Aimovig is a brand-name medication used to prevent migraine headaches in adults. It is a monoclonal antibody that works by blocking a protein in the body that is involved in migraines. Aimovig comes as a once-monthly injection that’s given under the skin.
Aimovig overview
BRAND NAMES:
Aimovig
Generic Names:
Erenumab-aooe
Uses:
Prevents migraine headaches
Therapeutic Classes:
Calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonist
Forms:
Injectable
How it’s taken:
By injection
What is Aimovig used for?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Aimovig to prevent migraine headaches.
Key takeaways
A healthcare provider or pharmacist should train you on how to use Aimovig. You should also read the Instructions for Use that come with the prescription to ensure you know how to administer a dose properly.
Before administering a dose, take Aimovig out of the refrigerator and leave it at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. But do not leave it in direct sunlight. Doing this will minimize discomfort and help make sure you receive the full dose.
Inject a dose under the skin once per month. You can inject Aimovig under the skin of your thigh, stomach, or outer arm. But avoid anywhere within 2 inches of your belly button.
Avoid injecting Aimovig into any area of the skin that’s tender, bruised, red, or hard. It should not be injected into any scars or stretch marks either.
What form(s) does Aimovig come in
Autoinjector
70 mg/mL single-dose prefilled autoinjector
140 mg/mL single-dose prefilled autoinjector
Prefilled syringe
70 mg/mL single-dose prefilled syringe
140 mg/mL single-dose prefilled syringe
What are common Aimovig doses?
The typical dosage of Aimovig is 70 mg injected under the skin (subcutaneously) once per month.
If needed, your healthcare provider may prescribe a dosage of up to 140 mg once per month
Common Aimovig prescriptions
Aimovig
1ml of 140mg/ml penAimovig
1ml of 70mg/ml pen
How to take Aimovig
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Check the liquid in the prefilled syringe or autoinjector. It should be clear and colorless to slightly yellow. Do not use it if it is cloudy, discolored, or has particles in it. Do not shake.
Injection route:
Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
Aimovig should be injected under the skin of the thigh, stomach, or outer arm. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. Do not inject into skin areas that are tender, red, bruised, or hard.
Each prefilled autoinjector or prefilled syringe contains one single dose. Use a new needle and syringe or autoinjector each time you inject your medicine.
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.
If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep the medicine in its original carton. You may store it at room temperature for up to 7 days after removing it from the refrigerator. Throw away any unused medicine kept at room temperature after 7 days.
Allow this medicine to warm to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before using it. Do not warm it in any other way.
What to do if you miss a dose of Aimovig
If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as you can. Then, continue to use it each month from the date of your last dose.
Aimovig contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to erenumab-aooe or any of its other ingredients.
Aimovig warnings
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Serious allergic reactions can occur within hours to weeks after a dose of Aimovig. Symptoms include rash, swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth, or face, and difficulty breathing. Stop using Aimovig and contact a doctor if you experience a serious allergic reaction.
This medicine may also cause the following problems:
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have high blood pressure or an allergy to latex.
Aimovig interactions
Some medicines may affect how erenumab-aooe works. Keep an updated list of all medications, vitamins, and supplements you take and share the list with your healthcare provider so they can identify any potential drug interactions.
Aimovig side effects
In addition to reviewing/revising the list of side effects below, please add a sentence or two about which side effect(s) warrant a doctor’s visit or ER visit.
Aimovig can cause side effects that range from mild to severe.
If you develop any of the following side effects, contact a healthcare professional right away. Serious side effects include:
Allergic reaction: itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Serious constipation that may require hospitalization or surgery
High blood pressure: blurred vision, dizziness, nervousness, headache, slow or fast heartbeat
Less serious side effects may include:
Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot was given
Sources:
Aimovig–erenumab-aooe injection, Food and Drug Administration (2023)
Erenumab injection, Cleveland Clinic (n.d.)
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