BREAKTHROUGHS IN MIGRAINE TREATMENT

Over the past few years there have been very exciting developments in the areas of treatment for migraine.

Last week the first oral gepant for the prevention of migraine, atogepant (brand name Qulipta), was approved by the FDA. It was approved for preventative use in episodic migraine. A gepant is a medication that blocks the protein called CGRP from its receptor in the body. CGRP is a compound present in the bloodstream during a migraine attack. By blocking its receptor, the gepant prevents the cascade of events that cause the symptoms related to migraine.

The medication is approved to be taken daily and comes in several different doses.

Clinical trials, side effects were mild and included nausea, constipation, and fatigue or somnolence.

For more information about this medication and to find out if it was right for you speak with your healthcare provider.

By: Brooke Steiger, NP