A new study suggests that ubrogepant (Ubrelvy), a medication for treating sudden migraine attacks, may help ease symptoms that happen before a headache starts. These early warning signs include sensitivity to light and sound, fatigue, neck pain, and brain fog.

Ubrogepant is part of several newer classes of migraine treatments called calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor (CGRP) antagonists. CGRP is a type of protein involved in migraine attacks. By blocking its effects, ubrogepant may help stop a migraine from progressing or lessen its intensity.

Ubrelvy was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2019 for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults. It is not currently approved for preventing migraine attacks.

Study Findings Show Early Symptom Relief

The phase 3 clinical trial included 477 adults who were able to identify the early warning signs of a migraine. Participants took either a dose of ubrogepant or a placebo (inactive treatment) during the prodromal phase — the period before headache pain starts. Researchers found that people who took ubrogepant were more likely than those on placebo to report relief from prodromal symptoms within a few hours.

For example, nearly 30 percent of those taking ubrogepant reported no neck pain three hours after dosing, compared to around 16 percent on the placebo. Cognitive symptoms like difficulty thinking and concentrating also improved more often in the ubrogepant group.

Can CGRP-Targeting Treatments Prevent Migraine Attacks?

People with migraine often experience disabling symptoms before the headache begins. Targeting these early signs may help stop the attack in its tracks or reduce its severity.

Ubrogepant is one of several CGRP-targeting medications available for acute migraine treatment, though the different medications have different indications. Whereas ubrogepant is approved for treating attacks once they begin, others may be a tablet or nasal spray to treat headaches after they’ve started.

Other CGRP medications are monoclonal antibodies used to help prevent migraines. These are biologic drugs — treatments made from living cells — that are usually given as injections and provide longer-lasting relief.

According to the American Headache Society, CGRP inhibitors are considered a preferred option for both treating and preventing migraine attacks. However, not all treatments work equally well for everyone, and treatment plans should be personalized.

If you often experience preheadache symptoms of migraine, ask your neurologist if early treatment may help. Never make changes to your treatment plan without first consulting your doctor.

Learn more about CGRP medications and how they affect migraine.

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