What is Aimovig?
IntroductionAimovig (erenumab-aooe) is a prescription medication used for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. It was launched in the US in May 2018 and is the first calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitor to be commercially launched.
Mechanism of ActionAimovig works by blocking the CGRP receptor, which is involved in migraine attacks. CGRP is a small protein that is released during a migraine attack and is believed to play a key role in the development of the symptoms. By blocking the CGRP receptor, Aimovig helps to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.
Dosage and AdministrationAimovig is supplied as a pen that contains a dose of either 70 mg or 140 mg for self-administration. It is given as a single injection under the skin of the abdomen , thigh, or upper arm, once every four weeks. The first dose should be given under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Side EffectsCommon side effects of Aimovig include injection site reactions, such as pain, redness, and swelling. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. In rare cases, Aimovig can cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
Cost and AccessThe cost of Aimovig can vary depending on the dose and insurance coverage. According to The Migraine Trust, it can cost $386 per month without insurance. Patients are advised to check with their insurance provider to see if Aimovig is covered.
ConclusionAimovig is a prescription medication used for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. It works by blocking the CGRP receptor, which is involved in migraine attacks. It is administered via self-injection once every four weeks. Common side effects can include injection site reactions, and it can be expensive without insurance coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions about aimovig
Aimovig is a brand-name prescription drug that's FDA-approved to prevent migraine headaches in adults. Aimovig can be used to prevent both episodic and chronic migraine headaches.
Aimovig is a monoclonal antibody that blocks the activation of a certain protein that can produce a migraine attack. This protein, called calcitonin gene- related peptide (CGRP), can cause blood vessels to dilate and cause inflammation and migraine headache pain.
About Aimovig® (erenumab-aooe)
Aimovig, co-marketed in the U.S. by Amgen and Novartis, is the first and only FDA and EMA-approved migraine preventive treatment that targets the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor, which is associated with migraine.
Aimovig contains the active substance erenumab. It belongs to a group of medicines called monoclonal antibodies. Aimovig works by blocking the activity of the CGRP molecule, which has been linked to migraine (CGRP stands for calcitonin gene-related peptide).
This medication is used to help prevent migraine. This medication may work by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain. Erenumab belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies.
The cost for Aimovig subcutaneous solution (aooe 70 mg/mL) is around $786 for a supply of 1 milliliter(s), depending on the pharmacy you visit. Quoted prices are for cash-paying customers and are not valid with insurance plans.
No, this isn't likely. Anxiety, depression, fatigue (low energy), and hair loss weren't reported as side effects in initial studies of Aimovig. But it's important to remember that migraine can cause many different symptoms, including depression and fatigue. Aimovig is used to prevent migraine headaches.
As of May 2021 , it has been approved in 71 countries or territories, including the European Union , the United Kingdom , Canada , and Australia , and is approved by many regulatory authorities worldwide.
Up to 50% of people with episodic migraine† taking Aimovig cut their monthly migraine days by 50% or more (vs ~27% for placebo). †Episodic migraine is defined as 4-14 migraine days per month.
This medication is used to help prevent migraine. This medication may work by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain. Erenumab belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. Preventing frequent migraine attacks can help improve your ability to concentrate and do your usual tasks.
Aimovig contains the active drug erenumab-aooe,* and it's available only as a brand-name biologic drug. It doesn't come in a biosimilar version. A biosimilar medication is a drug that's similar to a brand-name biologic drug (the parent drug). Also, biosimilars tend to cost less than brand-name medications.
Erenumab-aooe is produced using recombinant DNA technology in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. It is composed of 2 heavy chains, each containing 456 amino acids, and 2 light chains of the lambda subclass, each containing 216 amino acids, with an approximate molecular weight of 150 kDa.
