Vyepti

Vyepti Overview:

Vyepti (eptinezumab-jjmr) is a preventive treatment for migraine in adults. It is a monoclonal antibody that targets calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a molecule that plays a central role in migraine attacks. Vyepti was approved by the FDA in February 2020 and is made by Lundbeck. It was the first anti-CGRP treatment given by intravenous (IV) infusion, and it is taken only once every 3 months.

Understanding Vyepti:

During a migraine, CGRP is released around nerves in the head, where it widens blood vessels and drives pain signaling and inflammation. Vyepti binds to CGRP and blocks it from acting on its receptor. Over time, this lowers how often migraine attacks happen. Vyepti is a preventive medicine. It is not used to treat a migraine attack that has already started.

Unlocking Vyepti’s Potential:

Because Vyepti is given by IV, the full dose enters the bloodstream at once, and some patients notice fewer migraine days as early as the day after their first infusion. FDA approval was based on two Phase 3 trials: PROMISE-1 in episodic migraine and PROMISE-2 in chronic migraine. In both trials, patients treated with Vyepti had significantly fewer monthly migraine days than patients given placebo. Quarterly in-office infusions also mean there are no monthly self-injections or daily pills to remember.

Navigating Dosage and Administration:

• Dose: 100 mg by IV infusion over about 30 minutes. Some patients may benefit from 300 mg.
• Schedule: One infusion every 3 months.
• Administration: Prepared and given by a healthcare provider. Vyepti is diluted in saline and is never given as an IV push or bolus.
• Monitoring: Patients are watched for hypersensitivity reactions during and after the infusion.

Preparing for Vyepti Treatment:

Before starting treatment, the care team reviews:

• The patient’s migraine history and prior treatments
• Blood pressure and any history of hypertension
• Any history of constipation or Raynaud’s phenomenon
• Current medications and allergies
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding plans

Patients are encouraged to keep a headache diary so the care team can track how well Vyepti is working.

Vyepti Side Effects:

Vyepti is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects in clinical trials were:

• Stuffy nose and sore throat (nasopharyngitis)
• Hypersensitivity reactions, such as rash, hives, or flushing

Serious but less common risks include:

• Hypersensitivity reactions: These can include angioedema, hives, facial flushing, rash, and in rare cases anaphylaxis. Most happen during the infusion, but some can occur later.
• Constipation with serious complications: Severe constipation, sometimes requiring hospitalization, has been reported with CGRP-targeting medicines.
• High blood pressure: New or worsening hypertension has been reported. Blood pressure is checked during treatment.
• Raynaud’s phenomenon: New or worsening episodes of cold, numb, or color-changing fingers or toes have been reported.

Patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity to eptinezumab or any of its ingredients should not receive Vyepti. Healthcare providers monitor patients closely and act promptly if any reaction occurs.

Empowering Migraine Management with Vyepti:

Vyepti offers adults living with migraine a targeted preventive option. It blocks CGRP directly, can begin working quickly, and needs only four infusions a year. For many patients, it means fewer migraine days and a better quality of life.