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How do you use the migraine drug Ajovy?

Medically reviewed by Judith Stewart, BPharm. Last updated on Oct 2, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Ajovy is given as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin) via a prefilled syringe or prefilled autoinjector either once a month, or once every three months. It can be self-administered after training by your healthcare provider.

Ajovy (fremanezumab-vfrm) is a long-acting injectable migraine preventive for adults that targets the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and prevents receptor site binding.

Instructions for Use

Step 1. Check the dose your healthcare provider has prescribed.

There are two dosing options:

If you use the 675 mg dose, you will use 3 separate injections one after another, using a different prefilled syringe or prefilled autoinjector for each injection.

Step 2. Remove the prefilled syringe or prefilled autoinjector from the carton. Do not shake.

Step 3. Gather the supplies you will need to inject your prescribed dose of Ajovy. This includes the Ajovy prefilled syringe(s) or prefilled autoinjector(s), alcohol swabs, gauze pads or cotton balls, and a sharps disposal container.

Step 4. Wait for 30 minutes to let Ajovy reach room temperature. Do not leave the prefilled syringe or prefilled autoinjector in direct sunlight. Do not warm using a heat source such as hot water or a microwave.

Step 5. Wash your hands.

Step 6. Look closely at your Ajovy prefilled syringe or prefilled autoinjector.

Step 7. Choose your injection area. Ajovy can be injected into the following areas:

Step 8. Clean your injection area using a new alcohol swab. Let your skin dry.

Step 9. Remove protective cap and do not replace.

Step 10. Give your injection.

Using the Ajovy prefilled syringe:

  1. Use your free hand to gently pinch up at least 1 inch of the skin that you have cleaned.
  2. Insert the needle into the pinched skin at a 45 to 90 degree angle.
  3. When the needle is all the way into your skin, use your thumb to push the plunger.
  4. Push the plunger slowly all the way down as far as it will go to inject all of the medicine.
  5. Remove the needle from your skin. Do not recap the needle at any time to avoid injury and infection.

Using the Ajovy prefilled autoinjector:

  1. Place the prefilled autoinjector at a 90 degree angle against your skin at the injection site you have cleaned.
  2. Press down on the prefilled autoinjector and keep holding it down against the skin for about 30 seconds. Do not remove pressure until the 3 steps below are complete.
    1. You hear the first “click” (this means the injection has started and the blue plunger starts to move).
    2. You hear a second “click” (about 15 seconds after the first click. The plunger will be moving to the bottom of the viewing window as the medicine is being injected.)
    3. You wait another 10 seconds. (to make sure all the medicine is injected).
  3. Check that the blue plunger has filled the viewing window and remove the autoinjector from the skin by lifting the prefilled autoinjector straight up. Note: When the blue plunger has filled the viewing window you will be able to see the gray stopper. As the prefilled autoinjector is lifted from the skin, the needle shield returns to the original position and locks into place, covering the needle. Do not try to put the protective cap back on the used prefilled autoinjector as it is no longer needed. Do not try to re-use the prefilled autoinjector.

Step 11. Apply pressure to the injection site.

Step 12. Dispose of your prefilled syringe or prefilled autoinjector s in a sharps disposal container right away after use.

For additional information, see Ajovy information for professionals.

Related questions

Read next

How long does it take for Ajovy to start working?

Most patients usually respond within a month of starting Ajovy treatment, and some respond within one week, if the medicine works for them. In general, Ajovy can help to reduce the number of migraine headache days you have by about 1.5 to 2 days per month. Continue reading

How does Ajovy work for migraines?

Ajovy works to help prevent migraine pain by binding to the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) ligand to prevent its binding to the receptor. Ajovy is in the class of medicines known as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors. It is not used to treat an ongoing migraine headache. Continue reading

How to use the Ajovy autoinjector?

The Ajovy autoinjector is given as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin). You can learn to give yourself this injection to help prevent migraine headaches. Your healthcare provider can show you how to prepare and inject your dose of Ajovy before the first dose. Use Ajovy exactly as your doctor or other healthcare provider tells you how to use it. Continue reading

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