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What to Expect When Starting a CGRP Blocker Infusion for Migraine

An IV infusion can help prevent migraine attacks in people with chronic or episodic migraine. Here’s what to know before you roll up your sleeve.
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Published on February 20, 2024
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If you’re still having regular migraine attacks after trying oral medications or injections, your doctor may suggest a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) blocker infusion.

CGRP blocker infusions can help prevent migraine attacks and reduce monthly migraine days for people living with chronic or episodic migraine, according to Carrie Dougherty, MD, a neurologist and associate professor of clinical neurology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in McLean, Virginia.

Although they’re a relatively new option for treating migraine, CGRP infusions have been found to be well tolerated and effective. But if you’ve never received a medication by infusion, you may have questions about what it’s like.

The more you know about CGRP blocker infusions, including what the process is like and how you can prepare, the more confident you’ll feel about trying them.

What It’s Like to Get a CGRP Blocker Infusion

You’ll likely go to an infusion center every three months to receive a CGRP blocker infusion, or your doctor may be able to give it to you in their office. You may even be able to have a nurse come to your home to administer the drug.

Here’s what to expect:

  1. When you arrive, you’ll check in and fill out any necessary paperwork.
  2. Next, you’ll be escorted to the infusion area, where a nurse will give you information about the medication, including any side effects you may experience.
  3. The nurse will hook you up to the IV and set a timer for 30 minutes.
  4. At this point, you can sit back and relax.
  5. When the infusion is finished, you may be asked to stay for a half hour to an hour in case you experience any adverse reactions, such as an allergic response, that require medical attention.

How to Prep for a CGRP Blocker Infusion

There are a few things you can do to get ready for your first infusion.

Block Off Your Calendar

The infusion itself takes only 30 minutes, but you’ll need to allow extra time at the beginning and end. You should allot about two hours for the process, plus travel time.

Dress Comfortably

You’ll be sitting for some time, so opt for bottoms that won’t feel tight around your legs and waist. Yoga pants or sweatpants are ideal. Top them with a short-sleeve shirt, so your nurse has easy access to your arm for the IV. Bring a blanket to drape over your shoulders or lap after you’re hooked up, in case you get chilly. If bright lights and noise bother you, bring sunglasses (or tinted migraine lenses) and headphones or earplugs to block out any unwanted stimulation.

Bring Something to Do

Take advantage of the downtime: Pack a book or magazine to read, cue up an episode or two of a podcast on your phone, or download a movie or TV show onto your tablet or laptop. Bring headphones, so you don’t disturb the people around you. If you’d like company, ask if the infusion center will allow you to bring a friend or loved one.

Pack a Snack

Some infusion centers offer snacks, but in case yours doesn’t, it’s a good idea to bring one with you. Some good options include nuts, a piece of fruit, or a protein bar.

Carry Water, Too

Don’t forget your water bottle. Once you’re hooked up to the IV, you won’t be able to get up to grab a drink.

Treatment Timeline

A potential advantage of migraine medication being administered by infusion is that it may begin to work quicker to prevent attacks than when taken as a pill, nasal spray, or injection. And, for people who don’t like to take daily medicine, making a trip to an infusion center once every three months may be preferable.

Are There Side Effects or Other Concerns?

Besides the sensation of the needle going in for the IV, receiving the infusion shouldn’t hurt. The most common side effects of a CGRP blocker infusion include:
Mild side effects aside, most people tolerate the infusion well and don’t have many adverse effects, says Dougherty.

Voices of Experience: Real-Life Tips for CGRP Blocker Infusions

“Don’t be afraid to ask the doctor or nurse questions. Getting more information can help ease your fears.”

— Kelly Amspacher, age 64; living with chronic intractable migraine for 25 years
“Don’t be afraid to ask the doctor or nurse questions. Getting more information can help ease your fears.”

“On the day of my infusion, I took a half day off work. I felt pretty exhausted afterwards and was glad I could just go home and rest.”

— Laurel Callia, age 31; living with new daily persistent headache with migraine features for 2 years
“On the day of my infusion, I took a half day off work. I felt pretty exhausted afterwards and was glad I could just go home and rest.”

“Bring something to do that’s comforting and doesn’t require a lot of brainpower, so you can lay back and relax. [I like to color.]”

— Amspacher
“Bring something to do that’s comforting and doesn’t require a lot of brainpower, so you can lay back and relax. [I like to color.]”

“Once the needle is in, it’s 30 minutes of relaxation. You don’t have to go anywhere or do anything. For me, it’s the perfect time to meditate.”

— Diane Fox, age 68; living with chronic migraine for 20 years
“Once the needle is in, it’s 30 minutes of relaxation. You don’t have to go anywhere or do anything. For me, it’s the perfect time to meditate.”

“Some infusion centers have pillows and blankets, but I like to bring my own. Having things from home gives me a sense of comfort.”

— Amspacher
“Some infusion centers have pillows and blankets, but I like to bring my own. Having things from home gives me a sense of comfort.”

“I wish my doctor had explained to me that there are two dosages. ... I started out on 100 milligrams, and it only lasted for two out of the three months. Rather than suffer through the last month of pain, I asked my doctor for the higher dosage, and it’s worked much better. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor to increase the dose if you need to.”

— Angela Mikre, age 56; living with chronic migraine for 7 years
“I wish my doctor had explained to me that there are two dosages. ... I started out on 100 milligrams, and it only lasted for two out of the three months. Rather than suffer through the last month of pain, I asked my doctor for the higher dosage, and it’s worked much better. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor to increase the dose if you need to.”
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