2 minute read
Zavegepant: First Nasal Spray to Treat Migraine
Migraine is a neurological disorder that can cause a severe headache, typically on one side of the head This condition arises due to the activation of nerve fibers in the walls of brain blood vessels, leading to recurring instances of moderate to severe throbbing and pulsating pain In addition, about 60% of individuals suffering from migraines also experience nausea, vomiting, and extrema sensitivity to light and sound With an estimated reach affecting up to one-sixth of the population, migraines are widely recognized as a significant cause of incapacitation around the world
Migraine is a neurological disorder that can cause a severe headache, typically on one side of the head This condition arises due to the activation of nerve fibers in the walls of brain blood vessels, leading to recurring instances of moderate to severe throbbing and pulsating pain In addition, about 60% of individuals suffering from migraines also experience nausea, vomiting, and extrema sensitivity to light and sound With an estimated reach affecting up to one-sixth of the population, migraines are widely recognized as a significant cause of incapacitation around the world
Advertisement
Work, school, and personal activities suffer from migraine affect to function at oneʼs best when living because of what they are feeling They can be affected mentally and physically which may cause on how they socialize and communicate with others especially when they are experiencing chronic migraine or long-lasting episodes of headaches and migraines This matter is something to be addressed to provide support for those who suffer from migraines
According to the American Migraine Foundation nasal sprays are great options for rapid delivery of medications to reduce pain and inflammation since when taking oral medicines they may experience nausea or vomiting that makes oral medication less effective Since the nasal cavity has blood vessels, the medication enters a person's bloodstream more directly and the digestive system would not be affected anymore Clinical trials conducted by Lancet Neurology have shown that nasal sprays can alleviate pain within 15-30 minutes and can provide relief for up to 48 hours
In March 2023, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zavegepant which will be sold under the brand name Zavzpret This is the first and only calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist or gepant, which means it is quickly absorbed through the nose, bypassing the stomach altogether Pfizer, the manufacturer, has stated that Zavzpret Is effective for both acute and preventive treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults This nasal spray is also a viable option for those who have heart disease or other conditions that prevent them from being able to safely use other kinds of migraine treatments As per the study conducted the said spray can relieve pain as early as 15 minutes also the nasal spray is said to be more effective in relieving pain within two hours compared with another nasal spray that does not have any active ingredient The US FDA approval was based on two pivotal randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, it was defined as a reduction of moderate or severe headache pain to no headache pain
Zavzpret has proven to be effective and well-tolerated and offers a unique administration method in clinical trials Renowed physician Richard B Lliptop MD who oversaw the phase 3 study believes that this nasal spray has the potential to address a significant gap in migraine treatment options While some trial participants experienced mild side effects such as temporary dysgeusia, rashes, and nasal discomfort, these do not cause concern and occur in only a small percentage of users As such, Zavzpret is only available through a doctorʼs prescription