14 Healthcare Innovations Innovative healthcare & alternative remedies


Promotional Content • Saturday 3 July 2021 Managing migraines


A new treatment became available on the NHS in 2020 for treating and preventing migraines. We find out how it’s changing people’s lives. Words: Rachel Charlton-Dailey


M


igraines are often incorrectly thought of just a bad headache, but for those who live


with them, they can be debilitating. Migraine is a complex condition with a wide variety of symptoms — for many people the main feature is a painful headache, but other symptoms include disturbed vision, sensitivity to light, sound and smells, neck and muscle pain, nausea and vomiting — all of which can last for days. Previously migraines were treated


with daily pills in the NSAID family (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or Botox, which eased migraines but for many these options didn’t stop migraines interfering with daily life. However, there’s a novel treatment on the market. Known as calcitonin gene-related


peptide monoclonal antibodies (CGPR MABs) , a type of immunologic (drug that alters the immune system’s response), these compounds were


Last week was the first time I didn’t have a


migraine or a headache for five consecutive days


PHOTOGRAPH: GETTY


designed specifically for migraine prevention. Tey work by blocking molecules that spike when pain impulses are sent to the brain, which would usually cause intense inflammation on the brain membrane and cause a migraine attack. Tere are currently three types


of CGPR MABs available on the NHS: Erenumab (Aimovig), Fremanezumab (Ajovy) and Galcanezumab (Emgality), all are given as are given as once-monthly injections, though Ajovy can also be given in three monthly doses. Tey’re available on prescription following a GP consultation and can be self- administered by the patient. Una Farrell, communications


manager at Te Migraine Trust, says: “It’s hard to overstate what a massive breakthrough this is. Before, preventers were other medications that were repurposed because they were found to have had an impact. So they were mixed efficiency, whereas this new treatment targets the nerve that spikes migraine pain.” A medical review published


at the end of 2020 found the effect starts within the first week after administration and is at full effectiveness by one month, sometimes lasting for several months after treatment termination.


Te Migraine Trust conducted a


patient experience survey and 80% of responders said CGRPs improved their quality of life, 79% agreed a CGRP drug was more effective than Botox at treating migraines, and 70% were able to stop or reduce other migraine treatments all together. Roxane Lavanchy, 25, from London


was diagnosed with migraines at the age of 12 after being rushed to A&E with extreme pain in her head. By 22, they’d become chronic and the pain was severely impacting her life. Tankfully, she was able to start


Ajovy in November 2020 and says: “Te fact my pain levels have reduced has been great, and I’ve managed to work full-time and go to the gym more, which I’d missed. Last week was also the first time I didn’t have a migraine or a headache for five consecutive days, a great relief after more than three years of constant pain.” However, Roxane believes there are


serious problems in the way migraine is treated: “Tere’s a one-size-fits-all and highly medicalised approach to treating it. I believe more resources need to be put into providing personalised and holistic support to people living with migraine to help their condition, alongside researching and developing treatments such as anti-CGRP injections.”


XITE-ing new energy drink launches


XITE is the first range of nootropic energy drinks to drop in the UK. Each promises to help you think, feel and perform at your best


N


ootropics are supple- ments that can be taken to improve mental perfor-


mance and are most often used to boost memory, focus, creativity, intelligence and motivation. Unlike traditional energy drinks, XITE uses natural green-bean caffeine to ener- gise and power up without the dreaded crash. Each can contain three active nootropics, innovative ingredients to help you find your focus and XITE your mind. Te range contains two delicious, naturally flavoured varieties, including Raspberry & Watermelon and Peach & Passion Fruit, both of which are zero sugar, naturally flavoured, vegan and diabetic friendly and full of ginseng. While XITE can help you power up


for whatever life throws at you, the brand knows that a boost of energy doesn’t necessarily help with the daily stresses we all encounter, which is why it donates 1p for every can sold to mental health charities.


Get a 20% off XITE Energy with


code ENERGY20 at checkout on


XITE is available to buy at: • Holland & Barrett • WHSmith • Ocado, • Moto • Booths • Nisa • Tropicana Wholesale at:


• Delicious Ideas • TUCO


drinkxite.com Visit: so-divine.com/product-category/mendurance


drinkxite.com Offer ends


3 August 2021


Mendurance supplement for men


wingman when you just need a little extra oomph, with thiamin


M (vitamin


B1) to support ener- gy-yielding metabolism and vitamin B12 to help reduce any tiredness and fatigue. Designed with men in mind, it’s a bespoke formulation just for him including a blend of carefully selected, natural herbal ingredients


including


L-arginine, Korean ginseng, fenugreek, saw palmetto, caffeine and guarana. Don’t let tired- ness or lack of energy limit your performance or mood.


Directions Take two capsules with water. Don’t exceed this dose over a 24-hour period.


Available in a pack of two capsules (RRP: £3.49) or 10


capsules (RRP: £12.99)


Your wingman when you just need a little extra oomph


e nd u r a nc e s u p p lemen t for men is your


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