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

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Apr 18, 2024.

What is Aimovig?

Aimovig (full biological name erenumab-aooe) is a once-monthly, injectable medication that can be self-administered subcutaneously (under the skin) for the prevention of migraine in adults.

Aimovig works by blocking the effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) which is a small protein that is highly prevalent in the sensory nerves that supply the head and the neck. CGRP is involved in pain transmission and levels increase during a migraine attack. It may also play a causative role in the formation of migraine attacks. CGRP inhibitors are used to manage migraines and there are two types of CGRP inhibitors – monoclonal antibodies and CGRP receptor antagonists (gepants). Aimovig is a monoclonal antibody.

Aimovig was first FDA-approved on May 17, 2018. There is no Aimovig generic.

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.

The most common side effects of Aimovig affecting 3% or more patients include:

• pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• constipation.

High blood pressure or constipation are possible long-term side effects of Aimovig.

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 Aimovig. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider 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 Aimovig 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 Aimovig, 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 is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Aimovig cost

The cost of prescription drugs varies depending on your insurance plan and which pharmacy you use. Refer to our price guide page for more information about Aimovig's cost.

You may also be eligible for an Aimovig coupon, Aimovig access card, or Aimovig copay card. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you qualify. There is no Aimovig generic.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Aimovig if you are allergic to erenumab, Aimovig, or any of the inactive ingredients in the injection.

Before you start using Aimovig, tell your healthcare provider 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 Aimovig 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 Aimovig.

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 Aimovig 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

The recommended dosage of Aimovig is 70mg once a month.

• Some people may benefit from a dosage of 140mg once a month.

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 happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using Aimovig?

Avoid injecting this medicine into skin that is red, bruised, tender, or hard.

What other drugs will affect Aimovig?

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.

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

Available as a:

• 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.

Manufacturer

Amgen Inc.

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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