Are you one of the many individuals in England who suffers the debilitating effects of chronic or episodic migraines? If so, there’s hopeful news on the horizon. The NHS may soon offer access to atogepant, a groundbreaking oral treatment designed to prevent both types of migraines.
What is atogepant, and why is it making waves in the medical community? Atogepant is set to become the first oral medication for preventing both chronic migraines (occurring more than 15 times a month) and episodic migraines (occurring between four and 15 times a month).
This is significant because it provides an alternative for those who have not responded well to other medications or cannot tolerate injections.
Health experts estimate that up to 170,000 people in England could benefit from atogepant, offering hope for those whose lives have been disrupted by severe head pain. The recommendation by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) comes after promising clinical trials showed its effectiveness in some adults.
Migraines are often misunderstood and can be mistaken for severe headaches. They come with a range of symptoms, including dizziness, sensitivity to light, and difficulty speaking. For many, the pain is excruciating and can last for days, severely impacting daily life.
Rob Music, the chief executive of the Migraine Trust, sees the recommendation of atogepant as a positive step forward. He emphasises the importance of swift access to the drug, acknowledging the struggles many face in obtaining new migraine treatments due to limited awareness among healthcare providers and long waiting lists for specialists.
Atogepant belongs to a new class of drugs known as anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) drugs, specifically designed to target migraines. By blocking the receptor of the CGRP protein, which is implicated in migraine pain, these medications offer a promising avenue for relief with fewer side effects than traditional treatments.
The imminent availability of atogepant on the NHS in England offers hope for thousands of migraine sufferers. With its potential to alleviate the burden of chronic and episodic migraines, this new treatment represents a significant advancement in migraine care.
If you or someone you know struggles with migraines, stay informed about atogepant and discuss its potential benefits with your healthcare provider. Relief may be within reach sooner than you think.
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