Migraine is more than just a headache — for many people, it’s a chronic neurological condition that disrupts work, relationships, and quality of life. Over the past few years, new treatments have emerged that target the root causes of migraine, and one of the more recent developments is eptinezumab, a medication approved for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults.
Eptinezumab is marketed under the brand name Vyepti and is part of a class of drugs known as CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) inhibitors. These medications represent a targeted approach to migraine management, aiming to reduce the number and severity of attacks before they start.
How Eptinezumab Works
Eptinezumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to CGRP — a protein that plays a key role in the development of migraine symptoms. By blocking this protein, eptinezumab helps reduce inflammation and overactivity in the brain that can lead to migraine episodes.
Unlike oral migraine preventives or injectable options like Aimovig or Ajovy, eptinezumab is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion once every three months. This administration route allows the medication to take effect quickly — clinical studies report some patients experience benefits within 24 hours.
Who Might Benefit from Eptinezumab?
Eptinezumab is approved for both episodic and chronic migraine prevention. It may be especially useful for:
Patients with frequent monthly migraine days
Individuals who have not responded well to other preventive treatments
Those who prefer in-clinic infusions over self-injections
Patients looking for a predictable, quarterly schedule rather than monthly dosing
Clinical trials have shown that eptinezumab can significantly reduce the number ofmigraine days per month. For some, it also lessens the severity of attacks when they do occur.
What the Clinical Trials Say
In the PROMISE studies (the primary trials for eptinezumab), patients with both episodic and chronic migraine experienced meaningful improvements:
Fewer migraine days per month (starting in the first week)
Reduced use of rescue medications
Better function in daily life, including work and social activities
Patients reported sustained benefits across the full 12-week dosing cycle, with fewer side effects than some traditional preventive medications.
Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, eptinezumab may cause side effects. The most commonly reported include:
Nasal congestion
Fatigue
Mild allergic reactions at the infusion site
Because it’s administered in a clinical setting, patients are monitored during and after infusion to manage any immediate side effects.
How to Access Eptinezumab
Eptinezumab is a prescription medication and must be administered by a healthcare professional in an infusion clinic or hospital setting. Patients interested in Vyepti should speak with a neurologist or migraine specialist about whether it’s a good fit.
Insurance coverage may vary, but many patients qualify for assistance programs or manufacturer-sponsored cost support, especially during the first few months of treatment.
Final Thoughts
Eptinezumab represents a newer, highly targeted option for adults struggling with frequent migraines. With its quarterly IV dosing, fast onset of action, and favorable safety profile, it’s a strong consideration for individuals who haven’t found relief with older therapies.
If you or someone you know is living with migraine, asking a healthcare provider about CGRP-targeted treatments — including eptinezumab — could be the next step toward finding more consistent relief.