What is Aimovig (erenumab)?
Aimovig (erenumab) is the first FDA-approved preventive migraine treatment in a new class of drugs that work by blocking the activity of calcitonin gene-related peptide, a molecule that is involved in migraine attacks1.
Who is Aimovig (erenumab) for?
Aimovig (erenumab) is indicated for use as once monthly preventive treatment of adults who suffer from episodic and chronic migraine attacks2.
How does Aimovig (erenumab) work?
The active substance in Aimovig, erenumab, is a human monoclonal antibody that blocks the activity of a molecule called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) which is involved in migraine attacks1,2. Although the exact causes of migraine are still unknown, multiple studies have confirmed that the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is increased during acute migraine attacks. The inhibition of CGRP and its receptor has proved effective in migraine pain relief, supporting the hypothesis of its involvement in the disease3.
Where has Aimovig (erenumab) been approved?
Aimovig (erenumab) was approved for the treatment of patients with migraine by:
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA, on May 17, 20181
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia, July 2, 20184
Swissmedic, Switzerland, July 16, 20186
European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union, July 30, 20185
Health Canada, Canada, August 1, 20187.
Please note that this medicine may have also been approved in other regions than the ones we’ve listed. If you have a question about its approval in a specific country feel free to contact our support team.
How is Aimovig (erenumab) taken?
The standard dosage is2:
70 mg injected subcutaneously (under the skin) once monthly.
Some patients may benefit from a dosage of 140 mg injected subcutaneously once monthly, which is administered as two consecutive subcutaneous injections of 70 mg each.
Aimovig (erenumab) is intended for patient self-administration.
Complete information about Aimovig (erenumab) dosage and administration can be found in the official prescribing information listed in our resources section2.
Note: Please consult with your treating doctor for personalised dosing.
Are there any known side effects or adverse reactions of Aimovig (erenumab)?
Common adverse reactions
The most common adverse reactions occurring with a frequency of at least 3% listed in the prescribing information include2:
injection site reactions
constipation.
Use in specific populations
There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with the use of Aimovig (erenumab) in pregnant women, or on the presence of erenumab in human milk or the effect on breastfed infants2.
For a comprehensive list of side effects and adverse reactions please refer to the official prescribing information2.
