Aimovig (Erenumab)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Aimovig Used For?
Aimovig is a prescription medication that helps prevent migraines by blocking a specific protein in your body called CGRP (calcitonin gene related peptide).
Primary Uses
Aimovig is used to treat migraine by reducing the number of migraine days you experience each month.
How It Works
Aimovig works by blocking the activity of the CGRP molecule, which has been linked to migraine. It belongs to a group of medicines called anti-CGRP antibodies.
Good to know: Aimovig is designed to prevent migraines rather than treat them once they start.
How to Take Aimovig
Aimovig is given as an injection under the skin using a pre-filled pen. Your doctor will train you or your caregiver on how to use the pen properly.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dose is 70 mg once every 4 weeks. Some patients may need 140 mg once every 4 weeks. For the 70 mg dose, use one 70 mg pen. For the 140 mg dose, you can use either two 70 mg pens (given one after the other) or one 140 mg pen. Inject under the skin in your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Make sure to inject the entire contents of each pen.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Take your missed dose as soon as possible. Your next dose should then be taken one month from the date of your last dose. Contact your doctor if you’re unsure when to take your next dose.
Important: Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- constipation
- feeling more tired than normal
- blocked or runny nose
- cough
- itching
- muscle spasms
- injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling)
- hair loss
- mouth or lip sores
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
- severe constipation or constipation with severe belly pain, vomiting, swelling of belly or bloating
Important Warnings
Before using Aimovig, it’s important to discuss your medical history and current medications with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Aimovig
Do not use Aimovig if you are allergic to erenumab or any ingredients in the medication. Do not give to children or adolescents under 18 years as it has not been studied in this age group.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, liver problems, high blood pressure, history of constipation, or have had an allergic reaction to latex (the needle cap contains natural rubber latex).
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Aimovig has not been studied in pregnant women, and it’s unknown if it passes into breast milk. Your doctor will help you weigh the risks and benefits.
Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions can happen within minutes but some may occur more than one week after using Aimovig. Seek immediate help if you experience shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling, or rash.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements.
- Other migraine medicines
Alcohol & Driving
Aimovig is not expected to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, but you should discuss alcohol use with your doctor.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol regularly.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Aimovig is not expected to affect driving or ability to use machinery.
Storage
Store Aimovig in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C in the original carton. Do not shake or freeze. Once removed from the refrigerator, keep at room temperature (up to 30°C) and use within 7 days. Do not return to refrigerator after reaching room temperature. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Aimovig, seek medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your doctor will assess your progress after 8 to 12 weeks of starting Aimovig treatment.
Aimovig is injected once every 4 weeks (monthly) on the same day each month.
Do not stop using Aimovig or lower the dose suddenly without checking with your doctor, as your migraine symptoms may return.
Do not use the pen if it has been dropped on a hard surface, as parts may be broken even if not visible. Use a new pen and contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Remove the pen from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before injecting to avoid discomfort. Clean the injection site with alcohol and let it dry before injecting.
You can inject in your thigh, stomach area (except 5 cm around the navel), or outer area of upper arm (if someone else is giving the injection). Choose a different site each time.
The window on the pen will turn yellow when the injection is completed. If the window hasn’t turned yellow after removing the pen, contact your doctor immediately as you may not have received the full dose.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.