What type of drug is Ajovy?
Ajovy (fremanezumab-vfrm) is an injectable calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonist indicated for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults.
People who suffer from migraine have increased levels of calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), a neuropeptide present in the nervous system. When CGRP binds to its receptor, it results in a cascade of events that contribute to the inflammation associated with migraine pain. Ajovy selectively targets the CGRP ligand and blocks its binding to the receptor, blocking this cascade of events and preventing a migraine attack.
Three other CGRP antagonists have been approved:
- Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) was the first approved CGRP antagonist. Aimovig binds potently and selectively to the CGRP receptor (not the ligand) to block CGRP activation, thereby preventing migraine pain.
- Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) has a similar mechanism of action to Ajovy; it binds to the CGRP ligand and blocks its binding to the receptor to help prevent migraine pain.
- Vyepti (eptinezumab-jjmr) also binds to the CGRP ligand and blocks its binding to the receptor.
Read next
Does Emgality cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not listed as a side effect in the product information for Emgality (galcanezumab) and phase 3 studies reported that there was no difference in the amount of weight gained between people taking Emgality and those assigned placebo (an inactive treatment). Anecdotally, however, some people have reported gaining weight. Continue reading
How long does it take for Emgality to work?
When Emgality (galcanezumab) is administered to prevent migraine, it starts working within one month of initiation, but it may take up to five or six months for the full effects of Emgality to be seen. When Emgality is administered for the treatment of cluster headache, it starts working within one week of starting treatment, but it may take up to three weeks for the full effects to be seen. Continue reading
Do Emgality injections hurt?
Yes, Emgality injections may hurt. Pain at the injection site is one of the most common side effects reported with Emgality, with 18% of people experiencing it. Some people also experience excessive amounts of pain with Emgality with comments on blog sites stating "It was one of the most painful things I've ever felt" and "Thigh, thigh, then arm, all were unreal painful....coming from the girl who falls asleep and takes naps during 6hr tattoo sessions". Continue reading
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