Do you also feel like your whole day is over when you get a migraine? The severe pain that starts on one side of your head, feels like your head is about to burst, you can't look at light or sound, you feel nauseous, and sometimes you even vomit... This is not just a normal headache, it's a big problem that affects your life. So today we're going to talk about a new drug that can be used to help prevent these severe migraines.
What kind of medicine is Eptinezumab?
Simply put, Eptinezumab (pronounced: ep-ti-ne-su-mab) is a drug used to prevent migraines . It is most commonly known by the brand name Vyepti.
The important thing here is that this is not a medicine to take when you have a migraine and your head hurts. Instead, it is used to control the recurrence of migraines and reduce the frequency of their occurrence. In other words, it is a preventive treatment . Doctors recommend this medicine to people who suffer from frequent migraines.
How do you inject this medicine into the body?
This is not a pill or capsule that you can take home. Eptinezumab is an injection that is given into a vein. To be precise, it is given into the body through a vein (infusion), just like a saline solution .
This treatment must be given in a hospital or clinic by a trained medical professional (doctor or nurse). You are not allowed to take this medicine home or use it yourself.
This procedure usually takes about 30 minutes. You will need to be under medical supervision while this medicine is being given and for some time afterwards.
If this medicine is given to young children, special care and supervision by a pediatrician are required.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
It is very important to give your doctor a complete explanation of your health condition before taking any medication. The same is true before taking Eptinezumab. Be sure to inform your doctor about the following.
| What you need to know | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Allergies you have | If you are allergic to Eptinezumab or any other medicine, food, or dye, it can cause a severe allergic reaction. So tell us about it first. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | There is still not enough information about the safety of this medication during pregnancy, so it is important to talk to your doctor about this for your safety and that of your baby. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | It is not yet clear whether this medication passes to the baby through breast milk. Therefore, if you are a breastfeeding mother, discuss this with your doctor. |
Do you want to talk about other types of medicine?
Yes, absolutely. Although there are no serious interactions reported with this medication, for your safety, tell your doctor about all medications you take, including vitamins, supplements, Ayurvedic or herbal remedies. It is also important to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Like any medicine, Eptinezumab can cause some side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Only some people get them. There are two types of these side effects.
| Side Effect | What to do? |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
Severe allergic reactions , for example:
| These may be signs of a severe allergic reaction. Contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU). |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Sore throat or cold-like symptoms | If this persists or bothers you, tell your doctor about it. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. Additionally, if you experience anything unusual, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about it.
A few other important points
What to do if you miss a dose?
Since this is a preventive treatment, it is very important to get your medication on time. If you are unable to go to the clinic on the scheduled day, talk to your doctor or hospital immediately and make another appointment. Do not skip your medication.
What if I take too much medicine?
This is given in a hospital setting and under medical supervision, so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you think you may have taken too much of the medicine, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Take-Home Message
- Eptinezumab is not a medication given to treat migraine pain. It is a preventive treatment to prevent migraines from occurring .
- This medicine is only given in a hospital or clinic, as an injection into a vein, like saline.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about any allergies you have, whether you are pregnant, and any other medications you are taking.
- If you experience severe allergic symptoms such as swelling of the face, lips, or skin rashes after taking the medicine, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not assume that it is suitable for someone else with the same symptoms as you. Always seek treatment only on medical advice.
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