Introduction:

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are novel therapeutic option for prevention of chronic migraine (CM) and high-frequency episodic migraine (HFEM).

Method:

An observational, retrospective, multicentre, real-world evidence study was developed to analyse the effectiveness and safety of anti-CGRP mAbs (erenumab, galcanezumab, fremanezumab). Effectiveness was measured by monthly migraine days (MMDs) reduction. Adverse events were recorded for safety outcome.

Results:

Results from 127 patients showed similar effectiveness between erenumab and galcanezumab in MMDs reduction. A notable proportion of patients switched of mAb because of loss of response or primary no-response after seven months: 15.11% erenumab; 24% galcanezumab. Some patients were concomitant treated with Onabotulinumtoxin A (Onabot A): 8.13% erenumab; 12% galcanezumab; 6.25% fremanezumab. More than 60% of the total were previously treated with Onabot A with loss of response. Cardiovascular adverse events are exclusively reported by erenumab group (chest pain, tachycardia).

Conclusions:

Current clinical practice is based on switching of CGRP mAbs after loss of response or refractory migraine, even though evidence for this practice is limited and effectiveness between the drugs has been demonstrated to be equivalent. The period of 12 weeks since the first dose of the CGRP mAb, recommended by Regulatory Agencies, should be respected to determine if the mAb selected is being ineffective. At least, half of the patients complained about lack of follow-up by reference neurologist. Clinical pharmacists are important to help these patients manage the burden of migraine.

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