Topic: Migraine and New Generation Medications

Host: Mia Minen, MD, MPH, FAAN, FAHS [@MiaMinenMD]

Guest(s): Claire Sandoe, MD, MSC, FRCPC, Headache Fellow [@ClaireSandoe] | Michael J. Marmura, MD

Description: In recent years, many new medications have been developed and approved for the treatment of headache and migraine disorders. These evidence-based treatments, such as those that target calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), often work better and are better tolerated than older medications which were not designed to treat headache and migraine. In this episode, we review each of these new agents to help primary care providers feel comfortable incorporating them into their treatment plan. How do newer medications differ from earlier medications for migraine and headache disorders? Do they offer patients a better quality of life? Are there any restrictions on who can prescribe these newer migraine medications? Hear the answers to these questions and others from Claire Sandoe, MD, MSC, FRCPC, a headache neurologist at Women’s College Hospital and Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, and Michael J. Marmura, MD, Associate Professor of Neurology at Thomas Jefferson University with a specialization in headache disorders.

[01:42] How do newer medications differ from earlier medications for migraine and headache disorders?

[03:44] What does the data on new medications tell us about how they can help certain patient populations?

[05:40] Do these newer medications offer patients a better quality of life?

[07:31] How are medications specific to the 5-HT1F receptor, such as lasmiditan, opening up new avenues for treatment?

[08:27] How do you counsel patients who are concerned about the side effects of new medications?

[09:56] What’s next when it comes to the development of new migraine treatments?

[11:48] How does the side effect profile of newer medications compare to that of common older medications?

[15:06] Are there any restrictions on who can prescribe these newer migraine medications? Is there anything else health care providers need to know in terms of prescribing them?

Learn more about the American Headache Society’s First Contact - Headache in Primary Care program at https://americanheadachesociety.org/primarycare/, check out our Preventive Migraine Treatment page for more on preventive treatment at https://americanheadachesociety.org/topic/preventive-treatment/ and follow us on Twitter (@ahsheadache).

Special Populations: Migraine in Children

First Contact — Headache in Primary Care By American Headache SocietyApr 02, 2021