Ways to Prevent Migraine
Prevent Migraine
Doc, I want a Preventive Plan
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Prevention FAQs
What Are MABs?
MABs stands for Monocloanal AntiBodieS. MABs are a preventive medication specifically designed to prevent migraine by blocking CGRP. It is delivered monthly or quarterly through a shot.
What is CGRP?
CGRP is one of the chemicals released when your nervous system is threatened by external or internal factors. It produces a pain signal which causes headache. This is the main focus of new medications specifically designed to prevent or treat migraine.
Will insurance cover my preventive?
Hopefully health insurance companies will cover your preventive therapy. Recently there have been reports of certain insurance companies that are refusing to cover MABs. If this is the case, we urge you to contact the insurance company and file a complaint. Also, contact your local congress person to stand up for those with migraine.
Why do I need a preventive?
A preventive is an important tool to reduce the number of headache days per month. A preventive is different that acute meds like Ibuprofen, which are taken when the headache starts. Preventives reduce the number of acute meds needed. If you take too many acute meds, it can cause medication overuse headache and digestive issues. Acute meds should not be taken more than twice a week.
How can i start a preventive?
Always consult your doctor for all healthcare decisions. Track your migraines for 3-months and bring the communication guide we provide to a scheduled clinical visit. Talk to your doctor about all treatment options, including preventive options.
Migraine and How New Preventives Work
Prevent Migraine (Click on the Topic of Interest)
What are preventive medications?
Preventive Medications include MABs, BOTOX (Chronic Only), Blood Pressure Meds, Antidepressants, and Seizure Meds. (They reduce how many headaches you have per month). Some are taken quarterly/monthly (MABs and BOTOX)... Others daily... even if no headache is present.
ALWAYS consult your healthcare provider for all healthcare decisions.
ALWAYS consult your healthcare provider for all healthcare decisions.
MABs (Monoclonal Antibodies)
How they work: External and Internal Factors (Triggers) elevate levels of CGRP in certain parts of the brain, which cause inflammatory events. CGRP is involved in the transmission of pain when it binds to CGRP receptors. MABs block binding, which prevents headache pain.
MAB Options (FDA Approved in 2018)
MAB Options (FDA Approved in 2018)
- MAB: Fremanezumab-vfrm
- Delivery: Self-Administered Quarterly or Monthly Injection
- Brand Name: Ajovy
- Website: https://www.ajovy.com
- Made by: Teva
- How it works: Binds to CGRP Blocking Pain Signals
- For Episodic or Chronic Migraine (Must have tried a previous prevention option).
- MAB: Erenumab-aooe
- Delivery: Self-Administered Monthly Injection
- Brand Name: Aimovig
- Website: https://www.aimovig.com/
- Made by: Amgen and Novartis
- How it works: Binds to CGRP Receptor Blocking Pain Signals.
- For Episodic or Chronic Migraine: Must have tried a previous prevention option.
- MAB: Galcanezumab-gnlm
- Delivery: Self-Administered Monthly Injection
- Brand Name: Emgality
- Website: https://www.emgality.com/
- Made by: Lilly
- How it works: Binds to CGRP Blocking Pain Signals
- For Episodic or Chronic Migraine: Must have tried a previous prevention option.
ONABOTULINUMTOXINA (BOTOX)
OnabotulinumtoxinA (FDA Approved in 2010)
- Delivery: 31 injections every 3-months by Healthcare Provider
- Brand Name: BOTOX
- Website: https://www.botoxchronicmigraine.com/
- Made by: Allergan
- How it works: Blocks Pain Signals
- Must be diagnosed with Chronic Migraine (15+ Headache Days Per Month)
BLOOD PRESSURE MEDS
- Beta Blockers
- Propranolol/Inderal (Brand)
- Timolol/Blocadren (Brand)
- Metoprolol/Toprol (Brand)
- Nadolol/Corgard (Brand)
- Calcium Channels Blockers
- Verapamil/Calan, Isoptin (Brands)
- ARB (Angiotensin Receptor Blocker)
- Candesartan/Atacand (Brand)
ANTIDEPRESSANTS
- Tricyclic Antidepressants
- Amitriptyline/Elavil (Brand)
- Nortriptyline/Pamelor (Brand)
- Amitriptyline/Elavil (Brand)
- SNRI (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor)
- Venlafaxine/Effexor (Brand)
SEIZURE MEDS
- Topiramate/Topamax, Trokendi, Qudexy (Brands)
- Valproate/Convulex, Depakote, Epilim, Stavzor (Brands)
Learn From Experience: Finding Treatments that Work is a Journey
Watch Helen's migraine journey of the ups and downs of finding migraine medications that work.
This is a real patient being interview by headache specialist, Trupti Gokani, MD. You can see the entire series here.
This is a real patient being interview by headache specialist, Trupti Gokani, MD. You can see the entire series here.
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