The NHS has introduced new pills to address the root cause of migraines, leading to significant improvements in the lives of many individuals, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). These tablets, known as atogepant and rimegepant, have seen a rapid uptake since their approval, effectively halting the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) responsible for triggering severe inflammation in the brain coverings.
Joanne McShane, a health visitor within the NHS who had endured migraines for ten years, was prescribed atogepant after its NICE approval. She expressed how life-changing the medication has been, eradicating her headaches entirely and restoring her quality of life.
Migraines affect one in seven Britons, presenting symptoms such as intense throbbing pain, nausea, exhaustion, and heightened sensitivity to light, sound, and smells. Joanne previously experienced around six migraine attacks monthly, which greatly impacted her daily life and interactions with others.
Historically, preventive migraine treatments included medications like antidepressants, antiepileptics, and beta-blockers, which often caused challenging side effects. The increasing adoption of atogepant and rimegepant in England, with over 22,800 prescriptions in 2025 (triple the 2024 numbers), signifies a positive shift towards more effective and well-tolerated treatments for migraine sufferers.
NICE’s Helen Knight noted the transformative impact of these tablets on migraine patients and encouraged broader adoption to benefit more individuals in the coming months. Unlike previous treatments, atogepant and rimegepant can be ingested in tablet form, simplifying administration and accessibility for patients.
While NICE endorsed rimegepant in 2023 for managing migraines and preventing episodic attacks, atogepant received approval in 2024 for both episodic and chronic migraine cases. These pills are recommended for adults who have not responded to at least three other preventive treatments.
However, NICE cautioned that patients awaiting these tablets may face long NHS waiting times, especially if specialist initiation is required. Dr. Kay Kennis, a GP and neurology specialist, emphasized the importance of appropriate prescription to ensure optimal resource utilization and improved patient outcomes.
Experts suggest early identification of migraine signs in patient history could expedite treatment decisions, enabling quicker access to advanced options like atogepant and rimegepant. This proactive approach could enhance patient care and alleviate the burden of migraine-related symptoms for many individuals.