When taken at the first indication of a migraine, prior to the onset of headache pain, a medication called ubrogepant has been found to potentially assist individuals with migraines in managing their daily activities with minimal to no symptoms, as indicated by a recent study. This research concentrated on individuals who could recognize the early signs of an impending attack, including heightened sensitivity to light and sound, tiredness, neck discomfort or stiffness, and dizziness.
According to a recent study published on August 28, 2024, in the online edition of Neurology®, the official journal of the American Academy of Neurology, ubrogepant may help people with migraines maintain their daily routines without significant symptoms when taken at the earliest signs of a migraine. The study focused on individuals who are able to foresee a migraine attack due to early symptoms such as sensitivity to light and sound, fatigue, neck pain or stiffness, or dizziness.
Ubrogepant functions as a calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist, also known as a CGRP inhibitor. CGRP is a protein that significantly contributes to the migraine process.
“Migraine is one of the most widespread ailments globally, yet a substantial number of individuals suffering from this condition either do not get treatment or express dissatisfaction with their care,” stated Richard B. Lipton, MD, study author and Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, New York. “Enhancing care at the onset of migraine, even before headache pain starts, can be vital for achieving better results. Our findings are promising, indicating that ubrogepant might empower individuals with migraines to function effectively and continue with their daily lives.”
The study included 518 participants who had been experiencing migraines for at least a year and reported two to eight migraine attacks each month in the preceding three months. All participants routinely recognized early warning signs that a migraine would begin within the next few hours. Over a two-month period, participants were instructed to manage two attacks.
Researchers split the participants into two groups. The first group received a placebo during their first instance of pre-headache migraine signs and then took 100 milligrams (mg) of ubrogepant for the second instance of symptoms. Conversely, the second group took ubrogepant for their first instance and a placebo for their second instance.
Participants logged their activity limitations in a diary, using a scale from zero to five, with 0 meaning “not at all limited — I could do everything”; 1 for “a little limited”; 2 for “somewhat limited”; 3 for “very limited”; or 4 for “extremely limited.”
After 24 hours of taking the medication or placebo, 65% of individuals who took ubrogepant identified themselves as “not at all limited — I could do everything,” or “a little limited,” in contrast to 48% of those who received the placebo.
Researchers observed that as soon as two hours post-medication, those who took ubrogepant were 73% more likely to report having “no disability, able to function normally,” compared to those who took the placebo.
“Our results suggest that treatment with ubrogepant could enable individuals with migraines, who notice early warning signs before a migraine strikes, to swiftly address migraine attacks during their early stages and pursue their daily lives with minimal discomfort and interruptions,” stated Lipton. “This could significantly enhance the quality of life for those affected by migraines.”
Lipton pointed out that participants demonstrated the ability to reliably predict the onset of migraine headaches based on their warning symptoms. However, these findings are pertinent solely to those with dependable warning signs.
A limitation of the study was that participants recorded their symptoms and medication use in electronic diaries, which raises the possibility that some individuals may not have accurately documented all information.
This study received financial support from AbbVie, the producer of ubrogepant.
