eptinezumab at a glance
Medicine class
CGRP-targeting monoclonal antibody
Licensed use
Migraine prevention in adults with at least four migraine days each month
Administration
Intravenous infusion prepared and given by a healthcare professional
Key safety issue
Allergic and infusion-related reactions can occur, usually during the infusion
What is eptinezumab used for?
Eptinezumab is licensed for prevention, not immediate relief of a migraine attack.
Prevention of migraine in adults with at least four migraine days per month.
How does eptinezumab work?
Eptinezumab binds to CGRP, a signalling protein involved in migraine pain pathways, and prevents it from activating its receptors.
eptinezumab preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 100 mg
How to take eptinezumab
A healthcare professional dilutes eptinezumab and gives it into a vein over approximately 30 minutes. It must not be given as a rapid bolus injection. You will be observed during and after administration for allergic or infusion-related reactions.
Tell staff promptly about itching, rash, flushing, swelling, breathing difficulty or dizziness.
Tell staff if you have hereditary fructose intolerance or known allergies because the concentrate contains sorbitol and polysorbate 80.
eptinezumab side effects
Common or expected effects
- Hypersensitivity reactions, including rash, itching, hives, flushing or swelling
- Infusion-related reactions, sometimes including nasal or throat symptoms, cough, breathlessness or tiredness
- Fatigue
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis, including breathing difficulty, low blood pressure, severe swelling, faintness or collapse
eptinezumab in pregnancy
Human pregnancy information is limited, and eptinezumab can potentially cross the placenta. UK product information advises avoiding it during pregnancy as a precaution. Discuss treatment with your specialist before conception or promptly after learning you are pregnant; do not make changes without prescriber advice.
eptinezumab while breastfeeding
There are no direct human milk data. Transfer may be greatest during the first days after birth and then fall to low levels. Later use may be considered only when clinically needed after specialist assessment.
eptinezumab interactions
Clinically important metabolic interactions are not expected, but the infusion has compatibility restrictions.
Medicines metabolised through cytochrome P450 enzymes
A pharmacokinetic interaction is considered unlikely because eptinezumab is not metabolised by CYP enzymes.
Other intravenous medicines
They must not be mixed with eptinezumab or administered through the same infusion set.
Common questions about eptinezumab
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is eptinezumab used for?
It prevents migraine in eligible adults. It is not intended to relieve an attack already underway.
How is eptinezumab given?
A healthcare professional dilutes it and gives it into a vein as an infusion lasting approximately 30 minutes.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.