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How does Aimovig work to prevent migraines?

Medically reviewed by Judith Stewart, BPharm. Last updated on Feb 1, 2024.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) works by blocking the receptor of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) which is thought to contribute to the vasodilation and inflammation associated with migraine.

Aimovig is a fully human monoclonal antibody and is the first in the class of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists for migraine prevention.

Aimovig is given once-a-month by subcutaneous (under the skin) self-injections with an auto-injector pen or a single-dose prefilled syringe.

Read next

Ajovy and Aimovig are both calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors used for migraine prevention in adults. The dosing, side effects, effectiveness and costs of these medicines can vary. As demonstrated in studies, these agents can reduce the number of migraine headache days you experience by about 1.5 to 3 days per month when compared to a placebo (inactive) treatment, but your response may vary. Continue reading

The gastrointestinal (digestive) tract contains CGRP proteins. Some studies suggest that CGRP may play an important role in maintaining the movement of the bowels. Blocking intestinal CGRP with a CGRP antagonist such as Aimovig (erenumab-aooe), a medicine used for migraine prevention, may lead to constipation, which can be severe in some patients. Continue reading

It takes approximately 154 days (22 weeks, or over 5 months) for Aimovig to be eliminated out of your system. Aimovig is a prescription medicine injected monthly for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. Continue reading

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