Medically reviewed by Sarim Mir, MD, board-certified neurologist at Mir Neurology. Published July 2026.
Migraine treatment has changed dramatically in recent years. A class of medications that targets CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) — a protein involved in migraine attacks — now offers more options than ever. There are currently eight FDA-approved CGRP-targeting migraine medications, some for prevention and some for stopping an attack. Here’s a plain-language guide to the landscape and how a neurologist helps you find the right fit.
What CGRP medications are
CGRP plays a key role in triggering migraine pain. CGRP-targeting drugs either block this protein or block its receptor, helping to prevent attacks or stop them once they start. They were designed specifically for migraine — a meaningful shift from older treatments borrowed from other conditions.
The two jobs: prevention vs. acute treatment
CGRP medications fall into two groups, matching the two goals of migraine care:
- Preventive — taken regularly to reduce how often attacks happen.
- Acute — taken during an attack to stop it.
Some CGRP drugs do one job; a few can do both. For more on this distinction, see our guide to preventive vs. acute migraine treatments.
The CGRP monoclonal antibodies (4)
These are given by injection or IV, usually for prevention:
- Erenumab — monthly self-injection
- Fremanezumab — monthly or quarterly self-injection
- Galcanezumab — monthly self-injection
- Eptinezumab — IV infusion given quarterly
The gepants (4)
These are oral (or nasal) small-molecule options, used for acute treatment, prevention, or both depending on the drug:
- Ubrogepant — oral, for stopping an attack
- Rimegepant — oral, for both acute treatment and prevention
- Atogepant — oral, for prevention
- Zavegepant — nasal spray, for stopping an attack
How your neurologist helps you choose
With this many options, choosing isn’t about picking the “best” drug — it’s about matching the right option to you. Your neurologist weighs how often you get migraines, how severe they are, whether you need prevention or acute relief (or both), your other health conditions, and how you prefer to take medication (pill, injection, infusion, or nasal spray). Insurance coverage often plays a role too.
CGRP isn’t the only preventive option
CGRP medications are an important advance, but they’re part of a bigger toolkit. Other preventive approaches — including Botox for chronic migraine and lifestyle and trigger management — may be used alone or alongside CGRP therapy. Explore our full migraine treatment approach.
Finding your fit
If migraines are disrupting your life and you haven’t found the right treatment, a neurology evaluation can help you navigate these options. To discuss a plan in Hagerstown or Cumberland, book an appointment or call (301) 797-7600.
Note: This article is educational and not a recommendation of any specific medication. FDA-approved CGRP therapies as of 2026 include four monoclonal antibodies (erenumab, fremanezumab, galcanezumab, eptinezumab) and four gepants (ubrogepant, rimegepant, atogepant, zavegepant). Treatment decisions should be made with your physician.
Frequently asked questions
What are CGRP medications for migraine?
They are drugs that target CGRP, a protein involved in migraine attacks. They either prevent attacks or stop them once they start, and were designed specifically for migraine.
How many CGRP migraine treatments are FDA-approved?
Currently eight: four monoclonal antibodies (erenumab, fremanezumab, galcanezumab, eptinezumab) and four gepants (ubrogepant, rimegepant, atogepant, zavegepant).
Are CGRP drugs for prevention or for stopping an attack?
It depends on the drug. The monoclonal antibodies are mainly preventive; the gepants include acute, preventive, and both. Your neurologist matches the option to your needs.
How do I know which one is right for me?
A neurologist considers your migraine frequency and severity, whether you need prevention or acute relief, your health history, your preferences, and insurance coverage to help you choose.
Need to talk to a neurologist about this?
Mir Neurology offers same-week appointments in Hagerstown & Cumberland, MD. No referral needed for most plans.
