CGRP is a protein that plays a major role in migraine attacks by causing inflammation and dilation of blood vessels in the brain. CGRP medications block this process either by preventing CGRP from binding to its receptors or by blocking the receptors themselves. There are two main types:
Preventive CGRP medications (taken regularly to reduce frequency of attacks)
Acute CGRP medications (taken during a migraine to stop symptoms)
Best CGRP Medications for Migraine Relief
1. Aimovig (erenumab)
Use: Monthly injection for prevention
Mechanism: Blocks CGRP receptors
Pros: Self-injectable; proven to reduce migraine days
Common side effects: Constipation, injection site pain
Cost: Around $650–$700 per month without insurance
Coupons: Amgen offers a savings card that may reduce copays to $0
2. Emgality (galcanezumab)
Use: Monthly injection for prevention
Mechanism: Binds to CGRP
Pros: May be more effective for chronic migraine
Common side effects: Injection site reaction, dizziness
Cost: Around $680 per dose
Coupon availability: Manufacturer copay cards for eligible patients
3. Ajovy (fremanezumab)
Use: Monthly or quarterly injection
Mechanism: Binds to CGRP
Pros: Flexible dosing schedule
Common side effects: Injection site reactions, fatigue
Cost: Roughly $700/month
Savings programs: Available through Teva
4. Vyepti (eptinezumab)
Use: IV infusion every 3 months
Mechanism: Binds to CGRP
Pros: Fast-acting with quarterly dosing
Common side effects: Nasopharyngitis, hypersensitivity
Cost: Higher than injectables; varies based on infusion provider
Insurance: Often covered with prior authorization
5. Nurtec ODT (rimegepant)
Use: Oral tablet for both acute treatment and prevention
Mechanism: CGRP receptor antagonist
Pros: Dual-purpose pill; non-injectable
Commonside effects: Nausea, indigestion
Cost: Around $900 for 8 doses/month
Coupons: Biohaven offers co-pay support programs
6. Ubrelvy (ubrogepant)
Use: Acute migraine treatment
Mechanism: CGRP receptor antagonist
Pros: Oral option, fast onset
Common side effects: Sleepiness, dry mouth
Cost: ~$850 for 10 pills
Savings cards: Available through AbbVie
CGRP Medications: Comparison at a Glance
| Medication | Type | Dosing | Preventive or Acute | Approx. Cost | Coupon Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aimovig | Injection | Monthly | Preventive | $650+ | ✅ |
| Emgality | Injection | Monthly | Preventive | $680+ | ✅ |
| Ajovy | Injection | Monthly/Quarterly | Preventive | $700+ | ✅ |
| Vyepti | Infusion | Every 3 Months | Preventive | Varies | ✅ |
| Nurtec ODT | Oral | As needed/Daily | Both | $900+/month | ✅ |
| Ubrelvy | Oral | As needed | Acute | $850+/month | ✅ |
Choosing the Best CGRP Migraine Treatment
The best CGRP migraine medication often depends on:
Migraine frequency: Chronic sufferers may prefer monthly injections (Emgality, Aimovig); those with episodic migraines may lean toward oral meds like Nurtec.
Delivery method: Patients averse to injections may prefer oral CGRP antagonists like Nurtec or Ubrelvy.
Cost and insurance: While most drugs cost upwards of $600–$900 per month, copay cards and pharmacy discount programs significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Speed of action: Vyepti offers fast onset via infusion, while oral drugs offer convenience with less invasiveness.
Final Thoughts
For people who experience regular migraines, CGRP medications offer an effective and targeted treatment path. Whether you're comparing Aimovig vs Emgality, looking into best oral CGRP migraine medications, or exploring cost-effective migraine prevention, these options offer flexibility and results.
Patients often search terms like “CGRP migraine medication cost,” “how to get CGRP prescription,” and “top CGRP inhibitors” when researching treatments. Always consult a healthcare provider to determine which medication aligns with your migraine type, health profile, and insurance plan.