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Aimovig : Uses, Side effects, and Interactions

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Medically reviewed by - Dr. Tez Pratap Singh, MD Written by - Dr. Shilpa R

Overview

What is Aimovig?

Aimovig is a brand name for the medicine Erenumab, also known as erenumab-aooe. Sometimes the suffix “-aooe” is included to distinguish the drug from possible future products of similar drugs. It is a monoclonal antibody, a medication made from immune system cells in a laboratory. This article provides information on this medication, including its indications, dosage, side effects, precautions, risks, and interactions.

Aimovig is a brand name for the medicine Erenumab, also known as erenumab-aooe.

Facts

  • It belongs to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists class of drugs. 1Facts| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov
  • In May 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Aimovig.2Facts| Researched based study from Fda.gov
  • It was the first drug in the CGRP antagonist class to receive regulatory approval.
  • This drug’s chemical formula is C6472H9964N1728O2018S50.

Mode of action

How does Aimovig act?

  • Aimovig acts by inhibiting the function of the CGRP protein called calcitonin gene-related peptide protein. 1Mode of action| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov
  • The CGRP protein can widen blood vessels, exacerbate inflammation, and cause migraines.

Dosage

Dosage of Aimovig

  • While 70 mg once per month is the recommended dose, some people could profit from a dosage of 140 mg once per month. 3Dosage| Researched based study from Fda.gov
  • The 140 mg dose is given once a month in two 70 mg injections.
  • Aimovig should be taken immediately if an individual misses a dose. It then has to be scheduled every month starting from the day of the last dose.
  • The dosage of this medication will change based on the individual’s health condition. Adhere to the instructions on the package or those given by the doctor.

Storage

Storage instructions

  • It comes as an injection-ready solution in two forms – a prefilled autoinjector or a prefilled syringe.
  • Erenumab-aooe should be kept refrigerated at two degrees Celsius to eight degrees Celsius (36°F to 46°F) in its original container to protect it from light until ready to use.
  • People should remove it from the fridge and leave it at room temperature, shielded from direct sunlight, for a minimum of 30 minutes before self-administration.
  • Do not freeze, shake or heat the medication before use.
  • Avoid using this drug if it is leaky, cloudy, or has some visible particles.
  • This drug must to be kept safely out of children’s reach.

Administration

How is aimovig used?

  • Aimovig must be injected subcutaneously under the skin in areas like the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen.
  • Never inject this drug into the areas of the skin that is bruised, red, or painful.
  • Typically, it is given once every month on or about the same day each month, and the doctor teaches the patients to do it by themselves.
  • Administer the erenumab-aooe injection as prescribed. Use it only as the doctor directs, neither more nor less than that.3Administration| Researched based study from Fda.gov
  • Always take the medication on schedule and never more often than advised.
  • It’s crucial that one places the used syringes and needles in a designated sharps receptacle.

Uses

Uses of Aimovig

  • Erenumab-aooe injections are intended to aid in preventing migraines, which are intense, throbbing headaches that can occur with nausea and sensitivity to light or sound.4Indications| Researched based study from Clevelandclinic.org
  • Aimovig can prevent both chronic and recurrent/ episodic migraine headaches.5Indications| Researched based study from Nlm.nih.gov

About migraine

The most typical sign of migraine, a neurological disorder, is excruciating headaches. The following are the subtypes:

  • Episodic migraine – occurs less than 15 days of headaches per month.
  • Chronic migraine – occurs at least 15 headache days each month for a minimum of three months, no fewer than eight of which are migraine days.

Side effects

Side effects of aimovig

The following are possible side effects of Aimovig injections:

  • Injection-site pain, redness, or itching.
  • Muscle cramps.
  • Constipation.

One should immediately call their doctor if they encounter any significant side effects, which could include:

  • Rashes.
  • Itching.
  • Hives.6Side effects| Researched based study from Medlineplus.gov
  • Face, lip, eye, or tongue swelling.
  • Trouble swallowing.
  • Breathing difficulties.
  • Chest ache.
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
  • Palpitations.

Risks

Risks associated with aimovig

  • Dry natural rubber is a latex derivative in the needle shield inside the prefilled autoinjector’s white cap, and the prefilled syringe’s gray needle cap may cause allergic responses in those sensitive to latex.7Risks| Researched based study from Mayoclinic.org
  • This medicine has a risk of fatal hypersensitivity reactions like angioedema and anaphylaxis, demanding immediate medical attention.
  • When combined with other medications that slow down bowel movement, erenumab-aooe may raise a person’s risk of experiencing severe constipation. People with a history of constipation should talk to their doctor before taking this injection.
  • People with high blood pressure should use this medication cautiously as it may worsen their condition.8Risk| Researched based study from tga.gov.au

Precautions

Precautions

  • Inform the physician if one has a latex allergy before taking this drug to avoid allergic reactions.
  • Tell the doctor immediately if one experiences any signs of allergy like rash, itching, hoarseness of voice, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of their hands, face, or mouth after using this medicine.
  • Inform the doctor immediately if one has dizziness, blurred vision, nervousness, pounding in the ears, or palpitations, as these could be signs of high blood pressure.9Precautions| Researched based study from Who.int
  • It is essential to inform the doctor if a person already has any other medical problems, as it may affect the usage of this medicine.
  • Check with the doctor about one’s progress to ensure that the medicine works efficiently and has no adverse effects.
  • One must avoid usage in kids unless prescribed by a physician, as age-related differences in the effects of this injection have not been studied adequately, and there is no evidence of safety or effectiveness.
  • Should be used with caution in elderly patients as they are more prone to age-related heart, liver, or renal issues, which may necessitate caution and a dose change for patients using this medication.
  • Women planning for pregnancy must discuss with a doctor and weigh the potential advantages of this drug against the potential drawbacks before taking this drug.
  • The developmental and health advantages of breastfeeding infants should be taken into account, as well as the mother’s clinical requirement for erenumab-aooe and any possible adverse effects on the breastfed newborn from the drug or from the underlying maternal disease.

Interactions

Aimovig interactions with other medicines

  • Erenumab does not significantly interact with any other medications or food items.10Interactions| Researched based study from Umich.edu
  • No change in the effectiveness of oral contraceptives containing estrogen and progestin is expected because erenumab-aooe does not affect how well they are absorbed.
  • However, with the doctor, it is best to review the patient’s medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal remedies.
  • People may experience issues if they consume alcohol or smoke while taking certain drugs, so it is best to discuss with the doctor before use.

Takeaway

Takeaway

When deciding whether to use this medicine, one must weigh its advantages against its risks, just like with any other medication. And only the individual and their physician could decide this together. One must not miss any of their appointments with their doctor while taking this medicine, as the doctor will frequently check progress and blood pressure.

Disclaimer: The user acknowledges that this article's information is being offered for informational purposes only. Every attempt has been made to guarantee that the article is informational and correct. If they have any doubts or questions about their health, we firmly advise our readers to visit a doctor or other healthcare professional.

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