Migraine infusion therapy (Vyepti IV)

What is migraine infusion therapy? 

Migraine infusion therapy is a type of treatment used to prevent recurrent migraines and reduce their severity. The treatment uses a prescription intravenous (IV) infusion medication called eptinezumab, more commonly known as Vyepti.

The drug works by blocking a protein called Calcitonin Gene-related peptide, which plays a role in how pain is transmitted in the brain. With this treatment, migraines should occur less often, and when they do, should be less severe. 

Who is suitable for migraine infusion therapy?

This type of migraine therapy may be offered to you if you experience chronic (more than 15 a month) or episodic migraines (four to 14 a month) and other preventative drugs have not helped improve your migraines, or if you cannot tolerate the side effects of those treatments. 

In some cases, migraine infusion therapy may not be suitable. You cannot have this treatment if you:

• have hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) 

• have uncontrolled high blood pressure (over 150mmHg systolic) 

• have had a stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA ) or heart attack

• have angina 

• are pregnant or breastfeeding

What does migraine infusion treatment involve?

When you have treatment at OneWelbeck, you will be cared for in our Neurology Centre by one of our specialist neurologists.

After an initial consultation, where your treatment options will be discussed and agreed upon, your consultant will invite you to attend a treatment appointment once every 12 weeks (3 months).

At these appointments, your consultant will insert a thin needle into your arm, through which the Vyepti medication will be administered. The medication is in liquid form and is held in an IV bag, which is attached to a tube that leads into the needle in your arm. The treatment will be administered gradually over around 30 minutes.

It’s important that you keep a headache diary where you record any migraines you have and their severity after treatment. This will help your consultant understand how well the treatment is working for you. 

If you have chronic migraines, treatment can continue if a 30% improvement is seen. In cases of episodic migraines, a 50% improvement is required for treatment to continue.  

What are the side effects of migraine infusion therapy?

As with any drug-based treatment, it is possible to experience side effects. 

Side effects of migraine infusion therapy can include:

• A stuffy nose and scratchy throat (experienced by 6-8% of patients)  

• Fatigue (experienced by 3% of patients)

• A hypersensitivity reaction (a rash, swelling under the skin, hives, or allergic reaction) (experienced by 1% of patients)

At OneWelbeck, migraine infusion therapy is administered in a controlled and safe environment. If you experience any of these side effects, your consultant and our experienced nurses are on hand to offer care and advice to help reduce them.

Is an IV drip painful?

An IV drip is minimally invasive but does involve having a needle and catheter inserted into a vein, which can cause some discomfort. When the needle is inserted, you’ll feel a small scratch, similar to when you have a blood test or injection. Once the catheter is in and the needle is removed, most people feel little to no discomfort. 

Once the treatment is complete, the catheter is gently removed, which shouldn’t cause pain. You may have some mild soreness in the area and some bruising, but pain is uncommon. 

Botox vs IV infusions for migraines

Similar to a migraine infusion, Botox injections are used to reduce migraine frequency and severity, but are only used as a treatment for chronic migraines.

During your initial consultation, your neurologist will discuss your symptoms with you and recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your individual factors and the potential side effects.

How much does a migraine infusion cost?

Why choose OneWelbeck?