News & Updates

What is Vyepti?

Orange County Migraine & Headache CenterVyepti is a recently approved medication approved for the prevention of migraine in adults. It targets CGRP so works it similar to Aimovig, Ajovy and Emgality. However, it is given IV every 3 months instead of being an injectable. Key features include quick onset of action; in fact, some individuals may experience their migraine headache go away during the 30-minute infusion time frame. Vyepti requires approval by the insurance company before it can be initiated. If interested, please schedule a visit.

To make an appointment, please call 949-861-8717.

Is Botox safe during pregnancy?

Orange County Migraine & Headache Center

In any individual patient, the risk of a medication needs to be weighed against the benefits and this is especially true in pregnancy. Fortunately, most women note migraine improvement during pregnancy and can stop getting Botox. For those in whom migraines continue to be disabling, a clinical decision can be made between the provider and pregnant patient. Fortunately, a published study in 2016 looked at 232 outcomes in women receiving Botox during pregnancy. This review showed the prevalence of fetal defects (2.7%) comparable to the rate in the general population for pregnancy in the US. More recently, an additional number of cases was been reviewed bringing the total up to 397 and this shows the prevalence of fetal defects to be 2.6% once again comparable to the general population for pregnancy. In general, it is wise to avoid as much medication as possible during pregnancy. However, in some select cases, the disability of frequent migraine attacks in a pregnant woman may warrant consideration of Botox treatment to prevent migraine.

To make an appointment, please call 949-861-8717.

How much Sumatriptan can I take in a 24 hour period?

Orange County Migraine & Headache Center

For oral Sumatriptan the maximum total daily dose is 200 mg in adults typically taken as a 100 mg tablet and then repeated 2 or more hours later. For injectable Sumatriptan the maximum total mg in adults is 12 mg and can be broken up as 3 mg, 4 mg or 6 mg spaced 1 hour apart. For generic Sumatriptan nasal spray, the maximum adult dose in 24 hours is 40 mg and taken as 1 spray 1 nostril of 20 mg and may be repeated 2 or more hours later. For the Tosymra form of Sumatriptan nasal spray the total adult dose is 30 mg taken as 1 spray of 10 mg in 1 nostril and may be repeated every hour to a maximum of 3 sprays or 30 mg. For the Onzetra breath-powered nasal delivery of Sumatriptan, the maximum total adult dose is 44 mg/4 nosepieces with the initial dose of 22 mg (2 nosepieces) followed by 2 more nosepieces (1 in each nostril) 2 or more hours later.

An oral and a non-oral form of Sumatriptan can be safely taken in a 24-hour period. Often individuals may choose to use a non-oral for a morning migraine then later in the day take an oral form of Sumatriptan. Alternatively, an individual may start with an oral tablet of Sumatriptan then choose to rescue with a non-oral route of delivery if the headache escalates.

 

To make an appointment, please call 949-861-8717.

Summer Newsletter 2020

(Download PDF)

Summer Newsletter 2020

Orange County Migraine & Headache Center

Today is July 4th, a day we celebrate our country and our freedom. Due to COVID-19, this is a July 4th unlike any we have ever had in our country. The good news is that we will eventually have a vaccine and life can return to somewhat of a new “normal”.

Today can also be a time to celebrate freedom from migraine. Migraine still can not be “cured” but can be much more manageable due to new treatments for both acute & prevention of migraine attacks. These new treatments are target specific for what is happening during migraine and are better tolerated & more effective than prior treatments. New preventive treatments include the injectable CGRP monoclonal antibodies: Aimovig, Ajovy, and Emgality. Recently, the first CGRP monoclonal antibody for IV infusion every 3 months got approved; it is called Vyepti. Many of our patients feel as if they have their life back with this new category for prevention.

In addition, there are new medications for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura and these include Ubrelvy, Nurtec, and Reyvow. All are target specific and good options if the triptan category (Sumatriptan, Rizatriptan, etc.) are not well-tolerated, not effective enough, or for those for whom the triptans are contraindicated due to coronary artery disease or peripheral vascular disease. Unlike the triptans, the new oral medications do not cause vasoconstriction and do not show any evidence of medication overuse headache.

Also, the newest device to come to the market for migraine is called Nerivio and is helping many patients with their migraine attacks. It is a non-invasive pain modulator worn on the upper arm for 45 minutes for a migraine attack. To learn more, watch this short video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkO2A_g7q4Qhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkO2A_g7q4Q

We also want to point out four non-pharmacologic approaches that have helped us personally as well as many of our patients. They include exercise, physical therapy, Pilates/yoga, and meditation/biofeedback/stress-reduction. Exercise in any form can be therapeutic. Dr. Hutchinson loves the out-of-doors so when her gym reopened and offered an Outdoor Cross-Fit Class, she signed up and loves it! In addition, she runs 3-4 miles every other day. Dr. Molly has a Peloton bike and loves the flexibility & convenience of working out from home. Pick what works for you….the important point is to pick and start an exercise routine. Your body including your migraines will thank you!

