Erenumab
Pronunciation: eh-REN-yoo-mab
Generic name: erenumab
Brand name: Aimovig
Dosage form: erenumab-aooe 70 mg/mL autoinjector, erenumab-aooe 140 mg/mL autoinjector, prefilled erenumab-aooe 70 mg/mL injection, prefilled erenumab-aooe 140 mg/mL injection
Drug class: CGRP inhibitors
What is erenumab?
Erenumab (full biological name: erenumab-aooe) is a once-monthly, injectable medication that can be self-administered subcutaneously (under the skin) for the prevention of migraine in adults.
Erenumab works by blocking the effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) which is a small protein that is highly prevalent in the sensory nerves that supply the head and the neck. CGRP is involved in pain transmission and levels increase during a migraine attack. It may also play a causative role in the formation of migraine attacks. CGRP inhibitors are used to manage migraines and there are two types of CGRP inhibitors; monoclonal antibodies and CGRP receptor antagonists (gepants). Erenumab is a monoclonal antibody.
Erenumab was first FDA-approved on May 17, 2018, under the name Aimovig.
The erenumab brand name is Aimovig.
Erenumab side effects
Erenumab may cause serious side effects, including:
- Allergic reactions, including a rash or swelling. This can happen within hours to days after using the medicine. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Severe constipation. In some cases, people have been hospitalized or needed surgery. Contact your healthcare provider if you have severe constipation or constipation associated with symptoms such as severe or constant belly pain, vomiting, swelling of the belly, or bloating.
- High blood pressure or worsening of high blood pressure. Ask your healthcare provider to monitor your blood pressure or call them immediately if you develop severe headaches, blurred vision, or pounding in your neck or ears.
The most common side effects of erenumab affecting 3% or more patients include:
- pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- constipation.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects of erenumab. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for more information. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Amgen at 1-800-77-AMGEN (1-800-772-6436).
Warnings
Erenumab may cause allergic reactions. If a serious allergic reaction occurs, stop injecting Erenumab and go to the emergency room. Hypersensitivity reactions can occur within hours to more than one week after administration.
May also cause constipation with serious complications and new-onset or worsening of pre-existing high blood pressure may occur.
Before you inject erenumab, always check the label of your single-dose prefilled autoinjector or single-dose prefilled syringe to make sure you have the correct medicine and the correct dose.
Erenumab does not treat an acute migraine (one that is happening right now).
Erenumab is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use erenumab if you are allergic to erenumab, Aimovig, or any inactive ingredients in the injection.
Before you start using erenumab, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you are:
- Pregnant or plan to become pregnant
- Breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Pregnancy
It is not known if erenumab will harm your unborn baby. However, having migraine headaches during pregnancy may cause complications such as preeclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure that can lead to medical problems in both mother and baby). The benefit of preventing migraines may outweigh any risks to the baby.
There is a pregnancy registry for women who take erenumab. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about your health and your baby’s health. You may enroll yourself by calling 1-833-244-4083 or visiting https://www.genesispregnancyregistry.com/. Or you may talk to your doctor about how you can take part in this registry.
Breastfeeding
It is not known if erenumab passes into your breast milk. It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.
Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby when using erenumab.
Erenumab cost
The cost of prescription drugs varies depending on your insurance plan and which pharmacy you use. Erenumab is only available as the erenumab brand name, Aimovig. Refer to our price guide page for more information about Aimovig's cost.
You may also be eligible for an Aimovig coupon or Aimovig copay card. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you qualify. There is no Aimovig generic.
How should I use erenumab?
Use erenumab exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
- Erenumab is available under the brand name Aimovig which comes in 2 different types of devices: a single-dose (1-time) prefilled erenumab-aooe autoinjector or a single-dose (1-time) prefilled erenumab-aooe syringe. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the best type and dose for you.
- Erenumab is injected under your skin (subcutaneously) once a month. Do not inject it yourself until a healthcare provider has shown you how to do so.
Take Erenumab out of the refrigerator and allow it to warm up to room temperature for 30 minutes before injecting it. Protect from sunlight. Do not heat the medicine in hot water or a microwave. Do not use it if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
- Inject it subcutaneously (under the skin) of the abdomen (but not within 2 inches of the belly button), thigh, or upper arm.
- Each single-use prefilled syringe or autoinjector is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if medicine is still left inside.
- Do not shake the syringe or autoinjector or you may ruin the medicine.
Only use the form and strength your doctor prescribes.
Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
Dosage
The recommended dosage of erenumab is 70 mg once a month.
- Some people may benefit from a dosage of erenumab 140 mg once a month.
What happens if I miss a dose?
If you forget to take your dose or are not able to take the dose at the regular time, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. After that, you can continue to take erenumab one time each month from the date of your last dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while using erenumab?
Avoid injecting this medicine into skin that is red, bruised, tender, or hard.
What other drugs will affect erenumab?
Other drugs may interact with erenumab, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Tell your pharmacist or healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including any prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements. See the prescribing information for a full list of interactions.
Storage
Erenumab is only available under the brand name Aimovig. Store Aimovig in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
- After removing from the refrigerator, it can be stored at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) for up to 7 days.
- Throw away the medicine if kept at room temperature for more than 7 days.
- Keep it in the original carton. This will protect the medicine from light.
- Do not freeze. Do not shake.
- Keep out of the reach of children.
Aimovig ingredients
Erenumab is only available under the brand name Aimovig.
Active: erenumab-aooe
Inactive: acetate, polysorbate 80, and sucrose
Available as a:
- Aimovig prefilled erenumab-aooe 70 mg/ml auto-injector
- Aimovig prefilled erenumab-aooe 140 mg/ml auto-injector
- Aimovig prefilled erenumab-aooe 70 mg/mL solution in a single-dose prefilled syringe
- Aimovig prefilled erenumab-aooe 140 mg/mL solution in a single-dose prefilled syringe
Manufacturer
Amgen Inc.
Popular FAQ
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
Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) works by blocking the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor binding site and function. This helps to prevent the development of a migraine headache and associated pain. CGRP is a protein thought to cause blood vessels to dilate and lead to inflammation and migraine headache pain. Continue reading
There is not a specific warning against alcohol (ethanol) consumption with the migraine preventive medicine Aimovig (erenumab-aooe). However, drinking alcoholic beverages can trigger a migraine headache in many people, or may worsen a headache. It may be best to avoid alcohol if you take Aimovig and fall into these categories. Continue reading
Aimovig (erenumab-aooe), a medicine used for migraine prevention, did not lead to hair loss (alopecia) during clinical trials submitted for FDA-approval. Alopecia has been reported as a possible side effect in post-marketing reports of Aimovig. Continue reading
The Aimovig autoinjector is a medical device that contains one prefilled dose of medicine in a spring-loaded syringe. You, or your caregiver, can learn to give this medicine at home. Many patients prefer an autoinjector over a syringe as they are easier to use and may cause less worry. Aimovig is a medicine used one time per month to help prevent migraine headaches. Continue reading
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