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Vyepti

eptinezumab
Used for Migraine
Used for Migraine

Vyepti (eptinezumab or eptinezumab-jjmr) is a medication that's used to prevent migraines in adults. The dose is given as an infusion through the veins at a provider's office or clinic every 3 months. Side effects aren't common, but they can include common cold symptoms, itching, and flushing. Vyepti (eptinezumab) is only available as a brand name.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on September 6, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageAlternativesLatest newsReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Vyepti (eptinezumab)?

What is Vyepti (eptinezumab) used for?

  • Prevention of migraines in adults

How Vyepti (eptinezumab) works

Vyepti (eptinezumab) is a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor blocker. It's a monoclonal antibody that blocks a protein in the brain and nervous system called CGRP. CGRP is thought to be involved with migraines and causing pain. By blocking CGRP, Vyepti (eptinezumab) helps block migraines from happening.

Are you looking for information on Soliris (eculizumab) or Aimovig (erenumab) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsVyepti
Drug ClassCGRP receptor blocker
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Vyepti (eptinezumab)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Common cold symptoms (6-8%)

Other Side Effects

  • Itching
  • Flushing

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Allergic reactions: hives, itching, swelling of the face or tongue, difficulty breathing

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
  • Increase in blood pressure
  • Raynaud syndrome—cool, numb, or painful fingers or toes that may change color from pale, to blue, to red

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Vyepti (eptinezumab)

thumbs-up

Pros

Works well to lower the number of migraines you get

Taken only every 3 months

Few side effects

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Cons

Given as an infusion through the veins (IV)

Needs to be given by a healthcare provider

Hasn't been studied well enough in children or in older adults, so it's not completely known how well the medication works for them

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Vyepti (eptinezumab)

pharmacist

  • Discuss with your provider about where you can get Vyepti (eptinezumab), what to expect during the infusions, and any other questions you might have about treatment. The manufacturer of Vyepti (eptinezumab) also has helpful information, resources, and tips to get you started for your infusion.

    • Mark your infusion appointments on your calendar to make sure you don't miss any doses of Vyepti (eptinezumab).

      • Plan for your Vyepti (eptinezumab) infusion appointments accordingly. The infusion itself takes about 30 minutes, but give yourself some time beforehand to check in. Your provider might also need some time to finish preparing the medication for your infusion.

        • Tell your provider if you're pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant, or planning to breastfeed. We don't know whether Vyepti (eptinezumab) can cause harm to unborn babies, though studies show that it didn't in animals. It also isn't known whether the medication passes into breast milk.

          • Talk to your provider if you have a migraine in between your Vyepti (eptinezumab) infusion appointments. They can recommend strategies to manage your migraines, including avoiding triggers, medications to ease the headache quickly, and alternative therapies like acupressure.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Vyepti (eptinezumab)

            What's the success rate of Vyepti (eptinezumab) for preventing migraines?
            In studies, people with chronic migraines (15 or more headache days per month) had an average of about 8 fewer migraine days per month after taking Vyepti (eptinezumab) for 3 months. Study participants with episodic migraines (4 to 14 headache days per month) had an average of 4 fewer migraine days per month after taking the medication for 3 months.
            How long does it take for Vyepti (eptinezumab) to work?
            Studies show that Vyepti (eptinezumab) starts to work right away, from day 1 of your dose. It only takes a few hours for Vyepti (eptinezumab) to reach the highest amount in the body after a single dose of medication.
            How is Vyepti (eptinezumab) administered?
            Vyepti (eptinezumab) is given as a 30-minute infusion through the veins by a healthcare provider. This isn't a medication you can pick up and give to yourself at home. You'll need to see your provider at their office or clinic or go to an infusion center for each of your Vyepti (eptinezumab) infusions.
            What should I do to prepare for the Vyepti (eptinezumab) infusion?
            Before your infusion, make sure to drink plenty of water so you're well hydrated. Wear comfortable clothing to your appointments. During your infusion, a healthcare provider will keep an eye on you closely to make sure you're not having any allergic reactions to the medication.
            Does Vyepti (eptinezumab) cause weight gain?
            Weight gain wasn't a side effect that people taking Vyepti (eptinezumab) reported in clinical studies. If you experience unexpected weight changes while you're taking Vyepti (eptinezumab), speak with your provider to discuss possible causes.
            Does Vyepti (eptinezumab) cause hair loss?
            Hair loss wasn't a side effect reported by people using Vyepti (eptinezumab) in clinical trials. But a study based on reports to the FDA suggests that CGRP blockers like Vyepti (eptinezumab) could possibly raise the risk for hair loss. More research is needed to find out whether there's a link. Speak with your provider if you experience any hair loss while you're taking Vyepti (eptinezumab). They'll try to figure out what's causing it.
            What's the difference between Vyepti (eptinezumab) and Emgality (galcanezumab)?
            Both Vyepti (eptinezumab) and Emgality (galcanezumab) are CGRP receptor blockers that are FDA-approved for preventing migraines. But Emgality (galcanezumab) is also approved for cluster headaches, a severe and sudden headache that's typically felt on only one side of the head. In addition, Emgality (galcanezumab) is an injection under the skin that you can give to yourself at home every month, whereas Vyepti (eptinezumab) is an IV infusion that's given by a healthcare professional every 3 months. Both medications haven't been compared to each other in any head-to-head studies, so it's not clear whether one medication works better than the other. Speak with your provider to weigh the pros and cons of each medication.
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            What are the risks and warnings for Vyepti (eptinezumab)?

