Evaluation of the use of CGRP monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in migraine prophylaxis in a private clinic

Abstract

Introduction Migraine is considered the second most prevalent neurological disorder in the population and highly disabling. Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies in migraine prophylaxis, with emphasis on therapeutic response, adverse effects, and impacts on quality of life. Methods A quantitative, retrospective, and descriptive study was carried out, through the analysis of medical records and telephone interviews with patients seen at the Serviço de Neurologia e Neurocirurgia, in the city of Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil, currently or previously having used at least one dose of the medication. Results 44 patients participated in the study, and 79% of the sample was using erenumab, 14% frenezumab and 7% galcanezumab. After treatment, approximately 14% of respondents had a resolution of 100% of the monthly pain days and 61% reported headache up to 5 days a month, considered to be excellent in 66% of the sample. Therefore, medications reduced, on average, 15 days/month of headache attacks, corresponding to a decrease of approximately 67% of pain days. Approximately 80% of participants noted reduction in pain intensity and 77% improvement in work capacity. In addition, 93.2% of patients reported no adverse effects and 72.7% said they intended to continue therapy. Conclusion Thus, it is understood that CGRP monoclonal antibodies are able to reduce monthly headache days, reduce pain intensity and promote improvement in work capacity. Therefore, they can be considered effective, safe and well-adhered medications for migraine prophylaxis.