medicare Advantage Plan (Medicare Part C), your costs may be lower, too. Check with your insurance provider.
If you’re eligible for Medicaid, your cost for eptinezumab will depend on your state and your income.
Does Eptinezumab (Vyepti) Cause Hair Loss?
Some people who take CGRP inhibitors have reported losing hair. This side effect is very rare and has not been found in clinical studies of eptinezumab so far. The main side effects for people who take eptinezumab are:
- Nose or throat symptoms. Fewer than 1 in 12 people who take eptinezumab notice nasal congestion or a sore throat.
- Allergic reactions. This is even less common. Usually, symptoms are mild and include swelling, hives, facial flushing, and rashes. But more serious symptoms like trouble breathing or throat swelling can happen. Tell your doctor right away or get emergency care.
Who Makes Eptinezumab (Vyepti)?
Eptinezumab is made by Lundbeck, a global drug company based in Denmark that specializes in brain diseases. It was approved by the FDA in February 2020 and became available in April 2020.
How Do You Take Eptinezumab (Vyepti)?
It’s given by a nurse or other health care worker in a doctor’s office, or at an IV center. There are a few things you can do to get ready:
- Drink plenty of water before your appointment. Placing an IV is easier when you’re well-hydrated.
- Wear comfortable clothes. If you have long sleeves, make sure that they can be easily rolled up above your elbow.
- Bring a sweater or an extra layer. The office may be cold, and you’ll be there for at least 30 minutes.
Is Eptinezumab (Vyepti) Available in Canada?
Eptinezumab has been approved in Canada for adults who have at least four migraine days each month.
Does Eptinezumab (Vyepti) Cause Constipation?
It hasn’t been reported in studies so far. But several other CGRB inhibitors have been linked to constipation in some people, including atogepant (Qulipta), erenumab (Aimovig), fremanezumab (Ajovy), and galcanezumab (Emgality). Trouble pooping seems to be more likely at the start of treatment and if you’re on a high dose. If you’re worried about constipation on eptinezumab, talk to your doctor about other things you can do to stay regular, like a diet high in fiber and trying to poop after meals.
How Fast Does Eptinezumab (Vyepti) Work?
This differs from person to person. Some people notice that they have fewer migraine days the first week after treatment. You may even find that your migraines improve the next day. But for others, it takes longer. It’s a good idea to keep track of your monthly migraine days. This way, you can talk about them with your doctor.
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).
How Do You Pronounce Eptinezumab?
You say, ep ti NEZ ue mab.
