What is Aimovig (erenumab)?
Aimovig (erenumab) is the first FDA-approved preventive migraine treatment in a new class of drugs that work by blocking the activity of calcitonin gene-related peptide, a molecule that is involved in migraine attacks[1].
It is available as an AutoInjector pen containing 70mg/ml or 140mg/ml
Who is Aimovig (erenumab) for?
Aimovig (erenumab) is indicated for use as once monthly preventive treatment for adults who suffer from migraines. This includes migraine subtypes: episodic and chronic that are defined respectively as 4 to 14 migraine days per month (episodic) and 15 or more headaches per month of which 8 are migraine days (chronic)[2]. [Please note that approvals in some countries may be for some subtypes and not all migraines].
How does Aimovig (erenumab) work?
The active substance in Aimovig, erenumab, is a human monoclonal antibody that blocks the activity of a molecule called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) which is involved in migraine attacks[1,2].
Although the exact causes of migraine are still unknown, multiple studies have confirmed that the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is increased during acute migraine attacks. The inhibition of CGRP and its receptor has proved effective in migraine pain relief, supporting the hypothesis of its involvement in the disease[3].
Where has Aimovig (erenumab) been approved?
Aimovig (erenumab) was approved for the treatment of patients with migraine by:
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA, on May 17, 2018[1]
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia, July 2, 2018[4]
- Swissmedic, Switzerland, July 13, 2018[6]
- European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union, July 26, 2018, indicated for the treatment in adults with 4 or more migraine days per month[5]
- Health Canada, Canada, August 1, 2018, indicated for the treatment in adults with 4 or more migraine days per month[7]
- Medsafe, New Zealand, January 16, 2020.[8]
- The Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Japan on June 23, 2021
Please note that this prescription medication may have also been approved in other regions than the ones we’ve listed. If you have a question about its approval and availability in a specific country feel free to contact our support team for assistance.
We have supported patients from various countries access Aimovig. The majority of our patients who have requested access to this medicine come from:
- United Kingdom (UK)
- Portugal
- Turkey
- Egypt
- Pakistan
- Romania
- South Africa
How is Aimovig (erenumab) taken?
The standard dosage is[2]:
- 70 mg injected subcutaneously (under the skin) once monthly.
- Some patients may benefit from a dosage of 140 mg injected subcutaneously once monthly, which is administered as two consecutive subcutaneous injections of 70 mg each.
Aimovig (erenumab) is intended for patient self-administration.
Complete information about Aimovig (erenumab) dosage and administration can be found in the official prescribing information listed in our resources section[2].
Note: To be sure how much medicine you need to dose per month, please consult with your treating doctor for personalised dosing.
Are there any known side effects or adverse reactions of Aimovig (erenumab)?
Common adverse reactions
The most common adverse reactions occurring with a frequency of at least 3% listed in the prescribing information include[2]:
- injection site reactions
- constipation.
Contraindications
Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) is contraindicated in patients with serious hypersensitivity to erenumab-aooe or to any of the excipients[2].
Use in specific populations
Women with migraine may be concerned about getting pregnant and breastfeeding due to fears of exposing the baby to medication.There are no adequate data yet on the developmental risk associated with the use of Aimovig (erenumab) on pregnancy and breastfeeding.[2]
For a comprehensive list of side effects and adverse reactions please refer to the official prescribing information[2].
Please note that Amovig or Aimoving are common misspellings of Amovig. These are not different medicines.
Reference
1. FDA News Release: FDA approves novel preventive treatment for migraine www.fda.gov, May 2018.
2. Summary of Product Characteristics [FDA]: Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) [PDF], Amgen, March 2019 (revised).
3. CGRP as the target of new migraine therapies, Edvinsson L. et al. Nature Reviews Neurology. 24/04/2018; volume 14: 338–350.
4. TGA Public Summary: Aimovig (erenumab) [PDF], Novartis, October 29, 2019 (revised).
5. Summary of Product Characteristics [EMA]: Aimovig (erenumab) [PDF], Novartis Europharm, July 2018.
6. Summary of the Risk Management Plan (RMP) for Aimovig (erenumab) [PDF], Novartis, September 2018.
7. Product Monograph (Health Canada): Aimovig (erenumab) [PDF], Novartis, November 2019 (revised).
8. New Zealand Data Sheet (Medsafe): AIMOVIGTM (erenumab) [PDF], Novartis, January 2020.
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