What is Ajovy? Uses, warnings & side effects
Ajovy is a prescription medicine prescribed to prevent migraines in adults. It comes as an injection and is available in a prefilled autoinjector or prefilled syringe. The most common side effects of Ajovy are injection site reactions, such as pain, redness, and hardened skin.
Ajovy overview
BRAND NAMES:
Ajovy
Generic Names:
Fremanezumab-vfrm
Uses:
Prevents migraine headaches
Therapeutic Classes:
Calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonist
Forms:
Injectable
How it’s taken:
Subcutaneous injection (injection under the skin)
What is Ajovy used for?
Ajovy is approved to prevent migraine headaches in adults.
Key takeaways
Ajovy is prescribed for preventative treatment of migraines in adults.
Ajovy is an injection that’s given under the skin. It comes in a prefilled autoinjector pen or prefilled syringe.
Ajovy may be prescribed once per month or once every 3 months.
Possible side effects of Ajovy include injection site reactions, such as pain, redness, and hardened skin, and allergic reactions.
If you’re prescribed Ajovy to be given at home, you may receive training on how to give yourself the injection. Be sure to read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use that come with your prescription.
What form(s) does Ajovy come in?
Prefilled syringe
1.5ML of 225 mg/1.5 mL
Prefilled autoinjector pen
1.5ML of 225 mg/1.5 mL
What are common Ajovy dosages?
There are two dosage options for Ajovy:
Option 1: 225 mg injected under the skin once per month
Option 2: 675 mg* injected under the skin once every 3 months
*To reach 675 mg, three consecutive 225 mg injections will be given.
Ajovy images - What does Ajovy look like?
Ajovy
1.5ml of 225mg/1.5ml penAjovy
1.5ml of 225mg/1.5ml syringe
How to take Ajovy
Take Ajovy out of the refrigerator. Sit the medicine on the table and allow it to warm to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before using it. Do not warm it in any other way.
Check the liquid in the prefilled syringe. 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.
Ajovy can be administered by a healthcare professional, caregiver, or yourself.
You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. If you are administering multiple injections at once, the injections can be given in the same area, but not in the exact same spot. 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.
Do not inject Ajovy in the same site that you inject other medications.
Store Ajovy 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 the medicine from the refrigerator, use it within 7 days. Throw away any unused medicine kept at room temperature after 7 days.
Use a new needle each time you inject your medicine.
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
What to do if you miss a dose of Ajovy
If you miss a dose of this medicine, use it as soon as you can. Then, schedule your next dose from the date of your last injection.
Ajovy contraindications - Who shouldn't take Ajovy?
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to fremanezumab or any of its ingredients.
Ajovy warnings
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It’s not known if Ajovy is safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Allergic reactions can occur with Ajovy. Symptoms include rash, itchiness, and hives. In clinical trials, most reactions were mild to moderate and occurred within hours to one month after a dose was given. Although rare, serious allergic reactions have occurred as well. RELATED: Your guide to the news migraine medications
Ajovy interactions & what to avoid when taking Ajovy
There are no known drug interactions with Ajovy. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist all of the prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements that you take before you start Ajovy.
Ajovy side effects - How does Ajovy make you feel?
Serious side effects
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling of your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
These are symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. If you experience any of the symptoms above, call 911 to get emergency medical attention right away.
Less serious side effects
Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot was given
Sources:
Ajovy (fremanezumab-vfrm) injection, for subcutaneous use, Food and Drug Administration (2022).
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