{"id":628886,"date":"2024-07-09T11:14:48","date_gmt":"2024-07-09T15:14:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=628886"},"modified":"2024-10-25T09:51:48","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T13:51:48","slug":"how-long-does-it-take-for-aimovig-to-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-long-does-it-take-for-aimovig-to-work\/","title":{"rendered":"How long does it take for Aimovig to work?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Migraine attacks can be physically debilitating—sudden, intense, and best endured lying on the couch. And once they start, symptoms can last from hours to days. <\/span>Aimovig<\/span><\/a> (erenumab-aooe) is one of a few new calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists, injected monthly, that can actually help prevent migraines before they begin. <\/span><\/p>\n

Aimovig may start working after the first dose, but for many people, it takes two to three months to see a reduction in monthly migraine days. <\/span><\/p>\n

How does Aimovig work?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Migraines have <\/span>a wide range of possible causes<\/span><\/a>, including hormone changes, bright lights, alcohol, stress, and certain odors or foods. With so many causes, it can make people prone to migraines wonder when the next one will strike, how long it will last, and how severe the symptoms will be.<\/span><\/p>\n

Research has shown<\/span><\/a> that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a common culprit in both chronic and episodic migraines. This chain of amino acids, released from the trigeminal nerve, helps regulate blood pressure and tissue repair. But in the brain, it can cause dilated blood vessels and contribute to migraine headaches.<\/span><\/p>\n

CGRP inhibitors like Aimovig “work by blocking the absorption of CGRP receptors within neurological cavities; CGRP proteins are inflammatory and believed to be migraine catalysts,” said <\/span>James Hook, MD<\/span><\/a>, a chiropractor at Neurogan Health. This prevents it from reaching the brain and triggering the nerve. <\/span><\/p>\n

How long does it take for Aimovig to work?<\/span><\/h2>\n

After the first injection of Aimovig, the drug starts blocking CGRP right away. “Aimovig typically starts to show effectiveness within the first month of treatment, with many patients reporting decreasing frequency of migraine days by the second month,” said <\/span>Sazan Sylejmani, Pharm.D.<\/span><\/a>, a pharmacist in Westmont, Illinois. <\/span><\/p>\n

However, not everyone sees results immediately. “It may require three months of dosing to kick in, and even after that, the effects of Aimovig take some time to build to full effect,” Dr. Hook said. <\/span><\/p>\n

A Phase 3 randomized trial of erenumab for episodic migraine<\/span><\/a> looked at the effect of Aimovig on episodic migraine (four to 14 migraine days per month) and on chronic migraine (15 or more headache days per month with at least eight migraine days). About 50% of people taking 140 milligrams (mg) of Aimovig and 40% of people taking 70 mg of Aimovig reduced their episodic migraine days by at least half in the first six months. The results were 40% for both doses of Aimovig in people with chronic migraine. After those initial months, further <\/span>studies indicated<\/span><\/a> that patients were able to cut their migraine days in half, even after five years of taking Aimovig. It may continue its efficacy after that, but there isn’t research for that far out yet.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Aimovig dosage you receive might influence how quickly it works. Although patients taking both doses for episodic migraine had a decrease in headaches by one month<\/span>, p<\/span>atients who took 140 mg saw<\/span> a more significant decrease<\/span><\/a> in migraine headache days (on average) over the first six months. But not everyone needs a higher dose. Your healthcare provider can provide medical advice on which dosage might work better for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

“The severity and frequency of migraine episodes, individual metabolic differences, and whether the patient is concurrently using other treatments for migraine will determine which dosage is needed.” Dr. Sylejmani says. “Additionally, lifestyle factors such as diet, stress levels, and sleep patterns can also impact the effectiveness of the medication.”<\/span><\/p>\n

What to consider before taking Aimovig for migraine<\/span><\/h2>\n

No medication is perfect. Each one comes with considerations—and Aimovig is no exception. That’s why “before beginning treatment, it’s important for patients to discuss their full medical history with their healthcare provider,” Dr. Sylejmani said. “This includes any known allergies, existing medical conditions, and current medications.” Here’s what to think about before starting migraine treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Aimovig side effects <\/span><\/h3>\n

Aimovig may cause certain adverse effects. Not everyone will get them, but they’re still good to know. <\/span>Possible side effects<\/span><\/a> of Aimovig include:<\/span><\/p>\n