Monoclonal anti-CGRP antibodies in post-menopausal women: a real-life study

Acta Neurol Belg. 2023 Jun;123(3):1039-1047. doi: 10.1007/s13760-023-02190-5. Epub 2023 Mar 3.

Abstract

Introduction: Migraine usually ameliorates after menopause. However, 10-29% of women still experience migraine attacks after menopause, especially if menopause is surgical. The use of monoclonal antibodies against the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is changing the landscape of migraine treatment. This study aims to explore the effectiveness and safety of anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies in women in menopause.

Methods: Women affected by either migraine or chronic migraine and treated with an anti-CGRP monoclonal antibody for up to 1 year. Visits were scheduled every 3 months.

Results: Women in menopause displayed a similar response compared to women of childbearing age. Among women in menopause, the women experiencing surgical menopause seemed to exhibit a similar response compared to the ones experiencing physiological menopause. Erenumab and galcanezumab displayed similar effectiveness in women in menopause. No serious adverse events were registered.

Discussion: The effectiveness of anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies is almost the same between women in menopause and women of childbearing age, without appreciable differences between the different antibodies.

Keywords: Calcitonin gene-related peptide; Menopause; Migraine; Monoclonal antibodies.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Migraine Disorders* / chemically induced
  • Migraine Disorders* / drug therapy
  • Postmenopause

Substances

  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal