For the preventive treatment of migraine in adults.
For the preventive treatment of migraine in adults.
For the preventive treatment of migraine in adults.
For the preventive treatment of migraine in adults.
Check out the stories about real people, just like you, who used to struggle to find the right migraine treatment. And now they’re benefiting from more migraine-free days with VYEPTI.
Please see Important Safety Information for VYEPTI below.
The unpredictability of migraine disease can make exercise a challenge or daunting. Join Adriane, a yoga instructor who lives with migraine, as she demonstrates a 12-minute yoga practice focused on increasing relaxation and reducing neck and shoulder tension. After the class, she’s joined by a VYEPTI patient to talk about yoga and migraine, plus ways to incorporate small movements throughout the day.
Check out more Mind & Body Practices for Migraine, including Sound Bath and Supportive Self-Care.
The unpredictability of migraine disease can make exercise a challenge or daunting. Join Adriane, a yoga instructor who lives with migraine, as she demonstrates a 12-minute yoga practice focused on increasing relaxation and reducing neck and shoulder tension. After the class, she’s joined by a VYEPTI patient to talk about yoga and migraine, plus ways to incorporate small movements throughout the day.
Check out more Mind & Body Practices for Migraine, including Sound Bath and Supportive Self-Care.
The unpredictability of migraine disease can make exercise a challenge or daunting. Join Adriane, a yoga instructor who lives with migraine, as she demonstrates a 12-minute yoga practice focused on increasing relaxation and reducing neck and shoulder tension. After the class, she’s joined by a VYEPTI patient to talk about yoga and migraine, plus ways to incorporate small movements throughout the day.
Check out more Mind & Body Practices for Migraine, including Sound Bath and Supportive Self-Care.
The unpredictability of migraine disease can make exercise a challenge or daunting. Join Adriane, a yoga instructor who lives with migraine, as she demonstrates a 12-minute yoga practice focused on increasing relaxation and reducing neck and shoulder tension. After the class, she’s joined by a VYEPTI patient to talk about yoga and migraine, plus ways to incorporate small movements throughout the day.
Check out more Mind & Body Practices for Migraine, including Sound Bath and Supportive Self-Care.
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00:00[Intro music]
00:03 VYEPTI is a prescription medicine used for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. Do not receive VYEPTI if you are allergic to eptinezumab-jjmr or any of the ingredients in VYEPTI. Please see the Important Safety Information at the end of this video.
00:18 Hello, my name is Adriane Dellorco and I'm a yoga instructor. Just like you, I also live with migraine and I'm excited to share this short yoga practice that you can do to increase your sense of relaxation and decrease any shoulder or neck tension you may be experiencing.
00:35 If this is your first time doing yoga or it's been a while, just take it at your own pace. And always check with your doctor before starting anything new. You can start this practice on the floor, or on a cushion,
00:47 …or in a chair. Along the way, feel free to adjust the poses, add any more cushions or blankets. So, let's begin.
00:55 Find yourself in a comfortable position. You can sit on a cushion, a couple blankets, and just move yourself side to side, forward and back until you're feeling settled. You can extend your crown of the head to the sky. Inhale, lift the shoulders up and exhale, roll it back and down. You can let those eyes close or just pick one point ahead of you to gaze at. And taking a moment now to tune inward, becoming aware of what you're experiencing in this present moment, noticing your physical body, if there's any areas that are talking to you, whether they're in pain or feeling tight. Send those areas your compassion. And also notice any areas that feel relaxed and at ease. Observe your energy level, whether you're feeling slow today, or more energized, and become aware of your mood. Is there a certain emotion or feeling you can identify right now, welcome it all into your experience today.
02:28 And then take a breath in through your nose and sigh it out the mouth. Breathe in through the nose and out the mouth. One more, inhale and let it go.
02:52 Allow those eyes to flutter back open. And interlace your hands behind your head without putting a whole lot of pressure there, just letting your hands rest and open the heart now. Inhale, lift the heart and chin slightly. And as you exhale, draw your elbows together. Inhale, lifting the heart, elbows wide. As you exhale, round the spine, chin to chest. Inhale, open lift, exhale, round and contract. One more, inhale, lift, and exhale, round it in, elbows together. Come on back to center. Let your arms relax.
03:48 And we'll move into side bends now. Take your arms out to a T and then right hand reaches for the floor, left arm up and over, making space in between the ribs. Inhale, back to center. Exhale side, bend to the other side now. Inhale, back to center. Exhale over. You can always take your hand to the back of the head for a little less intensity. Exhale, over. Inhale, center.
04:24 And this time reach over and with that top hand, lower it about waist height. So, you're going to activate this nice stretch through the neck, press with the fingers reach. And you can turn your head down a few degrees, gazing towards the mat. And then to come out, reach with the left hand, take your right hand to the side, push your head back to center. And let's switch sides. Right arm reaches up, and now lower that top hand about waist height, press with the hand, reach with the fingers, feel that stretch through the side of the neck. And then gaze down towards the floor, breathing, sigh it out any time you'd like. And then reach on back, take that left hand to help your head back to center.
05:28 Let's move on to all fours for tabletop position now. Hands under shoulders, knees under hips. We'll begin with cat and cow. So, for cat and cow, as you breathe in, you'll lift the heart, arching the spine slightly and exhale, round the spine, tuck the chin, lift through the upper back. Inhale, lift the heart, tailbone lifts, exhale, pull it in, contract. One more. Inhale, let the heart open and exhale, draw it inward, lift through the upper back.
06:16 And then come back to neutral, and rock your weight back to the heels and center. So, hips to heels, just to warm it up here. One more, hips to heels.
06:31 And now this time, extend the left arm right alongside your left ear. And now as you breathe in, lift your arm up to the sky, so you're opening your shoulder, and then hips to heels, hand back behind you. Let's sweep it through again making giant circles with that left arm. If you like, you can gaze at that hand, getting a little more stretch through the neck.
06:59 And come on back. Let's switch sides. Right arm extends along the ear. As you breathe in, reach for the sky, hips to heels, hands back and come on through again. Inhale, reach, gazing at your hand if your neck feels good with it. One more big sweep up and through.
07:26 And now we can rest in child's pose. So, knees can widen a bit, big toes touch, draw your hips to the heels, walk your hands out, forehead rests to the earth. Take a breath in through the nose, sigh it out the mouth. Ah. Feel the movement of the breath through the back body, noticing how your ribs expand as you breathe in, how they contract as you breathe out. And let's move on out, pressing your hands to the mat to slowly roll up. And once you're in seated, just give your head a moment to resettle, recalibrate.
08:33 And we'll finally move onto our backs now knees up. Your hands can be out to the sides like a T, and then feet on either side of the mat. So, take those knees nice and wide. On your next exhale, draw the knees over to the right, getting some stretch and mobility through the hips now. Inhale, back to center and exhale over to your left. Draw the knees back to center, and as you turn your knees to the right, you can gaze over your left shoulder and come into a nice twist. Inhale, take it back to center. Switch sides now, knees left, look over the right shoulder and breathe. Inhale, come back to center. And one at a time, extend your legs out wide. If it feels good, you can lower your arms down to your sides. Allow the eyes to close and let your whole body melt into the earth. Take a breath in through the nose, sigh it out the mouth. One more, inhale, out the mouth, exhale. Let your whole body soften. Allow the muscles of the forehead to release, softening the muscles around the eyes, the teeth can part slightly, the tongue releasing away from the roof of the mouth. Allow the neck to soften, the shoulders to release. Release all effort and rest.
11:11 Begin to deepen the breath now, wiggling your fingers and toes to wake up. Reach into a stretch if you'd like, lifting arms overhead. And then you can bend one knee at a time, rolling to the side, and then push up to a seated position. Let your head be the last to get into place here. And then take your hands together back at the heart, allow those eyes to close once more. And tune back inside to how you're feeling after just a few minutes of yoga, are there any changes you observe in your physical body? What's your energy level like now? Has your mood shifted at all? And to finish, connect to one thing that you are feeling grateful for today, let that sense of gratitude brighten your spirit. And thank you so much for joining us today.
12:31 Adriane, I really enjoyed your practice today. Thank you. And I noticed that during the practice, the thought came up for me, that I actually have been practicing yoga so long before I was even diagnosed with migraine. So, when I did become diagnosed, I thought, wow, how lucky am I that I already had this practice as part of my life. And so, I think that for people watching your practice today, that hopefully if they're just starting out, they'll realize that it's okay to start right here.
13:01 Yeah. And it's great to have you demonstrate in the chair too. Like you said, yoga can be done anywhere, whatever body, whatever shape, whatever pain level you're experiencing, you can always adjust it to make it work for you. It's so flexible and adaptable and that's one huge reason why I think yoga can be so helpful for migraine, is that there's so many practices to choose from, and those can be adjusted, you can use props, you can use pillows, but there's so much more than that. There is meditation, there's breath, there's just a way to help with that internal self-inquiry, which really is the heart of it, where you're coming to understand yourself better, your body, your mind. And the more aware you are, like you said, of what's going on when you're dealing with pain, the more choices you have to respond to it in a way that's helpful.
13:51 Oh, absolutely. I could completely identify with what you're saying about the many types of yoga because when I was younger, even probably your age, I was doing way more intense practice. And when I was not able to do that any longer, as I aged, and my migraine attacks were more frequent, I realized that, you know, this is really unfortunate. But I had to let go of that and I had to realize that it's okay. So, practicing compassion became a big part of my practice.
14:23 Just to piggyback off what you said, I think that sense of loss of what we used to be able to do is so common for those of us living with migraine, where yeah, many of us used to be more physically active. And yoga, for me, was a way to kind of bridge that gap to ease back into more physical activity in a way that felt sustainable, that felt nourishing for me, and that didn't trigger attacks. So, some tips that have helped me in developing a yoga practice that's helpful for migraine is really to slow it down. That it's more of a work in, rather than a workout, where that sense of calming your nervous system is really the highest priority. Often, we have this all or nothing thinking, either we do what we used to do, and ran a marathon, and now we can't do anything. There are some gray area in between where, I feel like there's always something that you can do, whether that's take 30 seconds to just sit and breathe and observe your breath. And I find that to be the most effective, where you're taking these small breaks, little movement snacks, or breath breaks, so that you're releasing tension throughout the day. Has yoga helped you with anything else besides migraine?
15:40 I would say it’s helped me with everything. It's interesting what you said before about taking little snacks or breaks, that has really helped me. I use this practice called care, C-A-R-E, which is an acronym for check-in, allow what's happening in this moment, respond with whatever, loving kindness. If it's a migraine attack, then go get whatever you need and really starting to embody that practice. One of the tips I want to share is that yoga also doesn't have to be, like you said, such a strong vigorous asana practice. And starting where you are, whether it's in a bed or a chair, whatever it is it’s okay. Starting where you are doesn't mean staying where you are and so just getting started with five minutes. Something that I always do is I try to pause, I'm at my desk all day like this, and we're all on the computer, we're working from home. And so, I notice that by the time it's lunchtime, my shoulders are hiked up to my ears. And so just relaxing and taking a few mindful sighs. And really what yoga did was take me into a meditation practice.
16:53 And that is definitely one of my go-to practices, along with just a lot of neck and shoulder practices. Like you said, of just stretching throughout the day, releasing our neck, it just so quickly builds up with anxiety, with the way we work at the computer, and that's one of my go-to's as well. And then just you know if I'm feeling, maybe in that prodrome stage, the migraine attacks coming on, or I'm getting just fatigued, I love restorative poses, getting my bolsters out, coming into a supported child's pose. I really enjoy things where my forehead's resting on something, I find that very soothing.
17:37 Oh, absolutely.
17:37 Shirley, it's just been so great to talk with you about yoga and practice with you.
17:43 Thank you Adriane. You too. It's been a pleasure.
17:47 Please listen as we share important safety information about VYEPTI.
APPROVED USE
VYEPTI is a prescription medicine used for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Do not receive VYEPTI if you have a known allergy to eptinezumab-jjmr or its ingredients.
VYEPTI may cause allergic reactions. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical help right away if you have any symptoms of an allergic reaction: rash; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; if you have trouble breathing; hives; or redness in your face.
Before starting VYEPTI, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including any prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
The most common side effects of VYEPTI include stuffy nose and scratchy throat, and allergic reactions.
These are not all the possible side effects of VYEPTI. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For more information, see the full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information on vyepti.com.
Balancing the demands of a day-to-day job with the effects of migraine can be complex and challenging. Join four people impacted by migraine, including a Lundbeck employee, two VYEPTI patients and Tom Dabertin, former CEO and Executive Director of the National Headache Foundation, as they discuss their personal work experiences and the laws that may be applicable to employees who live with migraine. For more resources, visit www.headaches.org and www.migraineatwork.org.
Balancing the demands of a day-to-day job with the effects of migraine can be complex and challenging. Join four people impacted by migraine, including a Lundbeck employee, two VYEPTI patients and Tom Dabertin, former CEO and Executive Director of the National Headache Foundation, as they discuss their personal work experiences and the laws that may be applicable to employees who live with migraine. For more resources, visit www.headaches.org and www.migraineatwork.org.
Balancing the demands of a day-to-day job with the effects of migraine can be complex and challenging. Join four people impacted by migraine, including a Lundbeck employee, two VYEPTI patients and Tom Dabertin, former CEO and Executive Director of the National Headache Foundation, as they discuss their personal work experiences and the laws that may be applicable to employees who live with migraine. For more resources, visit www.headaches.org and www.migraineatwork.org.
Balancing the demands of a day-to-day job with the effects of migraine can be complex and challenging. Join four people impacted by migraine, including a Lundbeck employee, two VYEPTI patients and Tom Dabertin, former CEO and Executive Director of the National Headache Foundation, as they discuss their personal work experiences and the laws that may be applicable to employees who live with migraine. For more resources, visit www.headaches.org and www.migraineatwork.org.
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00:07 VYEPTI is a prescription medicine used for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. Do not receive VYEPTI if you are allergic to eptinezumab-jjmr or any of the ingredients in VYEPTI. Please see the Important Safety Information throughout and at the end of this video.
00:23 Hello and welcome to the Power Shift video series where we have authentic conversations about living with migraine. We hope these conversations will inspire you to reclaim some of your power from migraine. I'm Lindsey, an employee at Lundbeck, and I got my first migraine when I was just six years old and I've been living with migraine ever since. Today we're going to talk about migraine in the workplace. Migraine can seep into all facets of your life, particularly affecting your professional career or holding down a day-to-day job.
00:56 So I'm excited to be joined today by three other people living with migraine. We have Lealani and Electra joining us, as well as Tom Dabertin, the CEO and President of the National Headache Foundation, who also lives with migraine. So I'd love for you all to introduce yourselves. Lealani, why don't you start out?
01:18 Hi, I'm Lealani and I have been living with migraine since I was five.
01:24 Hi, I'm Electra and I've been living with migraine since I was 18.
01:30 Hi, I'm Tom Dabertin
01:32 and I first developed a migraine when I was in high school.
01:36 So we're fast forwarding a little bit to when we all entered the career world, and I know we all have had a bit of unique experiences when it comes to living with migraine in the workplace. So Lealani, can you talk to me a little bit about how migraine has affected your professional life and day-to-day responsibilities?
02:00 I've had a variety of experiences in the workplace. From people understanding and accommodating, to one job in particular that they had absolutely zero tolerance. So I did end up losing every job that I ever had due to migraine, so I am now not working, now just taking care of myself.
02:31 Well I’m really sorry to hear that. And I know that taking care of yourself can be a full-time job and is in a lot of circumstances. Electra, how about you? What has your career path looked like and how has migraine affected it?
02:46 Well living with migraine means you need flexibility, of course, and I stayed at one job for 15 years because my supervisor understood and supported me, even if it meant that I would be coming in late or leaving early or out for a day or two or could only work in the evening when I was feeling better or had to make up days on the weekend. But she supported me through that journey, and so I stayed with her for 15 years because I was able to get that flexibility and understanding.
03:32 Tom, as someone who lives with migraine and, as we discussed, advocates for people living with migraine every day, is what you're hearing from Lealani and Electra a common theme throughout the migraine community?
03:45 Oh, absolutely. It's one of the most common causes of disability worldwide. And migraine causes what's often called presenteeism. So, it's someone who basically is at work but not able to function to the best of their ability or to the ability that their supervisor, their employer is expecting. Think about it this way, migraine has an impact on more than just one person.
04:10 Yeah, it's 100% correct. I know I grew up with a parent with migraine as well, so you see it reverberating throughout the family and throughout the workplace. So, I've been lucky at Lundbeck to have accommodating coworkers and accommodating company culture. Tom, could you talk a little bit more about what people living with migraine can request from their employers to accommodate them at work?
04:39 Sure. Migraine can often impact our senses. So while there's no specific or particular accommodation that can assist everyone, there are some very common ones. Things like maybe limiting the use of scented cleaning agents or changes in lighting, changes in computer screens or adding filters. A dark, quiet place maybe at work, breaks from using a computer. Flexible scheduling in regard to healthcare appointments. Allowing food and beverage in workplace areas. Storage and availability of medications. Additional breaks. Wearing of sunglasses. I do that myself many times indoors. Earplugs to reduce noise while allowing the employee to safely perform their job duties.
05:26 So switching gears a little bit, Tom, what legal protections do people living with migraine have in the workplace if they need to turn to that route?
05:37 Sure. So there are really two key federal laws, and I want to stress these federal laws create rights. They're not benefits. Because it's a federal law, it's a right that's guaranteed under the law.
05:49 So the Family Medical Leave Act of 1993 provides employees with a couple of key benefits. The first one is that it provides for up to 12 weeks of leave and that can be taken either intermittently or in block form. It also guarantees that the employee's insurance continues as if they were at work and they are guaranteed their seniority and also the ability to return to work from an FMLA leave. So there's a second act that you have to consider, and that's the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was actually adopted in 1990, and that act basically creates what's called reasonable accommodations. And the extension of the Family Medical Leave Act in itself is a reasonable accommodation under ADA.
06:43 Thank you so much, Tom, for that information. I think it's important for everybody to know that the rights that they have in the workplace. And you mentioned that conversation with your employers. So Lealani, what was that initial conversation with your employer like and how did you know it was time to have that conversation?
07:03 I was working in education and my very first day in the classroom, I had an episode, and it was quite impossible to be able to teach reading while having an aura. I was co-teaching and so I had to let the teacher know that this was happening. So after class I had an open period and we went together, he actually took me to the administrator, and we had a conversation right then and there. And that was at my last job. The job prior to that was where they didn't understand, and it was about a year in when I tried to have the conversation, which was my mistake. I should have had the conversation with them much earlier.
08:05 It can be really tough when you try to have that conversation and you know, you don't feel like you get the recognition or empathy that you were hoping to. But Electra, it sounds like you have had some better experiences, at least with one of your managers.
08:23 Yeah, my last supervisor, she was also living with migraine, so she had understanding and we had a lot of grace for each other. When I first got hired on for the job, I had an open and honest conversation with her that I am living with migraine and you know, I'm a hard worker, but there's going to be a lot of time that I'm going to be missing. And she was very open about allowing me accommodations. It was a really good experience and it's definitely a game changer when you feel like somebody has your back and you're not so alone.
09:14 Yes, a hundred percent.
09:16 So Tom, I know you over at National Headache Foundation have been doing a lot of work on this issue in particular. So can you tell me a little bit more about the Work Migraine Initiative?
09:30 As part of our awareness and education platforms, we developed Work Migraine and it's now available on our website, free of charge to anyone that wants to access it. It's a comprehensive set of modules that basically help an employee understand the triggers, the impacts, and the treatment of migraine. It also includes some helpful resources for employers who often don't understand things like accommodation or that they're not only required by law, but that they're actually beneficial to the employer and the employee because they improve productivity and they reduce interruptions in the workplace.
10:08 So Lealani, can you tell us a little bit more about where you are today and maybe what you might hope to do in the future?
10:17 Absolutely. With VYEPTI I have more migraine-free days and I have the opportunity now to volunteer quite extensively with my hometown, enjoy a lot of what town has to offer, whether it's music night down at the local coffee shop or an arts festival in the park. Even more importantly, I get to experience my children and grandchildren where I had not been able to do that in the past, whether it's playing board games on a Saturday afternoon with the kids or going to a volleyball game with my grandchildren. For my work possibilities I look forward to possibly becoming employed again.
11:07 So Electra, I hear you have some exciting news on the job front.
11:13 Yes. So let me tell you, since meeting my treatment goals, I took a hiatus from work to focus on my family. Kind of get to know my kids a little bit, because I never really knew them. They were just other people living in my house. And we've been able to take trips. Most recently I got to go to Vegas. That was crazy. That never would've happened previously. And most recently, this last month I started a new job.
11:51 That is awesome to hear.
11:52 Congratulations.
11:53 Tom, what would your message be to people like Lealani who are maybe thinking about coming back to the workforce after an extended leave?
12:04 The key is to find something that you're good at, but also something that you truly enjoy. And most of all, to make sure that the job isn't making you feel ill. A person with migraine doesn't know when the next attack is going to hit. And one of the benefits of hiring someone who has migraine is that they're usually individuals that don't procrastinate. Since they don't know when that next attack is going to hit, they usually tend to take things as a priority and get things done very quickly and very expeditiously. So that's something that maybe you want to share with your employer as a positive trait of having migraine.
12:45 I love that. I like that spin on it. Lealani, will have to put that on her resume for sure.
12:52 So what are some of each of your power tips when it comes to navigating migraine in the workplace?
13:00 I would have to say be open and honest with not only your employer, but also with yourself. Try not to push yourself to make it up to people when you feel you're falling short and evaluate your performance regularly. And if something isn't working, then maybe you need an accommodation and that's okay.
13:27 Lealani, do you have anything to add?
13:30 I would also add into that, educate those that you are working with. Always go to work prepared as if today is going to be a day I'm going to have a migraine. And don't be hard on yourself if today is a day that you have a migraine because there's nothing you can do about it.
13:57 Tom, do you have any power tips to share?
14:00 Sure. I think a lot of employees tend to not divulge their status with their employer. And so do employees have to engage their employer or divulge that they have migraine? The answer is no. But at the same time, if you don't tell your employer, then you can't expect accommodation. You can't expect assistance, you can't expect them to understand what you're going through. Empathy and understanding, as we said before, can only occur when one understands the problem.
14:30 Having that conversation can be like a bump to get over, but to your point, people can't accommodate and be empathetic if they don't know what you're going through. My personal power tip is that you should take your health into account when you're setting out your professional goals. And you can be a high achiever and you can be reliable while living with migraine. But making sure my goals and expectations for myself are realistic and take into account self-care and my migraine.
15:05 So thank you all for tuning in. Please keep listening for important safety information about VYEPTI. We encourage anyone interested in finding out more information about migraine to go to headaches.org. And for those interested in learning about a treatment for the preventive treatment of migraine, please go to vyepti.com.
15:27 Please listen as we share important safety information about VYEPTI.
APPROVED USE
VYEPTI is a prescription medicine used for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Do not receive VYEPTI if you have a known allergy to eptinezumab-jjmr or its ingredients.
VYEPTI may cause allergic reactions. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical help right away if you have any symptoms of an allergic reaction: rash; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; if you have trouble breathing; hives; or redness in your face.
Before starting VYEPTI, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including any prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
The most common side effects of VYEPTI include stuffy nose and scratchy throat, and allergic reactions.
These are not all the possible side effects of VYEPTI. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For more information, please see the Prescribing Information and Patient Information at vyepti.com
Chanci shares her experience living with migraine and how more migraine-free days with VYEPTI help her to be more present for her children.
Chanci shares her experience living with migraine and how more migraine-free days with VYEPTI help her to be more present for her children.
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0:01 Migraine attacks make me feel helpless. They make me feel like I can’t attend to my family.
0:08 I believe that migraines took away days of me being able to be the mother that I wanted to be.
0:15 I was really interested in VYEPTI.
0:17 It is a 30-minute infusion four times a year. I was like, “Sign me up! Let’s try it!”.
0:23 It’s fast, powerful, and long-lasting, and it helps stop migraine attacks before they start.
0:28 After losing so many moments to migraine, I have more migraine-free days, and I feel more in control.
0:34 Living with fewer migraine attacks means I can be more present and enjoy things I want to do. I feel my kids have their mom back.
0:45 I’m able to be the person that I want to be for them.
0:49 Just talking about it makes me a little emotional.
0:52 There’s no words to describe how thankful I am for VYEPTI!
0:58 Please listen as we share important safety information about VYEPTI.
Lealani shares her infusion experience with VYEPTI, and talks about being able to play music and feeling hopeful now that she has more migraine-free days.
Lealani shares her infusion experience with VYEPTI, and talks about being able to play music and feeling hopeful now that she has more migraine-free days.
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0:12 My name is Lealani, I'm a mother, I enjoy crafting and playing the violin, and I'm a Migraine Victor and this is my story.
0:24 I was 5 years old when I had my first migraine attack; they went undiagnosed until I was 18.
0:31 Migraine isn't just a headache; it's a full body experience–it affects everything.
0:37 For me, migraine are devastating physically. I get an aura.
0:45 For me, they’re bright neon colors, bright flashy lights and nauseating.
0:53 When I'm in a migraine attack, I will go to my room and I will close out all the lights, but it gets lonely being by yourself in the middle of a migraine attack.
1:06 It has caused me to lose jobs, it has caused me to not experience things with my family.
1:14 I almost missed my own wedding. There's not anything in my life that migraine hasn't touched.
1:22 Before VYEPTI, I tried everything from natural remedies to a multitude of prescriptions. Before VYEPTI, I could not write things on a calendar and expect to keep them there so I wrote things on sticky notes. I would have a migraine and have to cancel.
1:41 How I heard about VYEPTI getting approved is I watched some of the migraine message boards, and when I heard that VYEPTI did get approved, actually my children and I went out and we celebrated with dinner out.
2:11 Hi Lealani, so you’re here today to receive VYEPTI. As you know, this treatment will be given to you as an IV infusion, delivering the medication right into your bloodstream.
2:20 Great, I’m ready and excited to get this going.
2:23 Okay, let's get started. It's important to prepare for your infusion by making sure you are well hydrated, and if you are wearing sleeves, make sure they are loose enough to roll up above your elbows.
2:33 Side effects are possible. Allergic reactions such as rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing, hives, and redness in the face can occur. Common side effects are stuffy nose, scratchy throat, and allergic reactions.
2:50 If you start to have any symptoms during your infusion, including the ones I just mentioned, let me know right away.
3:08 Once the infusion starts, it will take about 30 minutes, so you can sit back, relax, you can use this time to read, or use your phone to check emails, or catch up on social media. Feel free to just take this time for yourself.
3:32 Looks good! We’re done.
3:34 That was fast, what do I need to do now?
3:36 Why don't you take a minute to get your things together and you can set up your next infusion appointment 3 months from now, then you're all set to go about your day.
3:47 Before my first infusion, I was a little bit nervous. But for me, it was easy and the 30 minutes went by really quickly.
3:59 It's fantastic to have a real person, like a nurse, get in contact with you and give you great tips about what to expect for your infusion date.
4:14 Since VYEPTI, I have the possibility of waking up without a migraine. And I know that I can do things. I know that I can open my curtains and let the sunshine in. Now, with VYEPTI, I can write things with a felt tip pen, I can play music.
4:38 Now, I feel hopeful, triumphant.
4:44 My family has a saying, “Darn it do it” and now I can.
Jena shares how migraine impacted her life, and what having more migraine-free days feels like to her now that she has been treated with VYEPTI.
In patients with 4 or more migraine days per month, VYEPTI has been proven to reduce average monthly migraine days from the first treatment through month 3 compared with placebo.
Individual results may vary.
Jena shares how migraine impacted her life, and what having more migraine-free days feels like to her now that she has been treated with VYEPTI.
In patients with 4 or more migraine days per month, VYEPTI has been proven to reduce average monthly migraine days from the first treatment through month 3 compared with placebo.
Individual results may vary.
A sound bath is a type of meditation that encourages you to pause, power down distractions, and listen to your body without the need to respond. While a sound bath may not seem ideal for someone who is sensitive to sound, there are ways to create a comfortable space for this type of meditation practice. Join Sara, a sound therapist and meditation teacher, as she leads an 11-minute sound bath experience to refocus and shift attention away from external stressors. After the sound bath, she’s joined by a VYEPTI patient to talk about her sound bath experience and ways to potentially incorporate techniques in a regular routine while managing migraine.
Check out more Mind & Body Practices for Migraine, including Yoga and Supportive Self-Care.
A sound bath is a type of meditation that encourages you to pause, power down distractions, and listen to your body without the need to respond. While a sound bath may not seem ideal for someone who is sensitive to sound, there are ways to create a comfortable space for this type of meditation practice. Join Sara, a sound therapist and meditation teacher, as she leads an 11-minute sound bath experience to refocus and shift attention away from external stressors. After the sound bath, she’s joined by a VYEPTI patient to talk about her sound bath experience and ways to potentially incorporate techniques in a regular routine while managing migraine.
Check out more Mind & Body Practices for Migraine, including Yoga and Supportive Self-Care.
A sound bath is a type of meditation that encourages you to pause, power down distractions, and listen to your body without the need to respond. While a sound bath may not seem ideal for someone who is sensitive to sound, there are ways to create a comfortable space for this type of meditation practice. Join Sara, a sound therapist and meditation teacher, as she leads an 11-minute sound bath experience to refocus and shift attention away from external stressors. After the sound bath, she’s joined by a VYEPTI patient to talk about her sound bath experience and ways to potentially incorporate techniques in a regular routine while managing migraine.
Check out more Mind & Body Practices for Migraine, including Yoga and Supportive Self-Care.
A sound bath is a type of meditation that encourages you to pause, power down distractions, and listen to your body without the need to respond. While a sound bath may not seem ideal for someone who is sensitive to sound, there are ways to create a comfortable space for this type of meditation practice. Join Sara, a sound therapist and meditation teacher, as she leads an 11-minute sound bath experience to refocus and shift attention away from external stressors. After the sound bath, she’s joined by a VYEPTI patient to talk about her sound bath experience and ways to potentially incorporate techniques in a regular routine while managing migraine.
Check out more Mind & Body Practices for Migraine, including Yoga and Supportive Self-Care.
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00:00 [Intro music]
00:07 VYEPTI is a prescription medicine used for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. Do not receive VYEPTI if you are allergic to eptinezumab-jjmr or any of the ingredients in VYEPTI. Please see the Important Safety Information at the end of this video.
00:22 Hi, I'm Sara Auster, sound therapist, meditation teacher and author, and I'm excited to be here today to guide you through a sound bath experience. And we have Shirley here, who lives with migraine, to join us in the experience.
00:39 Yes, hi Sarah. I'm really pleased to meet you. I was diagnosed with migraine in my twenties, and I've lived with migraine for many years. I'm very excited to learn more about sound bath and to have this experience today. Can you tell me a little more about it?
00:54 Yeah. A sound bath is like meditation, in that it's an opportunity to slow down, power down your phone, get quiet, and rest and relax.
01:06 So, is there anything special I have to do to get ready for the practice today?
01:10 The most important thing is that you're comfortable. So, you can lay down in your bed, on the couch, in a parked car, anywhere that you feel comfortable. Getting cozy, having a blanket, a pillow, an eye mask, anything to really get settled and quiet.
01:28 Please know these techniques might not be right for everyone, so if you have any questions, consult your doctor.
01:34 Okay. Great. Let's do it.
01:36 Take a moment to get comfortable. You can adjust or shift your body as much as you need to, to settle in. Once you've found a comfortable position, you can close your eyes. With your eyes closed, you start to become more aware of your body in space. Let your body feel supported. With each exhalation, allow your body to settle a bit more into relaxation. There's no need to adjust or control the breath. Just simply observe it as it moves in and out of your body. We’ll take a few breaths together to settle in a little more deeply.
02:54 When you're ready, let all the air out of your body. We're going to inhale for a count of four through the nose. Inhale 1, 2, 3, 4, and exhale, S-H, through the mouth again. Inhale 1, 2, 3, 4. Exhale. One more time. Inhale 1, 2, 3, 4, and exhale. Now return back to the natural breath in and out through your nose. You can let this steady rhythm of the breath be an anchor through this practice. Now just let yourself rest in spacious awareness of the sounds that you hear.
04:10 [Sound bath sounds]
11:20 Keeping your eyes closed, gently guide your awareness back to your breath. You can allow some slightly deeper breaths and try inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth. Now we're going to make the exhale slightly more audible by adding a hum, closed mouth, hm sound. So let's do it together. Inhale deeply through the nose and exhale [hum sound]. Any tone that's comfortable to you. Inhale again through the nose and exhale [hum sound]. One more time, inhale through the nose, and exhale [hum sound].
12:59 Once you’ve found a comfortable seat, come to gently place your left hand over your heart and your right hand over your left. Let your hands be soft on your body, feeling into the natural rhythm of your breath. We'll take one more breath to close. Invite a full breath in through your nose. As you exhale through the mouth, gently release your chin to your chest, connecting head and heart, mind and body. When you're ready, you can gently come to release your hands, flutter your eyes open, letting the light back in from your space.
13:49 So Sara, before the practice, I have to admit I was a little anxious, because I'm very sound sensitive and people with migraine, we obviously tend to be sound sensitive. I really actually enjoyed the experience. It was amazing. Just the sound of the way it felt in my body made me actually bring a smile to my face.
14:12 That's beautiful. It really is an invitation to listen without judgment. So without the need to respond or react or to categorize, I like this, I don't like this, but just to really become an observer of sound and how you're sensing it in your body.
14:33 I think the other thing that was really good for me is sometimes, whether in yoga or meditation, obviously the mind is going to become distracted and go into thinking. And so I noticed that every time I went there, I just reminded myself, you know, just come back to the sound. I just kept coming back to the sound, coming back to the sound to just bring me back into feeling how it felt, which it felt great.
14:59 Beautiful. I love how you said that, feeling how it felt. It's really an opportunity to just get out of your mind, out of that monkey mind and start to sense and feel into the body and really connect to sound in that way where you're not just hearing and listening, but sensing the sound as well, which is what helps us often to enter a relaxed state.
15:23 People with migraine, we spend so much time in a dark, quiet room, and it gets lonely. It's very isolating. And so I think if this is a practice that people can use, especially if you're by yourself and you are in your bed and you're already warm and cozy and safe there, and then you have something to sort of, you know, attach to, or listen to without having to look at something, right. Because you can't look at a computer or watch a movie all the time, because the light can be triggering also. So just having a soothing sound was really useful.
16:00 Yes and even just listening to a recording can be also effective. Just a few minutes of sound can be a really powerful way to shift. It's one of the reasons why it's becoming more and more popular. People are adding it to their self-care toolkit because there's really no barrier for entry. If you can get comfortable lying down or seated and just close your eyes, all you have to do is listen.
16:32 Please listen as we share important safety information about VYEPTI.
APPROVED USE
VYEPTI is a prescription medicine used for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Do not receive VYEPTI if you have a known allergy to eptinezumab-jjmr or its ingredients.
VYEPTI may cause allergic reactions. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical help right away if you have any symptoms of an allergic reaction: rash; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; if you have trouble breathing; hives; or redness in your face.
Before starting VYEPTI, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including any prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
The most common side effects of VYEPTI include stuffy nose and scratchy throat, and allergic reactions.
These are not all the possible side effects of VYEPTI. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For more information, see the full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information on vyepti.com.
Lou talks about her love for sports, finding new hope with VYEPTI, and just being herself again.
Lou talks about her love for sports, finding new hope with VYEPTI, and just being herself again.
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0:11 I think I started having migraine attacks around the age of 14. I felt like the world was shutting in on me. The pain was debilitating.
0:22 My name is Lou and this is my migraine story.
0:26 I live in Florida. I have a kid, I have a husband. We’re a big sports family. Besides being competitive, it means we don’t quit.
0:32 I started at the age of 6 in softball and went all the way up through college on scholarship.
0:37 When I would play softball, I would get migraine attacks—the sounds of the bats, and the yelling and screaming of your teammates and the crowd.
0:47 You hear nothing but thumping and pain. I loved the sport so much that my love took over the hurt of the migraine. But it was miserable.
0:58 The older I got, my migraine attacks would get worse. I would probably have 14, 15...
1:04 ...a month, easily. When I would have my migraine attacks, my life was on hold. It would come out of nowhere.
1:13 It would start behind my left ear, like I had the tip of an icepick that would just tap on the back of my neck. I would always have to tap my forehead, that was the only time I would get relief.
1:25 The light sensitivity, the sound sensitivity. The intensity was unbearable at times. I couldn’t watch TV, I couldn’t cook, I couldn’t even drive.
1:35 It would be a huge strain on my family. They feel helpless. They can’t touch me or do anything to help me.
1:47 I saw doctors off and on my whole life, but they always treated my migraine attacks as just normal headaches.
1:56 They would tell me that it’s part of growing up and being a woman. So no one ever diagnosed me. Finally I just got to the point where I said I needed to go see a specialist.
2:05 When I first got diagnosed with migraine the burden was released—now what are we going to do about it?
2:11 Then this infusion was brought up. My doctor did great explaining to me what VYEPTI was.
2:18 With an IV infusion, it’s a direct hit to the bloodstream. It was 30 minutes and then I was able to leave and go about my day.
2:27 I saw fast results by the next day.
2:30 Since having more migraine-free days, I feel like a brand-new person, a new mom, a new wife.
2:37 I get to do things that I haven’t got to do in a long time, I get to be me.
2:46 Once I started on my VYEPTI treatment, my…
2:50 …husband Steve and my son Braylen saw a glow that they haven’t seen in years. They’re happy and relieved that I’m able to live again.
2:59 Before, everything had a trigger, everything. I didn’t get to go watch my son run track, because I couldn’t be outside in the light. That was heart-breaking.
3:08 To be able to do that now, and to have that smile on his face to see me on the sideline is a blessing.
3:16 Since having more migraine-free days, I can live my life more actively. I’ve been able to do more with my family, to go outside and do sports with my kid.
3:26 I’ve been able to have date nights with my husband, things I haven’t been able to do for years. I’ve got to live my life again.
3:36 You have to stay positive, you have to have that competitive fight to live. My story needs to be heard and let people know that there is hope.
Get cozy with and inspired by Kate, a somatic psychotherapist who lives with migraine, as she unpacks the techniques of somatic therapy with a focus on ways for people with migraine to build safer and more present relationships with themselves and others.
Check out more Mind & Body Practices for Migraine, including Yoga and Sound Bath.
Get cozy with and inspired by Kate, a somatic psychotherapist who lives with migraine, as she unpacks the techniques of somatic therapy with a focus on ways for people with migraine to build safer and more present relationships with themselves and others.
Check out more Mind & Body Practices for Migraine, including Yoga and Sound Bath.
Get cozy with and inspired by Kate, a somatic psychotherapist who lives with migraine, as she unpacks the techniques of somatic therapy with a focus on ways for people with migraine to build safer and more present relationships with themselves and others.
Check out more Mind & Body Practices for Migraine, including Yoga and Sound Bath.
Get cozy with and inspired by Kate, a somatic psychotherapist who lives with migraine, as she unpacks the techniques of somatic therapy with a focus on ways for people with migraine to build safer and more present relationships with themselves and others.
Check out more Mind & Body Practices for Migraine, including Yoga and Sound Bath.
Open transcript
Close transcript
00:00[Intro music]
00:03 VYEPTI is a prescription medicine used for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. Do not receive VYEPTI if you are allergic to eptinezumab-jjmr or any of the ingredients in VYEPTI. Please see the Important Safety Information at the end of this video.
00:18 So I'm Kate. I'm a somatic psychotherapist and I specialize in working with people with migraine. And I also experience migraine.
00:26 Well, I also experience migraine. I'm Adriane and I am a yoga teacher specializing in yoga for folks with migraine. And I think it's so important to have that lived experience for doing what we do. But tell me, what does that look like to be a somatic psychotherapist? What is that?
00:44 Yeah, so somatic therapy is a different way of doing psychotherapy. Psychotherapy traditionally is very talk oriented, right? Talk therapy focused, and that's fantastic. And somatic therapy makes room for the body and the nervous system and identifies and acknowledges that those parts of us have a lot of wisdom and information. And, you know, we definitely talk, but we also listen and get curious about what's happening internally.
01:18 Love it. Yeah. A big part of what you do is part of yoga as well, and I love that idea. We're not just separate from our heads and our bodies, we're connected. If someone with migraine comes to you and wants to have this different type of therapy, what would that look like for them? How would it be different for someone living with migraine in particular?
01:39 Absolutely. Well, I think it depends on the person and what they're looking for. It's not going to be right for everybody, but I will say that for a lot of the people I work with, we're building safety, and we're building connection and ease. And there's a lot of focus on getting curious about what compassion might be for them, what support might be for them. And so, we're going to learn about what their relationship to themself already is, if they feel safe in their body, if they don't, what we can practice together and learn together.
02:16 A lot of people with migraine really, you know, myself included, have complicated relationships with our bodies when we're in pain that kind of can show up at any moment. It's really scary and can feel really hard to be present. And so, somatic therapy makes room to try to practice being present in the moment and working on building capacity to be with the joy and the fun, as well as the pain. And so, it's really going to look different for every person, but it's a really collaborative and creative process.
02:54 That sounds amazing. Yeah, I love that idea of bringing in more joy and safety, because migraine can make our lives feel so limited and small and find ways to open up our experience even with the pain. How does that balance work out? How do you do that in a somatic way?
03:14 I think part of it is about just accepting the current moment, right. Yes, I'm in pain, and that's okay, and I'm going to figure it out, and I'm going to be okay, and it not being a failure when pain shows up. I think I hear that a lot of when pain shows up, it's like, "Oh, I didn't do the right stuff today." It's not your fault. It's a neurological disease. What would it be like to practice gentleness and compassion and warmth? That can be hard to access, especially if you're not used to it.
03:43 Yeah, and that connects to that idea of self-compassion, that, "This is where I'm at today." What other ways can we offer that to ourselves?
03:53 One of the things that I love doing with people is something called orientation. And it's really about letting your system orient to the space that you're in. It feels very basic, but it's really supportive. And what it can look like is literally just noticing what's around you, noticing what sensory things you're picking up on, what you can feel, or smell, or hear, or see. And just taking your time to be with that, it gives your nervous system a chance to slow down and kind of reset in some ways.
04:26 Yeah. I do something really similar. I call it the five senses meditation, where you're giving your nervous system, your brain a chance to take in what's coming at you. Because with migraine, we can just feel like, "Ah, there's so much, so many sensory things that we can get overwhelmed with." So, when we can bring curiosity to it, it can help decrease that fear. So, when we notice ourselves, especially our pain is flaring, maybe we're getting into the height of a migraine attack and we notice, you know, our thoughts are becoming more negative, we're getting harder on ourselves, just life becomes so much more overwhelming. Maybe we're, you know, worried about the rest of our day, the rest of our week, the rest of our lives with migraine. How do we start to shift things in a way that is more supportive?
05:14 So even as you were just describing that you got a little faster, right? I know what it feels like, right. Things just move quickly, and they get really big and everything becomes everything and everything means everything. And I think that is a very familiar thing for people with migraine, right. It just feels so enormous and can feel like so out of control. And so, I think that part of what we practice is slowing that down. Taking just a moment to see if there's room to... This might be a great time to try some of that orientation practice of noticing what's around you, listening to something, calling someone, doing something… Even humming or singing can be really useful in moving your awareness outside of that internal spiral moment that I think a lot of people experience with this. Really, it's just about pausing that cycle and finding anything else that could be just a different experience to be having in that moment.
06:12 What are other ways that we can incorporate more self-care, support ourselves day to day, to help build that sense of joy and gratitude so migraine's not just the main focus of our lives?
06:25 So one thing that we can do to practice this is finding some cozy projects that are just about feeling good, having fun, being in the moment. Those can be things that really end up helping us find some of that regulation and calm. We can do things like knitting or yoga or some people play video games or cook or listen to audiobooks or work their way through a series of movies, you know. It depends on what feels good, but this can also be a really nice way to, again, build some connection with self or invite someone else in and have some of that co-regulation.
07:02 Your mood feels better and having that flexibility like you talked about, in the present moment, where, you know, it doesn't have to look like what we used to do exactly, but if maybe, you used to go to concerts, but now we can listen to a song at home and it still brings up that same joy and, you know, makes it feel more manageable. Are there other routines or self-care habits that you find that have helped people to weave that sense of coziness into their lives?
07:34 Yeah, I think this is a place where there's so much room to work on that cozy connected relationship with self, because this can look literally however you want it to look. I know that for some people, having something in the morning that really starts the day in a way that feels good and supportive and fun, I think can be fantastic. I know some people have calming or fun morning playlists, you know, or a meditation or a stretch routine. I know in the evening doing something to signal to your brain that it's time to rest can be great. And that could be something like a really fun skincare routine or a relaxing face massage or something like that. Taking jewelry off, lighting a scent-safe candle, whatever that is. Building whatever feels good. I really feel like just moving towards what feels good is such a fun part of this. And I would also say with any routine, trying not to try all of it at once. I know that impulse can be to just do all of it at once, and that's just hard for us, anybody to keep up with. So, I might recommend, and again, depending on the person, one thing for, you know, in the evening that might feel really good to try. A tea that is really delicious or whatever the thing is. And then going from there and seeing how that feels.
08:57 Yeah, I definitely find the more we're able to do things we enjoy, the pain feels less important, and your mood feels better.
09:07 Yes, exactly. I find that a lot of the people I work with, with migraine, have struggled with their relationship with their body. I have experienced migraine for over a decade. I'm very familiar with this. It's hard to feel safe and comfortable in your body when you experience pain that can come at any moment, you don't know when it's coming. Can bring a lot of terror and hyper-vigilance. And that makes it really hard to feel like comfortable and safe in your body. And so, a lot of what the somatic work does for people with chronic pain and migraine is helps you notice other sensation, not just the pain, helps you practice noticing when you're feeling good or neutral, helps you find more room for other things in your life that aren't pain related.
09:56 Please listen as we share important safety information about VYEPTI.
APPROVED USE
VYEPTI is a prescription medicine used for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Do not receive VYEPTI if you have a known allergy to eptinezumab-jjmr or its ingredients.
VYEPTI may cause allergic reactions. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical help right away if you have any symptoms of an allergic reaction: rash; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; if you have trouble breathing; hives; or redness in your face.
Before starting VYEPTI, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including any prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
The most common side effects of VYEPTI include stuffy nose and scratchy throat, and allergic reactions.
These are not all the possible side effects of VYEPTI. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For more information, see the full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information on vyepti.com.
Electra shares how debilitating living with migraine was and how she has been able to enjoy outdoors more since her first VYEPTI treatment helped her have more migraine-free days.
Electra shares how debilitating living with migraine was and how she has been able to enjoy outdoors more since her first VYEPTI treatment helped her have more migraine-free days.
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0:12 I had such dreams. I wanted to have a great career, be an amazing mom. Experience life.
0:23 When I started having migraine, it stopped everything in its tracks. All I’ve known for 18 years now, is pain.
0:33 My name is Electra, and this is my migraine story.
0:37 I was a stay-at-home mom, brand-new baby, he was only about 2 weeks old, and that’s when my migraine began.
0:44 In the beginning, migraine was happening a couple of times a month. When I had my second kid, it was happening a couple of times a week at least.
0:58 Sometimes I felt like I was just in a constant migraine.
1:01 It starts with a sharp, stabbing pain in my head. The light hurts. Noises hurt. Smells. I get nauseous. You tense up. It affects my neck and my back.
1:15 I would end up curled in a ball. It was debilitating and it takes over my life. My kids never got to do extracurricular activities because I wouldn’t know if I could pick them up.
1:30 I’ve never had true friendships. I’ve just kind of been living day by day. I told myself I just can’t keep living like this, there has to be something that can help me.
1:49 I felt like everything else my doctors and neurologists were having me try, they weren’t getting rid of it.
1:57 They didn’t have any new suggestions as to what could help. And that’s when I found a study that would include migraine.
2:04 I was able to take part in the VYEPTI clinical trial. When they said I qualified for this infusion medication, I was really excited.
2:16 The infusion part didn’t bother me because I thought that having an infusion once every three months was a lot easier than having to remember to take a pill.
2:27 It only took 30 minutes and then it’s done with.
2:31 The next day when I woke up, the constant cloudiness in my head was gone.
2:39 I wanted to test out my triggers, so my sons planned a trip outdoors. We were outside for 6 hours and there was no pain.
2:52 It was a totally new experience. I didn’t ever remember feeling this way.
2:57 After the clinical trials, I tried other medications in the meantime but they didn’t give me that same feeling.
3:06 When I heard that VYEPTI got FDA approved, I was exhilarated.
3:18 I now knew that I could be around my triggers. I stopped carrying my rescue medicine.
3:25 I plan to travel. I’m trying new foods, I’m spending my time with my kids.
3:35 Before VYEPTI, I felt like I was just a figure and not an actual parent. Now every day I'm just trying to get to know my kids.
3:50 My oldest has moved off to college and I feel like I've missed so much with him.
3:58 I just want to experience life with them. I want us to laugh together, I want us to have adventures together, and now I can.
4:08 For 18 years, I just existed. Now, I feel like I’m experiencing the world for the first time.
Listen to a conversation between VYEPTI patients and a healthcare provider who share their personal experiences with VYEPTI and provide firsthand perspectives on some things to expect during the 30- minute intravenous (IV) infusion given by a healthcare provider just four times a year.
Listen to a conversation between VYEPTI patients and a healthcare provider who share their personal experiences with VYEPTI and provide firsthand perspectives on some things to expect during the 30- minute intravenous (IV) infusion given by a healthcare provider just four times a year.
Open transcript
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0:07 VYEPTI is a prescription medicine used for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. Do not receive VYEPTI if you are allergic to eptinezumab-jjmr or any of the ingredients in VYEPTI. Please see the Important Safety Information throughout and at the end of this video.
0:24 Hello, welcome to the Power Shift video series, where we're going to have authentic conversations about issues impacting people living with migraine. We hope these discussions will inspire you to reclaim your power from migraine.
0:36 I'm Lindsey Arnold, a Lundbeck employee. I also live with migraine. I had my first migraine attack when I was six years old. As an adult, I've been prescribed VYEPTI, which is a prescription medicine for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults.
0:52 I'm joined by special guests today to discuss the VYEPTI infusion experience. We have Lou and Chanci here with us today, both people living with migraine who've been prescribed VYEPTI and Ana Gjurgevich, a family nurse practitioner who administers VYEPTI. So I would love to hear more about each of you. Chanci, why don't you start us off?
1:14 Hey, my name is Chanci. I am from southeast Mississippi. I was diagnosed with migraine about 10 years ago. I am a mom to two. I am a wife, I'm an artist and I'm in grad school and I was started on VYEPTI about two years ago.
1:36 You are a busy lady. A lot going on. Very accomplished. Lou, how about you?
1:44 Well, I don't know if I can compete. I have one kid, he is 15. I am originally from Charlotte, North Carolina. I live in Ocala, Florida. I have a husband. I work full time in neurology. I was started on VYEPTI about two years ago as well.
2:00 Great. Thank you for joining us today. And Ana, how about you?
2:04 So my name is Ana Gjurgevich and I'm a nurse practitioner at a university-based hospital in Southern California. I work in the neurology division and I specialize in headache and facial pain. I work alongside neurologists that are board certified in headache medicine, and together, we treat patients with migraines and some of those are on VYEPTI.
2:28 Thank you, Ana, and thanks for taking care of patients like us.
2:33 Absolutely.
2:35 Chanci, when you first learned about VYEPTI, where were you in your migraine journey? What was your life like and what did you think when you first heard about an infusion treatment for migraine?
2:47 Sure. I was experiencing more and more migraine attacks. I think I was up to over half of the month I was experiencing migraine attacks. I was having to take more and more acute migraine relief medications.
3:10 When my neurologist told me about VYEPTI and it being an infusion once every three months, I was excited. I was like, "Sign me up, I need this." That's where you have that hope and you're just like, "Yes, yes, this is going to be it." I was so excited. And for me, it didn't take me very long to get my infusion set up.
3:30 Absolutely.
3:31 And for me, it didn't take me very long to get my infusion set up.
3:38 That's great to hear. And it sounds like you were incredibly persistent to continue, you know, seeking a treatment that works for you, even when you were kind of going through this cycle of trying new things and still having, you know, migraine attacks really frequently, it sounds like.
3:57 Oh yeah, oh yeah.
3:58 So, good on you for continuing to go, continuing to move forward.
4:03 Absolutely. Always have to continue to move forward.
4:07 Lou, where were you when you heard about VYEPTI and how did you feel about the infusion experience?
4:17 Well, I found out when I moved to Florida, I was constantly just more or less, not necessarily misdiagnosed, but just thrown that I had headaches and it's something I have to live with being a woman and this is part of growing up and I wasn't satisfied with it. So when I moved to Florida, I saw a neurologist, I saw a specialist…
4:35 And finally he introduced me about two years ago to VYEPTI and I couldn't say yes to him quicker than I did my husband when we got married. So it was something I was super excited about trying.
4:48 That's great to hear that you were willing to give it a shot. And really, I hear from both of you that you were really persistent in your journey to finding something that worked for you. So, Ana, as a nurse practitioner who administers VYEPTI to your patients, can you tell us a little bit more about VYEPTI and the infusion process?
5:00 Definitely.
5:01 So, Ana, as a nurse practitioner who administers VYEPTI to your patients, can you tell us a little bit more about VYEPTI and the infusion process?
5:12 Yes, when I first bring up VYEPTI as a preventive treatment for migraine for my patients, I usually get that look of, oh, wow, there's an IV form of medication to treat migraines. And so I always explain to patients that VYEPTI is the first and only FDA approved IV treatment for migraine prevention in adults.
5:39 I explain the process of the medication is delivered in about 30 minutes, it's given by a healthcare professional.
5:46 We also always discuss risk and benefits with the medication.
5:51 And it's also important to let them know that the medication is in the bloodstream at a hundred percent once the treatment is complete.
6:00 What are some side effects that people should be looking out for after their infusion, Ana? I know everybody tolerates the medication a little bit differently.
6:10 Yes, of course. Some of the most common side effects include stuffy nose, a scratchy throat, and allergic reactions. So it's really important to talk to a provider about any questions you have about potential side effects and to report any adverse events.
6:29 And what next steps should somebody be taking after that first infusion since it's every three months?
6:37 So during their infusion, I like to check in on the patients to see if they have any questions, but the patients should always make their next appointment for three months…
6:48 and usually after the infusion you're free to go about your day as normal, you can go back to work or just relax.
6:57 So Chanci, could you tell me a little bit about what your infusion experiences have been like? You've had a few VYEPTI treatments now, so you're kind of a pro at this point.
7:08 So at my infusion center I get a recliner, I get a warm blanket, I feel very well taken care of. My infusion nurses are always right there. They're looking in on me, asking me if I need anything. It's a very nice experience. I feel safe, I feel secure and yeah.
7:36 It's great to hear you have had a good experience. I'm kind of jealous of the warm blanket. That sounds really nice. Lou, what have your first few infusions been like and do you have any tips for anybody going in for their first time?
7:53 It's 30 minutes, put my EarPods in, watch a movie, call it a day and breathe a little bit and then know that it's going to be better at the end of it. And there's nothing really to say that's overwhelming about it. It's great.
8:08 That's great to hear, Lou. It does sound like you're getting great care and it's nice that you're able to carve out that time for you. But Ana, I've heard there are more options to getting VYEPTI than just going into an infusion center. Could you tell me a little bit more about where people can get VYEPTI?
8:29 Yeah, there are multiple options. It's determined by the provider or the insurance and also location. So in my practice, we have an infusion center and some of our patients would prefer to come to the infusion center because they're comfortable with the staff. If they live far – we have patients that come like three hours away or even more – we would find a facility near their home and then set them up for an infusion there. We just find out if they administer VYEPTI there, send the prescription over and they infuse the order. And then if they want to do it in their own home, we set up home health for them if the insurance allows it. Yeah, so there's a lot of options.
9:20 Your voice is so nice that makes me want to come to California and you infuse me. It's so welcoming. You just have this calm, that's awesome. I'm glad people are going to get to see you. It makes them feel better.
9:32 We have the recliners, we have the warm blankets. We have snacks.
9:36 I’ve gotta catch Florida up.
9:38 But do you have the warm blankets?
9:40 Yeah, and snacks!
9:44 So Ana, as someone who administers VYEPTI and is seeing people come back every three months, how does it feel for you to see and hear about people who are embracing their life a little bit more and experiencing fewer migraine days?
10:02 Well, it's always so rewarding to be able to help them, this patient population.
10:09 Being able to see them during their infusion and then it allows me to observe their progress over time. And it makes me just, it's really happy to see positive outcomes. It's really a positive experience.
10:23 That is great to hear it has to be very rewarding. I know I'm lucky to get to see the same infusion nurse every time I go in for my appointment. So that's been nice to have that continuity. And she always makes sure to ask how I've been doing. So it's nice to get that relationship too. Chanci, can you tell me a little bit more about what you've been doing with fewer migraine attacks in your life?
10:55 With more migraine-free days, I feel more free. I can do things that I haven't been able to do in a very long time. For example, I had red wine
11:09 for the first time in over 10 years and I didn't get a migraine attack, which was unbelievable.
11:19 I'm not constantly worried that I'm going to have a migraine attack. I don't feel that looming presence that might, ooh, well, today or tomorrow might be the day to get one. You make sure you don't eat this and you make sure you don't drink that. So I'm not as worried about triggers, I'm not as worried as I was and I feel more free as a result.
11:49 And Lou, what have you been doing with more migraine-free days? How has this impacted your life?
11:55 With more migraine-free days, I feel like I have a life again. I'm able to do things that I wasn't able to do before. Go to soccer games, go outside, be in the sunlight, not have to wear sunglasses all the time. I go on dates with my husband. Things I haven't been able to do in years and it's given me this opportunity just to breathe, to live, and I can't be more thankful for that.
12:22 That's great to hear that you both are really getting to live and experience your lives more and feel better on a more regular basis.
12:35 Chanci, could you give me one power tip that you have for someone who might be going in for first infusion with VYEPTI?
12:43 I would definitely recommend dressing comfortably and wearing layers.
12:53 Yes, I think that's a really important one. You never know what the temperature is going to be and the nurse also has to have access to your arm of course. So it's good to make sure that you wear something a little bit flexible. Lou, what's a power tip that you've discovered through your infusions?
13:11 Bring a book, bring a tablet, live your life as if you would every day. Don't stop because you're in an infusion center. So if you use a tablet every day or you're on your phone or you do whatever, do that.
13:21 Chanci, if you had to describe your mindset shift, how your life has changed in one word, now that you've started your infusions with VYEPTI, how would you describe that journey or describe how you're feeling now?
13:40 In one word, I'm thankful.
13:44 Amen.
13:45 That’s a very good one.
13:46 That’s perfect.
13:48 And Lou, what's your one word to describe how you're feeling now?
13:53 So my one word would be hopeful. Hopeful has a lot of power in it. And to me, that's what it's about.
14:01 Wow, so inspiring. Thank you, Lou and Chanci, for spending some time with me and telling me a bit more about your experience and Ana, thank you so much for lending us your expertise for the evening and sharing your point of view.
14:16 Please stay tuned to listen to Important Safety Information for VYEPTI and visit VYEPTI.com to learn more about IV infusion for the preventive treatment of migraine.
14:27 Please listen as we share important safety information about VYEPTI.
APPROVED USE
VYEPTI is a prescription medicine used for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Do not receive VYEPTI if you have a known allergy to eptinezumab-jjmr or its ingredients.
VYEPTI may cause allergic reactions. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical help right away if you have any symptoms of an allergic reaction: rash; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; if you have trouble breathing; hives; or redness in your face.
Before starting VYEPTI, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including any prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
The most common side effects of VYEPTI include stuffy nose and scratchy throat, and allergic reactions.
These are not all the possible side effects of VYEPTI. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For more information, please see the Prescribing Information and Patient Information at vyepti.com
Sharing your VYEPTI experience with a photo or video might inspire others living with migraine.
Find out what a 30-minute IV infusion (given 4x a year) could mean for your migraine treatment.
Do not receive VYEPTI if you have a known allergy to eptinezumab-jjmr or its ingredients.
VYEPTI is a prescription medicine used for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults.
VYEPTI may cause allergic reactions. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical help right away if you have any symptoms of an allergic reaction: rash; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; if you have trouble breathing; hives; or redness in your face.
Before starting VYEPTI, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including any prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
The most common side effects of VYEPTI include stuffy nose and scratchy throat, and allergic reactions.
These are not all the possible side effects of VYEPTI. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For more information, please see the Prescribing Information and Patient Information.
VYEPTI is a prescription medicine used for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults.
Do not receive VYEPTI if you have a known allergy to eptinezumab-jjmr or its ingredients.
VYEPTI may cause allergic reactions. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical help right away if you have any symptoms of an allergic reaction: rash; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; if you have trouble breathing; hives; or redness in your face.
Before starting VYEPTI, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including any prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
The most common side effects of VYEPTI include stuffy nose and scratchy throat, and allergic reactions.
These are not all the possible side effects of VYEPTI. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For more information, please see the Prescribing Information and Patient Information.
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