A new study has suggested that a class of migraine drugs known as CGRP monoclonal antibodies may be associated with a higher risk of miscarriage when used during the early stages of pregnancy.

The findings are relevant for women of reproductive age who use injectable migraine-prevention treatments, particularly those who become pregnant while receiving medication. Researchers said the study reviewed pregnancy outcomes among women previously diagnosed with migraine.

CGRP monoclonal antibodies, short for calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies, are injectable medicines used to help prevent migraine attacks. The drugs have been reported to reduce migraine episodes in many patients and are often prescribed when other treatments are not suitable or effective.

According to research presented at the annual meeting of the American Headache Society, the use of these medicines in early pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage by up to 45 percent.

The study examined data from 7,119 women aged 15 to 45 and included 7,579 pregnancies. All women included in the analysis had been diagnosed with migraine before pregnancy.

Researchers divided the women into three groups: those using CGRP monoclonal antibody injections, those using propranolol, and those not using migraine medication.

The results showed that women who used CGRP drugs between the eighth and twelfth weeks of pregnancy had a higher miscarriage rate compared with the other groups.

According to the reported data, the miscarriage rate among women using propranolol alone was about 2 percent, while the rate among women using CGRP medicines reached about 5 percent.

The study adds to ongoing discussion about the safety of newer migraine treatments during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or using migraine-prevention medicine should consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing or stopping any treatment.

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