Research studies indicate that CGRP is released during migraines.
It promotesvasodilation(widening of the blood vessels), which worsens inflammation and pain.
Scientists discovered that CGRP could both trigger migraines and increase their severity.
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Armed with this knowledge, pharmaceutical companies began to develop ways to block CGRP activity in people withchronic migraines.
Now, there are several differentpreventative migraine injectionsthat block either CGRP or CGRP receptors.
The receptors are the molecules to which CGRP proteins bind on cells.
The injections consist ofmonoclonal antibodies(laboratory-produced immune system proteins that bind to a specific target).
How Is Migraine Diagnosed?
To diagnose you withmigraine, a healthcare provider will start by asking about your symptoms and medical history.
Your provider can make a conclusive diagnosis with a physical and neurological exam.
In clinical trials, a once-monthly self-injection of Aimovig reduced the number of migraines people experienced each month.
Unlike other injectable anti-CGRP medications, Aimovig blocks CGRP receptors rather than binding onto CGRP itself.
Aimovig is currently used for adults dealing with occasional (episodic) or chronic migraines.
Aimovig should be taken once per month to maintain effectiveness.
Ajovy
Ajovy (fremanezumab-vfrm) is another anti-CGRP migraine injection for migraine prevention.
Vyepti
Vyepti (eptinezumab) is a monoclonal antibody that blocks CGRP activity to prevent migraines.
Emgality
Emgality(galcanezumab-gnlm) is an anti-CGRP medication, also self-injected monthly.
It is for the prevention of migraines as well as episodiccluster headaches.
Injection doses may differ depending on whether Emgality is being used for cluster headaches or migraines.
How quickly the nasal spray works will vary depending on how fast your body absorbs the medication.
The injection is effective and consistent because almost 100% of the medication gets into the bloodstream.
What Causes Migraine?
There is no singlecause of migraine.
Migraine triggers differ from person to person.
Several injectable prescription drugs including Aimovig, Ajovy, Vyepti, and Emgality work toprevent migrainesby blocking CGRP activity.
These medications are delivered monthly via subcutaneous injection or intravenous (IV) infusion.
There are also two acute migraine injectionssumatriptan and dihydroergotaminethat can relieve pain during severe migraine attacks.
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