Efeitos Colaterais do Ajovy, Emgality, Vyepti, Pasurta (anticorpos monoclonais para enxaqueca)

Summary

Monoclonal antibodies targeting CGRP have shown promise in preventing migraines with minimal side effects. However, CGRP plays a broader role in the body, affecting blood vessels, bone density, digestion, and the immune system. Inhibiting CGRP could lead to potential long-term issues such as cardiovascular problems, impaired bone health, digestive disturbances, and immune system alterations. While side effects remain theoretical, ongoing monitoring by healthcare providers is crucial, especially for long-term use. The speaker emphasizes the importance of patient-doctor communication and lifestyle adjustments in managing treatment, suggesting a break in treatment after a year to reassess the patient's condition.

Takeaways

• 😀 Monoclonal antibodies targeting CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) are used to prevent migraines, showing significant effectiveness in many patients.
• 😀 These antibodies were introduced in 2019, and early data indicates very few side effects compared to traditional migraine prevention drugs.
• 😀 CGRP is not only involved in migraine pain but plays various roles in the body, including vasodilation, bone density maintenance, and immune regulation.
• 😀 Inhibiting CGRP may have theoretical long-term side effects, including cardiovascular issues like hypertension or heart attack, and bone density loss, potentially leading to osteoporosis.
• 😀 CGRP is also important for angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), and blocking it may affect healing processes, such as wound recovery.
• 😀 There are potential gastrointestinal concerns with inhibiting CGRP, such as constipation or issues with gastric emptying and glucose metabolism.
• 😀 Studies have shown an increase in respiratory and urinary infections in some patients using CGRP inhibitors, as the peptide also impacts immune system function.
• 😀 Although the side effects of monoclonal antibodies seem minimal so far, their long-term impact is still unclear, especially regarding continuous use over many years.
• 😀 While monoclonal antibody treatments are effective for preventing migraines, patients should be closely monitored by their healthcare provider, especially for any new or worsening conditions.
• 😀 It is important for doctors to evaluate whether the benefits of continued monoclonal antibody treatment outweigh the risks, and consider temporary breaks from treatment after a year of use to monitor for any negative effects.

Q & A

What are monoclonal antibodies used for in the context of migraine?

Monoclonal antibodies are used for the prevention of migraines. They work by targeting a substance called CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) to reduce the occurrence of migraines in patients.

When were monoclonal antibodies for migraine prevention launched?

Monoclonal antibodies for migraine prevention were launched in 2019.

What are the side effects of monoclonal antibodies for migraines?

Monoclonal antibodies for migraines have shown very few side effects compared to other preventive migraine medications. However, there is still a possibility of side effects, including vascular problems, effects on bone density, and potential impacts on the immune system.

How does CGRP work in the body?

CGRP is a substance naturally produced by the body that plays a role in the inflammatory phase of a migraine, causing pain in areas of the head where you feel the headache.

What could happen if CGRP is inhibited for a long period?

Inhibiting CGRP for a long period could theoretically lead to various negative effects such as cardiovascular problems, osteoporosis, impaired bone density, and gastrointestinal issues, though these are not conclusively proven yet.

Does CGRP have any other roles in the body besides causing headache pain?

Yes, CGRP also plays roles in vasodilation (expanding blood vessels), angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), and maintaining bone density. It is involved in various physiological processes across the body.

What potential issues might arise from inhibiting CGRP in the long term?

Potential issues include interference with vascular health, reduced ability to form new blood vessels, weakening of bones (leading to osteoporosis), and digestive or metabolic disruptions, such as constipation and altered glucose metabolism.

Can monoclonal antibodies impact the immune system?

Yes, monoclonal antibodies targeting CGRP can influence the immune system. There have been reports of increased respiratory and urinary infections, as CGRP plays a role in immune function.

What does the speaker recommend for patients using monoclonal antibodies long-term?

The speaker recommends that after a year of treatment, patients should consider a break of about six months from using monoclonal antibodies to assess their condition and explore other treatment options or lifestyle changes.

Why is it important to monitor the use of monoclonal antibodies for migraines?

It is important to monitor the use of monoclonal antibodies because, while they show promise in reducing migraines, the long-term effects are still unknown. Regular medical monitoring helps identify potential issues or side effects early on and ensures the treatment remains effective.