Those who suffer from the throbbing pain of migraines know how challenging everyday tasks can become. However, a new medication, if taken at the first signs of a migraine, could potentially prevent the onset of debilitating symptoms.
The drug, ubrogepant, has recently been approved for use in the US and is available in the UK, although not covered by the NHS. A study funded by AbbVie, the manufacturer of ubrogepant, revealed that taking the pill at the first indication of a migraine can prevent severe headaches from developing.
Before a migraine attack, some individuals experience early warning signs like sensitivity to light and sound, fatigue, neck pain, stiffness, and dizziness. Identifying these symptoms can help in timely treatment with ubrogepant to inhibit the protein CGRP in the brain responsible for migraines.
The research conducted by Dr. Richard B. Lipton and his team involved 518 participants who were able to predict the onset of migraines within a few hours. Those who took ubrogepant reported being able to function normally two hours after ingestion, with fewer limitations on their activities even after 24 hours.
While promising, ubrogepant may not be effective for those who experience sudden migraine attacks without warning signs. Regardless, experts view this development as a positive step in migraine treatment, providing hope for those who suffer from this common but debilitating condition.
About our experts:
Dr. Steven Ross, a professor and vice chair of clinical affairs in the Department of Neurology at Pennsylvania State University College and Penn State Health, USA, has conducted extensive research in neurology, medicine, and pediatric emergency medicine.
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
