Ajovy
Pronunciation: a-JO-vee
Generic name: fremanezumab-vfrm
Drug class: CGRP inhibitors
What is Ajovy?
Ajovy is an injectable prescription medicine used to prevent migraine headaches in adults.
Ajovy works by blocking the activity of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP).
Ajovy may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Ajovy if you are allergic to fremanezumab-vfrm.
Ajovy is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. However, having migraines during pregnancy may cause complications such as preeclampsia (which can lead to medical problems in both mother and baby). The benefit of preventing migraines may outweigh any risks to the baby.
It may not be safe to breast-feed while using fremanezumab-vfrm. Ask your doctor about any risk.
How should I use Ajovy?
Use Ajovy injection exactly as it was prescribed. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Ajovy is injected under the skin. A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
Ajovy is usually given as 1 injection once a month, or as 3 injections (in separate syringes) once every 3 months.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Do not use fremanezumab-vfrm if you don't understand all instructions for proper use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
Prepare your injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, is frozen, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Store Ajovy in the original carton in a refrigerator, protected from light. Do not freeze or shake this medicine.
Take the medicine out of the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature for 30 minutes before injecting your dose. Do not warm the medicine with hot water, sunlight, or a microwave.
You may also store Ajovy in the original carton at room temperature for up to 7 days. Throw the medicine away if it has been at room temperature for 7 days or longer
Each single-use prefilled autoinjector or syringe is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.
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.
Dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Migraine Prophylaxis:
225 mg subcutaneously once a month
-Alternatively, 675 mg subcutaneously may be administered once every 3 months
Comments:
-To administer 675 mg subcutaneously, 3 consecutive subcutaneous injections of 225 mg are given.
-If switching dosage options, administer the first dose of the new regimen on the next scheduled date of administration.
Use: For the preventive treatment of migraine.
Related/similar drugs
Qulipta, Aimovig, Emgality, propranolol, topiramate, Depakote, divalproex sodium, Botox, Topamax
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medicine as soon as you remember, and then restart your regular injection schedule 1 month or 3 months later.
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 Ajovy?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Ajovy side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Ajovy: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
An allergic reaction to fremanezumab-vfrm can occur up to 1 month after an injection.
Common Ajovy side effects may include:
-
pain, redness, or a hard lump where the medicine was injected.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Ajovy?
Other drugs may interact with fremanezumab-vfrm, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Ajovy 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 Ajovy.
Ajovy (fremanezumab-vfrm) - Teva Branded Pharmaceutical Products R&D, Inc.
| Formulation type | Strength |
|---|---|
| Autoinjector | 225 mg/1.5 mL |
| Pre-Filled Syringe | 225 mg/1.5 mL |
Popular FAQ
Can I take ibuprofen with Ajovy?
There are no known drug interactions between Ajovy (fremanezumab) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), but you should talk to your doctor before you combine these medications. Serious side effects can occur with ibuprofen, such as stomach or intestinal bleeding, rash, swelling, problems with your kidneys, or an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Ajovy is used to help prevent migraine episodes in adults. Ibuprofen is an over-the-counter analgesic used as an acute treatment to help stop migraine pain already in progress. If Ajovy is not adequately helping your migraine, your doctor may want to switch you to a different migraine prevention medicine or drug class.
How long can Ajovy be out of the fridge?
You can leave Ajovy out of the fridge for up to 7 days at room temperature (up to 86°F or 30°C). Do not use your Ajovy if it has been at room temperature for 7 days or longer. Once it is stored at room temperature do not put it back in the refrigerator. Do not put Ajovy in the sunlight, or use hot water or a microwave to warm the injections.
Ajovy vs Aimovig: What's the difference between them?
Ajovy and Aimovig are both calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors used for migraine prevention in adults. The dosing, side effects, effectiveness and costs of these medicines can vary. As demonstrated in studies, these agents can reduce the number of migraine headache days you experience by about 1.5 to 3 days per month when compared to a placebo (inactive) treatment, but your response may vary. Continue reading
Does Ajovy cause weight gain?
Weight gain has not been reported as a side effect in studies with the migraine prevention medicine Ajovy, but some anecdotal reports do note this effect. Other factors, such as lack of physical activity due to migraine pain may play a role in weight gain in patients with migraine headaches. Continue reading
How long does it take for Ajovy to start working?
Most patients usually respond within a month of starting Ajovy treatment, and some respond within one week, if the medicine works for them. In general, Ajovy can help to reduce the number of migraine headache days you have by about 1.5 to 2 days per month. Continue reading
How does Ajovy work for migraines?
Ajovy works to help prevent migraine pain by binding to the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) ligand to prevent its binding to the receptor. Ajovy is in the class of medicines known as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors. It is not used to treat an ongoing migraine headache. Continue reading
How to use the Ajovy autoinjector?
The Ajovy autoinjector is given as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin). You can learn to give yourself this injection to help prevent migraine headaches. Your healthcare provider can show you how to prepare and inject your dose of Ajovy before the first dose. Use Ajovy exactly as your doctor or other healthcare provider tells you how to use it. Continue reading
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Further information
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Ajovy only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
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