Pronunciation: AIM-oh-vig
Generic name: erenumab
Dosage form: Aimovig autoinjector (70 mg/mL, 140 mg/mL), prefilled Aimovig injection (70 mg/mL, 140 mg/mL)
Drug class: CGRP inhibitors
What is Aimovig?
Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) is a once-monthly, self-administered injection used to prevent migraines in adults. It helps prevent migraines before they start and reduces the number of migraine days per month. Aimovig is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection) using a single-dose prefilled SureClick® autoinjector or a single-dose prefilled syringe.
Aimovig works by blocking the effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a small protein involved in migraines that increases during a migraine attack. By blocking CGRP, Aimovig stops interaction between CGRP and the CGRP receptor which helps to prevent migraines. Aimovig is from a class of medicines called CGRP inhibitors.
Aimovig FDA approval was granted on May 17, 2018, for Amgen Inc. There is no generic available.
Aimovig side effects
Common Aimovig side effects
The most common Aimovig side effects include:
- pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site (6%)
- constipation (1%)
- cramps, muscle spasms (<1%).
These common side effects are for the 70mg dose.
Serious Aimovig side effects
Aimovig may cause serious side effects, including:
- Allergic reactions, including a rash or swelling. This can happen within hours to days after using the medicine. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Severe constipation. In some cases, people have been hospitalized or needed surgery. Contact your healthcare provider if you have severe constipation or constipation associated with symptoms such as severe or constant belly pain, vomiting, swelling of the belly, or bloating.
- High blood pressure or worsening of high blood pressure. Ask your healthcare provider to monitor your blood pressure or call them immediately if you develop severe headaches, blurred vision, or pounding in your neck or ears.
High blood pressure or constipation are possible long-term side effects of this medicine.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects of this injection. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for more information. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Amgen at 1-800-77-AMGEN (1-800-772-6436).
Warnings
Aimovig may cause allergic reactions. If a serious allergic reaction occurs, stop injecting and go to the emergency room. Hypersensitivity reactions can occur within hours to more than one week after administration.
May also cause constipation with serious complications and new-onset or worsening of pre-existing high blood pressure may occur.
Before you inject this medicine, always check the label of your single-dose prefilled autoinjector or single-dose prefilled syringe to make sure you have the correct medicine and the correct dose.
Aimovig does not treat an acute migraine (one that is happening right now).
Aimovig cost
The cost of Aimovig varies depending on your insurance plan and which pharmacy you use. Refer to our price guide page for more information about cost.
You may also be eligible for an Aimovig coupon, an access card, or an Aimovig copay card.
Do insurance cover Aimovig?
Yes, insurance may cover Aimovig, this will depend on your insurance company and the details of your insurance policy.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to erenumab, Aimovig, or any of the inactive ingredients in the injection.
Before you start using this injection, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, including if you are:
- Pregnant or plan to become pregnant
- Breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Pregnancy
It is not known if Aimovig will harm your unborn baby. However, having migraine headaches during pregnancy may cause complications such as preeclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure that can lead to medical problems in both mother and baby). The benefit of preventing migraines may outweigh any risks to the baby.
There is a pregnancy registry for women who take Aimovig. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about your health and your baby’s health. You may enroll yourself by calling 1-833-244-4083 or visiting https://www.genesispregnancyregistry.com/. Or you may talk to your doctor about how you can take part in this registry.
Breastfeeding
It is not known if this medicine passes into your breast milk. It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.
Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby while using this medicine.
How should I use Aimovig?
Use Aimovig exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
- Aimovig comes in 2 different types of devices: a single-dose (1-time) prefilled autoinjector or a single-dose (1-time) prefilled syringe. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the type and dose that is best for you.
- Aimovig is injected under your skin (subcutaneously) once a month. Do not inject it yourself until a healthcare provider has shown you how to do so.
Take the injection out of the refrigerator and allow it to warm up to room temperature for 30 minutes before injecting it. Protect from sunlight. Do not heat the medicine in hot water or a microwave. Do not use it if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
- Inject it subcutaneously (under the skin) of the abdomen (but not within 2 inches of the belly button), thigh, or upper arm.
- Each single-use prefilled syringe or autoinjector is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.
- Do not shake the syringe or autoinjector or you may ruin the medicine.
Only use the form and strength your doctor prescribes.
Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof “sharps” container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
Aimovig dosage
Usual Aimovig dose is 70mg once a month.
Some people may benefit from a dosage of 140mg. Aimovig 140mg is taken once a month.
Aimovig formulations
- Aimovig autoinjector 70 mg/mL in a single-dose prefilled SureClick autoinjector
- Aimovig injection 70 mg/mL solution in a single-dose prefilled syringe
- Aimovig autoinjector 140 mg/mL solution in a single-dose prefilled SureClick autoinjector
- Aimovig injection 140 mg/mL solution in a single-dose prefilled syringe.
What happens if I miss a dose?
If you forget to take your dose or are not able to take the dose at the regular time, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. After that, you can continue to take Aimovig one time each month from the date of your last dose.
What should I avoid while using this medicine?
Avoid injecting this medicine into skin that is red, bruised, tender, or hard.
What other drugs will affect this medicine?
Other drugs may interact with Aimovig, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Tell your pharmacist or healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including any prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements. See the prescribing information for a full list of interactions.
Does Aimovig interact with my other drugs?
Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.Drug nameAdd a drug to check interactionsAdd
Storage
Store Aimovig in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
- After removing from the refrigerator, it can be stored at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) for up to 7 days.
- Throw away the medicine if kept at room temperature for more than 7 days.
- Keep it in the original carton. This will protect the medicine from light.
- Do not freeze. Do not shake.
- Keep out of the reach of children.
Ingredients
Active: erenumab-aooe
Inactive: acetate, polysorbate 80, and sucrose
Manufacturer
Aimovig Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive Thousand Oaks, CA U.S.A.
Aimovig Biosimilars
Biosimilar and interchangeable products are biological products that are highly similar to and have no clinically meaningful differences from the reference product.
Reference products
These are biological products that have already been approved by the FDA, against which biosimilar products are compared. There is 1 for Aimovig.
