5 Outdated Migraine Medications You May Want to Upgrade
Some migraine medications have largely been replaced by safer or more effective options. Learn about the newer treatments available today with this guide.
Vyepti
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.
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.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Vyepti |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | CGRP receptor blocker |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
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%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Itching
- Flushing
Vyepti (eptinezumab) 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
The following Vyepti (eptinezumab) 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):
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
Pros and cons of Vyepti (eptinezumab)
Pros
- Works well to lower the number of migraines you get
- Taken only every 3 months
- Few side effects
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 for Vyepti (eptinezumab)
- 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).
- Drink plenty of water before your Vyepti (eptinezumab) infusion appointment to stay well hydrated.
- 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.
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.
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.
Vyepti (eptinezumab) dosage
Typical dosage 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
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.
News about Vyepti (eptinezumab)
Vyepti Dosages for Adults: Your GoodRx Guide
Vyepti is a migraine medication taken as an intravenous infusion. It is administered every 3 months and is available in 100 mg and 300 mg doses.
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Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors can treat and prevent migraines. Learn about how they work and who can benefit from them with GoodRx.
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