{"id":630131,"date":"2024-10-16T16:11:32","date_gmt":"2024-10-16T20:11:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=630131"},"modified":"2024-10-25T09:41:16","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T13:41:16","slug":"aimovig-vs-ajovy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/aimovig-vs-ajovy\/","title":{"rendered":"Aimovig vs. Ajovy: Differences, similarities & side effects"},"content":{"rendered":"

Aimovig<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Ajovy<\/span><\/a> are two brand-name injectable medications used to prevent <\/span>migraine<\/span><\/a>. They are classified in a group of medications called <\/span>calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonists, also known as CGRP antagonists, or <\/span>CGRP inhibitors<\/span><\/a>. These medicines work by blocking CGRP, a substance involved in migraine-related pain and inflammation. Aimovig is made by the pharmaceutical company Amgen, Inc. Ajovy is made by Teva Pharmaceuticals USA. Continue reading to learn more about the similarities and differences of Aimovig and Ajovy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Aimovig vs. Ajovy: Key differences<\/span><\/h2>\n

Both Aimovig and Ajovy are brand-name CGRP inhibitors and are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in adults for migraine prevention. Aimovig is injected under the skin once a month. Ajovy offers two dosing options: It can be injected once a month or as a higher dose every three months (quarterly). If prescribed the three-month option, you will need to use three autoinjectors or syringes, each containing 225 milligrams (mg), to add up to the 675 mg dose. You will give yourself three separate injections, one after the other. You can use the same general area for all three injections, but avoid injecting all three shots into the exact same spot.<\/span><\/p>\n

As mentioned above, these drugs block CGRP, but they act at different points in the process by which CGRP contributes to <\/span>migraine<\/span><\/a> pain. Aimovig blocks the part of the brain cell that CGRP needs to attach to (the CGRP receptor) in order to cause migraine pain. It is similar to putting a lock on the door so CGRP cannot get in. On the other hand, Ajovy prevents CGRP from reaching the door in the first place. It is like blocking the keyhole so CGRP cannot reach the door. So, both medicines stop CGRP from causing migraine, but they do this in different ways.<\/span><\/p>\n

Both Aimovig and Ajovy are <\/span>biologics<\/span><\/a>, complex drugs derived from living organisms, such as plants or animals. More specifically, Aimovig and Ajovy are monoclonal antibodies, a type of biologic designed to target specific substances in the body. Unlike some other biologics, these two medications do not have biosimilars available. Biosimilars are similar to their original biologic drugs but are not identical, because biologics are complex and hard to replicate. This is different from generics, which are almost exact copies of non-biologic brand-name drugs. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare Aimovig vs. Ajovy key differences<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nAimovig<\/b><\/td>\nAjovy<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nCGRP inhibitor<\/span><\/td>\nCGRP inhibitor<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nBrand <\/span><\/td>\nBrand <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/b><\/td>\nThe active ingredient is called <\/span>erenumab-aooe<\/span><\/a>, but there is no generic or biosimilar available <\/span><\/td>\nThe active ingredient is called <\/span>fremanezumab-vfrm<\/span><\/a>, but there is no generic or biosimilar available <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nInjection: autoinjector<\/span><\/td>\nInjection: autoinjector, prefilled syringe<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\nThe usual <\/span>dosage<\/span><\/a> is 70 mg or 140 mg injected once a month by subcutaneous route, under the skin of the stomach, thigh, or upper arm <\/span><\/td>\nThe dosage is either 225 mg once a month OR 675 mg (as 3 consecutive injections of 225 mg each) every 3 months injected by subcutaneous route, under the skin of the stomach, thigh, or upper arm <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nVaries <\/span><\/td>\nVaries <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults <\/span><\/td>\nAdults <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Aimovig vs. Ajovy: Conditions treated<\/span><\/h2>\n

Aimovig and Ajovy are both FDA approved for the prevention of migraine in adults. They can be used for either <\/span>episodic or chronic migraine<\/span><\/a>. People with episodic migraine have up to 14 headache days per month. People with <\/span>chronic migraine<\/span><\/a> have 15 or more migraine days per month. <\/span><\/p>\n

Neither drug is intended for acute migraine treatment (i.e., for addressing symptoms as they occur, as medicines like <\/span>triptans<\/span><\/a> do). Both medications are used only for preventive treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare Aimovig vs. Ajovy conditions treated<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Condition<\/b><\/td>\nAimovig<\/b><\/td>\nAjovy<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Prevention of migraine <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Acute migraine treatment<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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Is Ajovy better than Aimovig?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Although pharmaceutical companies demonstrated the safety and efficacy of these drugs individually in clinical trials, there is limited data directly comparing the two.<\/span><\/p>\n

A small study<\/span><\/a> compared three preventive migraine medications for chronic migraine—Aimovig, Ajovy, and <\/span>Emgality<\/span><\/a> (another CGRP inhibitor). The study measured how well these drugs worked by tracking how many migraine days patients had each month and how migraine affected their daily lives. The results showed that all three drugs helped reduce the number of migraine days and improved quality of life at 12 and 24 weeks. There was no significant difference in overall effectiveness between the drugs.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Emgality vs. Aimovig<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

It was previously thought that drugs like Aimovig and Ajovy were only used when other preventive treatments were ineffective. However, <\/span>2024 guidelines<\/span><\/a> from the American Headache Society now recommend these CGRP inhibitors as first-line preventive treatment options for both episodic and chronic migraine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Experts point out<\/span><\/a> that individual responses to treatment can vary. If one drug in this class does not provide the desired results, switching to another may be beneficial. Some patients who do not respond to one CGRP inhibitor may find relief with a different one.<\/span><\/p>\n

The best treatment for you depends on your individual health needs and circumstances. Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider, as only they can take individual factors into account and determine which treatment is best for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Aimovig vs. Ajovy: Insurance coverage and cost comparison<\/span><\/h2>\n

Insurance coverage for Aimovig and Ajovy varies by health insurance plan. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing estimates and information about your copay and coverage, contact your insurance company directly. Some plans may require prior authorization before covering Aimovig or Ajovy, meaning your healthcare provider will need to submit information explaining the need for the medication before the insurance company decides on coverage.<\/span><\/p>\n

For those without insurance:<\/span><\/p>\n