            Vyepti (eptinezumab) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

            risk-warning

            Allergic reactions

            Vyepti (eptinezumab) can cause allergic reactions, such as hives, flushing in the face, rash, shortness of breath, and angioedema (swelling of the skin or lips). Most allergic reactions happen during the infusion and aren't serious. But it's possible that they can be serious and life-threatening (e.g., swelling of face and throat, sudden low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting).

            Call your nurse over right away if you get any of these symptoms during your infusion. Call 911 as soon as possible if you have these symptoms after your Vyepti (eptinezumab) infusion and you've left the office or clinic center.

            dosage

            Vyepti (eptinezumab) dosage forms

            Typical dosing for Vyepti (eptinezumab)

            The typical dose is 100 mg or 300 mg infused through the veins (intravenously or IV) once every 3 months.

            More on Vyepti (eptinezumab) dosage forms

            vyepti: vyepti on blue CourtesyofLundbeck 2400

            Vyepti Dosages for Adults: Your GoodRx Guide

            Written by Stacia Woodcock, PharmD
            alternatives

            What are alternatives to Vyepti (eptinezumab)?

            There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Vyepti (eptinezumab). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
            Vyepti (eptinezumab)
            Used for:

            • Prevention of migraines in adults

            View Prices
            Ajovy (fremanezumab)
            Used for:

            • Prevention of migraines in adults

            $739.01 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
            Aimovig (erenumab)
            Used for:
            $768.12 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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            References

            Best studies we found

            Ashina, M., et al. (2020). Eptinezumab in episodic migraine: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (PROMISE-1). Cephalalgia.

            Banks, J. (n.d.). CGRP: What you need to know. National Headache Foundation.

            Berger, A. A., et al. (2022). Eptinezumab-jjmr, a humanized monoclonal specific to Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide, for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. Health Psychology Research.

            View All References (9)

            Datta, A., et al. (2021). A review of eptinezumab use in migraine. Cureus.

            Lipton, R. B., et al. (2020). Efficacy and safety of eptinezumab in patients with chronic migraine: PROMISE-2. Neurology.

            Lundbeck Pharmaceuticals LLC. (2022). Vyepti- eptinezumab-jjmr injection [package insert]. DailyMed.

            Lundbeck Seattle BioPharmaceuticals, Inc. (n.d.). Designed to help prevent migraine attacks.

            Lundbeck Seattle BioPharmaceuticals, Inc. (n.d.). Find an infusion location that's right for you.

            Lundbeck Seattle BioPharmaceuticals, Inc. (n.d.). Getting ready for Vyepti.

            Lundbeck Seattle BioPharmaceuticals, Inc. (n.d.). People on Vyepti had more migraine-free days.

            MedlinePlus. (2022). Angioedema.

            Woods, R. H. (2022). Alopecia signals associated with calcitonin gene-related peptide inhibitors in the treatment or prophylaxis of migraine: A pharmacovigilance study. Pharmacotherapy.

            GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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