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Ajovy vs Aimovig: What's the difference between them?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on Aug 14, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Ajovy (fremanezumab-vfrm) and Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) are both medications used to help prevent migraine headache attacks in adults 18 years of age and older. However, the doses, injection schedules, side effects, effectiveness and costs of these medicines can vary.

Ajovy is also approved for prevention of episodic migraine in children 6 to 17 years of age and who weigh 99 pounds (45 kg) or more.

It is not known if Ajovy is safe and effective in children under 6 years of age, or if Aimovig is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.

Migraine headache pain is an intense throbbing pain in one area of the head. Additional symptoms include nausea and/or vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound.

What are Ajovy and Aimovig?

Both Ajovy and Aimovig are medicines used to help prevent a migraine attack and are classified as monoclonal antibodies. They are both in the drug class known as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors. They work by binding to the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) ligand or receptor to help block the CGRP protein that can lead to migraine headache pain.

Are Ajovy and Aimovig both injections?

Yes, both Ajovy and Aimovig are given as an injection under your skin. They come as an autoinjector or as a single-dose pre-filled syringe. However, the strength and amount of medication in these dosage forms are different for each drug.

An autoinjector is a medical device that usually contains one prefilled dose of medicine in a spring-loaded syringe. You can learn to give yourself the medicine from this device. Many patients prefer autoinjectors over single use syringes as they are easier to use and may cause less hesitation.

Which is better: Ajovy or Aimovig?

Both of these migraine prevention treatments are effective as demonstrated in randomized, placebo-controlled studies. In general, these agents can reduce the number of migraine headache days you experience by about 1.5 to 3 days per month, but your response may vary.

The choice of your medication may depend upon other factors such as your preferred dosing schedule, response to previous treatments, and insurance coverage and cost.

Ajovy

The manufacturer of Ajovy, Teva Pharmaceuticals, conducted Phase III, randomized, placebo-controlled studies to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Ajovy for the prevention of episodic or chronic migraine.

The study evaluated the use of both quarterly and monthly dosing regimens of subcutaneous Ajovy, compared with placebo, and evaluated responses over a 12-week period.

Aimovig

Aimovig was also studied in Phase III, randomized and placebo controlled studies for episodic and chronic migraine prevention. Aimovig is manufactured by Amgen.

How do the doses of Aimovig and Ajovy compare?

There are differences in the doses and strengths of Aimovig and Ajovy, as well as how often you can use them. Aimovig is injected once a month, while Ajovy can be given once a month or once every 3 months (quarterly). Both drugs are available as a prefilled autoinjector or as a prefilled syringe.

Your doctor can determine the best medicine and dose to help prevent your migraine headache. Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist will show you how to inject the medicine.

Both drugs are given subcutaneously (under the skin) by injection so you can give this medicine at home. For either drug, you will give the injection in the abdomen (stomach area), thigh, or upper arm.

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Do Aimovig or Ajovy need to be refrigerated?

Both Aimovig and Ajovy should be refrigerated. Before use, take the product out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes away from direct sunlight. Ajovy and Aimovig can be kept in the original carton at room temperature for up to 7 days, but then it must be thrown away after 7 days at room temperature.

Side effect comparison between Ajovy and Aimovig

Ajovy and Aimovig are usually well-tolerated. The most common side effect that occurs with both Ajovy and Aimovig is an injection site reaction in at least 3% of patients. Injection site reactions can include pain, inflammation and redness.

Other possible side effects with either Aimovig and Ajovy include:

Aimovig has some side effects that are not reported with Ajovy.

See also:
Aimovig side effects and Ajovy side effects (in more detail)

Which is more affordable: Aimovig or Ajovy?

While both of these medications are expensive, your insurance may pay for one or the other, and you would typically be responsible for a copay or coinsurance. Check with your insurance for drug coverage before your doctor writes you a prescription.

Both manufacturers offer a prescription copay assistance plan that can help to lower your out-of-pocket expenses. You may be able to lower your copay to $5 per month if you have commercial insurance.

Key Takeaways

This is not all the information you need to know about Ajovy or Aimovig for safe and effective use and does not replace your healthcare provider's directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

Read next

Why does Aimovig cause constipation?

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

How long does Aimovig last in your system?

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

How long can Aimovig be out of the fridge?

Once you remove Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) from the refrigerator, you must use it within 7 days. Do not put Aimovig back in the refrigerator after it has reached room temperature Continue reading

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