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Safety, efficacy, and compliance of moderate-to-high dose eptinezumab and erenumab in chronic migraine patients with medication-overuse headache: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

N. Nguyen, Vinh Ho Quang Tri, Vy Nguyen Ngoc Dan, Nghi Bao Tran, L. Olah, M. Héja

The Journal of Headache and Pain, 2025

769 participants · 6 citations

Abstract

Background: The use of monoclonal antibodies targeting Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) is an established treatment for chronic migraine (CM). However, its efficacy in CM patients with medication overuse headache (MOH) remains underexplored, and data on the safety and patient compliance of standard-to-high doses, especially Eptinezumab and Erenumab, over at least three months are limited.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of anti-CGRP therapy (Eptinezumab and Erenumab) in CM and MOH patients. Specifically, it assesses changes in monthly migraine days (MMDs) after 12 weeks, risk of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) leading to discontinuation, serious TEAEs, common adverse effects, and MOH remission at 6 months.

Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus databases identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating standard or high dose anti-CGRP therapy in CM patients strictly with MOH. Studies included were required to report a ≥ 50% reduction in MMDs after ≥ 12 weeks, serious TEAEs, TEAEs leading to discontinuation, common adverse events, and MOH remission at 6 months. Heterogeneity was assessed using I² statistics and a random-effects model.

Results: Three RCTs with 769 patients receiving standard-to-high dose anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies (Eptinezumab and Erenumab) for ≥ 12 weeks were included. Anti-CGRP therapy significantly increased the likelihood of a ≥ 50% reduction in MMDs compared to placebo (OR:…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 769 participants or records.

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