A migraine is not just a headache, is it? When it comes, you can't do anything, you can't look at the light, you don't like to hear any sound, and sometimes you even vomit. It's like a whole day of hell. If you suffer from these kinds of severe migraines, today we're going to talk about a new drug that can help you prevent them. Its name is Eptinezumab.
What is this medicine called Eptinezumab?
Simply put, Eptinezumab is a drug that is used to prevent migraines. It is not a painkiller. That is, it is not a drug that reduces the pain of a migraine after you have it, but a drug that tries to stop the migraines from happening. In our country, it is most commonly used under the brand name Vyepti.
Now you might be wondering how this works. It belongs to a special class of drugs called `( monoclonal antibody )`. Although the name may sound a bit complicated, it is actually quite simple. Imagine that there is a chemical substance inside our body that is like a ``switch'' that triggers migraines. This drug is like a ``targeted missile'' that finds that switch and ``blocks'' it. Then the signal to trigger migraines does not go to the brain. As a result, the frequency and severity of migraines are significantly reduced.
The most important thing is that this is not a medicine to take after a migraine has occurred, but a treatment to prevent migraines from recurring .
What are the things I need to tell the doctor before taking this medicine?
It is very important to inform your doctor about your complete health history before taking any medication. It is especially important to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions before starting Eptinezumab treatment.
| Situation you need to report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Allergies | If you have an allergy to Eptinezumab, or any other medicine, food, or dye, you should definitely tell us about it, as this medicine can also cause severe allergic reactions. |
| Circulatory problems in the limbs | Especially if you have a condition like Raynaud's syndrome (fingers turn pale, blue, and numb when cold), tell them about it. This medicine may make the condition worse. |
| High Blood Pressure | If you already have high blood pressure, let your doctor know if it is under control. |
| If you are pregnant or expecting a baby | If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is essential to discuss this with your doctor before making a decision, as the full extent of how this medication will affect the baby is not yet known. |
| If a mother is breastfeeding her child | It is not yet clear whether this medicine passes into breast milk. Therefore, if you are a breastfeeding mother, tell your doctor. |
How do you use this medicine?
This is not a medicine you can take home. Eptinezumab is an injection that is given intravenously. This means that you will have to receive it in a hospital or clinic under the supervision of medical staff.
Just like giving saline , this medicine is mixed in a saline bottle and injected intravenously over a period of about 30 minutes. This treatment is usually given once every three months.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
Since this is a medication that is given every three months, it is very important to go to the clinic on the scheduled day. If you are unable to go on the scheduled day, call your doctor immediately and schedule another appointment. Do not skip your medication.
What if too much medicine goes into the body?
Since this is given in a hospital, the chance of getting an overdose is very low. However, if you suspect that something has happened to you, inform the medical staff immediately. Otherwise, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Can there be problems with other medications?
As far as is known, Eptinezumab has not been reported to cause major interactions with other medications.
But, don't think that "it's okay if you say there's no problem." It is very important for your safety to tell your doctor about every medicine you take, whether it's for diabetes, blood pressure, vitamins, even a Panadol pill, as well as any Sinhala or Ayurvedic medicine you take.
What are the possible side effects of the medicine?
As with any medication, there are some possible side effects . While some are minor and nothing to worry about, it is important to be aware of some serious side effects.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Severe allergic reactions or angioedema | Skin rash, rash-like rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, hands or feet, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing. If any of these occur, it is an emergency. Go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. |
| Increased blood pressure | If you experience a sudden increase in blood pressure, inform your doctor. |
| Raynaud syndrome | Coldness, numbness, pain in the fingers or toes, and changes in the color of the fingers to white, blue, or red. If you notice anything like this, tell your doctor. |
| Side effects that are usually nothing to worry about, but if they persist, you should tell your doctor. | |
| Cold-like symptoms | You may experience minor symptoms such as a runny nose, stuffy nose, and sore throat. These usually subside within a few days. However, if they persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any unusual or bothersome symptoms, never hesitate to talk to your doctor about them.
Take-Home Message
- Eptinezumab is a medication that is used to prevent severe migraines, not to relieve pain once a migraine occurs.
- This medicine is only given in a hospital or clinic, through a vein (IV injection ). So you will not get any medicine to take home.
- Before starting treatment, be sure to tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, allergies, and medications you are taking.
- If you develop severe allergic symptoms , such as facial swelling and difficulty breathing , after taking the medicine, it is an emergency. Seek medical advice immediately.
- It is very important to get your medication on time. If for some reason you are unable to go, inform the doctor in advance and arrange another date.
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