Posture can affect headache as well as neck pain. If you are suffering from neck pain, consider a physical therapy evaluation with Dr. Pete Rumford in Irvine. He is affiliated with IPA Physio and has helped both Dr. Hutchinson & Dr. Molly with 1:1 sessions. To learn more, go to https://ipa.physio/oc/

For Pilates, consider on-line classes such as offered by Streaming-Salt Pilates, at www.takemetosalt.com.

Lastly, for those wanting to learn more about the role of biofeedback & meditation in helping headache go to www.dawnbuse.com  Dawn Buse is a psychologist who has done extensive research in the field of migraine as it related to biofeedback & mediation. Her website offers lots of helpful information and tools to do treatments like biofeedback on your own. Dr. Buse is a good friend of ours and we highly recommend her website.

In closing, we hope all of you stay healthy and as headache free as possible. We are here to help!

In good health,

Dr. Susan Hutchinson & Dr. Molly Rossknecht

What is the difference between Ubrelvy and Nurtec?

Orange County Migraine & Headache Center

Ubrelvy and Nurtec are 2 new oral medications approved for the acute treatment of migraine in adults. Both are in the same category of migraine medication called the “gepants.”  Ubrelvy is an oral tablet 50 mg & 100 mg and is taken as needed for migraine and may be repeated in 2 hours to a maximum of 200 mg in a 24-hour period. Nurtec is a 75 mg orally dissolving tablet and is taken one tablet in a 24-hour period for migraine. Both are well-tolerated and show no evidence of medication overuse headache or vasoconstriction.

Good candidates for Ubrelvy or Nurtec include those for whom the triptans are not well-tolerated, not adequately effective, or are contraindicated. Please schedule an appointment to discuss whether Ubrelvy or Nurtec may be appropriate for you. Both have good access and affordability for those with commercial insurance.

 

To make an appointment, please call 949-861-8717.

May I take Fioricet after taking Ubrelvy for acute migraine?

Orange County Migraine & Headache CenterFioricet and other Butalbital containing medications are CYP3A4 inducers and will cause Ubrelvy to be potentially less effective.  CYP3A4 is an enzyme and activation of this enzyme with an inducer like Fioricet will decrease exposure to Ubrelvy. So it would not be recommended to take both in the same 24-hour period.

 

To make an appointment, please call 949-861-8717.

May I take my Imitrex (Sumatriptan) in addition to Ubrelvy in the same 24-hour period?

Orange County Migraine & Headache CenterYes. In the clinical trials with Ubrelvy individuals were allowed to take a 2nd dose of Ubrelvy or take their triptan like Sumatriptan in 2 hours after dosing if not headache free. There does not appear to be any safely issue taking both Ubrelvy and a triptan in the same 24-hour period.

 

To make an appointment, please call 949-861-8717.

Orange County Migraine & Headache Center’s Response to COVID-19

In light of COVID-19, public health authorities are stating it is necessary for everyone to maintain social distance for your safety and the safety of all of our communities. We therefore strongly urge you to either turn your next visit into a phone visit or postpone your next office visit unless it is absolutely unavoidable. If you feel it is necessary to come in to the office, for example you are due for a Botox procedure or need a nerve block, then only come in if you are healthy, not running a fever, not coughing, and not short of breath. We may take your temperature and will ask additional screening questions before allowing you to enter our exam rooms.

If you are not feeling well, particularly with a cough, shortness of breath, or a fever, you should not come to the clinic and instead contact your primary care provider for further directions. The COVID-19 situation is evolving rapidly and daily and we expect to update this guidance as the situation changes.

At this time we are still staffing the office, answering our phones, and handling prescription issues as well as prior authorizations. Employees are asked to stay home if not feeling well. In addition, extra precautions are being taken by our landlord in cleaning handrails, elevator buttons, and other areas used often.

In summary, please keep your follow-up appointment but allow us to turn your visit into a phone visit instead of an in-person visit. You will get the same amount of time we would give with an in-person visit, prescription refills will be handled, and any needed prior authorizations will be handled. Thank you for your patience in this evolving situation.

We pray for good health for all of you,

Dr. Susan Hutchinson & Dr. Molly Rossknecht

March 19, 2020

Should I take the 50 or the 100 mg dose of Ubrelvy, the new migraine medication?

Orange County Migraine & Headache Center

Both the 50 & the 100 mg doses of Ubrelvy (Ubrogepant) showed good efficacy over placebo in clinical trials. Both doses are FDA approved for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults. Either dose may be used. If you start with 50 mg and are not headache free in 2 hours, then you may consider increasing to the 100 mg as your usual dose. Importantly, we have options for dosing. Once taken, either dose may be repeated in 2 hours and the maximum in 24 hours is 200 mg. To learn more, go to www.Ubrelvy.com

To make an appointment, please call 949-861-8717.