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FDA-ApprovedSubcutaneous injection (SureClick autoinjector)

Aimovig

erenumab-aooe · Amgen/Novartis

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Key Facts

Form

Subcutaneous injection (SureClick autoinjector)

Frequency

Once monthly

Available Doses

70mg140mg

FDA Approval Date

May 17, 2018

Mechanism

CGRP receptor monoclonal antibody

Manufacturer

Amgen/Novartis

Cost

Self-Pay

$600–$700/mo

With Savings Card

Aimovig Ally program: eligible patients pay as little as $5/mo

No generic available. Specialty pharmacy distribution. Most commercial insurance covers with prior authorization (typically requires failure of 2+ traditional preventives).

Side Effects

Side EffectRateSource
Injection site reactions6%FDA label
Constipation3%FDA label
Muscle cramps/spasms2%FDA label
Fatigue1%FDA label
Hypertension (rare, post-marketing)<1%Post-marketing surveillance
Hypersensitivity reactions<1%Post-marketing

Source: Aimovig FDA Prescribing Information, STRIVE/ARISE/LIBERTY trials, and post-marketing data

Weight Loss Results

STRIVE (Episodic Migraine Prevention)

MMD reduction: −3.7 days vs placebo; ≥50% responder rate: 50.0% (140mg)

24 weeks · Treatment regimen (ITT)

24 weeks

Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 955 adults with 4–14 monthly migraine days. Both 70mg and 140mg doses were effective.

Phase 2 Chronic Migraine Trial

MMD reduction: −6.6 days (140mg) vs −4.2 placebo; ≥50% responder: 41.2%

12 weeks · Treatment regimen (ITT)

12 weeks

Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 667 adults with chronic migraine (≥15 headache days/month). Demonstrated efficacy in the most difficult-to-treat population.

How It Works

Aimovig is a monthly self-injection that blocks the CGRP receptor, preventing CGRP—a key migraine trigger—from activating pain pathways. Unlike older preventives (topiramate, beta-blockers, antidepressants) that broadly affect brain chemistry, Aimovig specifically targets the CGRP pathway involved in migraine. This precision results in fewer side effects. The antibody circulates in the blood for about 28 days, providing continuous receptor blockade between monthly injections.

Mechanism: Erenumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody (IgG2) that binds with high affinity to the CGRP receptor, preventing both CGRP and the related peptide amylin from activating it. Unlike ligand-targeting antibodies (Emgality, Ajovy), Aimovig blocks at the receptor level. It was the first FDA-approved CGRP-pathway therapy for migraine prevention.

Who It's For

Indication

Preventive treatment of migraine in adults (episodic and chronic)

Adults with episodic migraine (4+ days/month) or chronic migraine (15+ days/month) who have failed or cannot tolerate at least 2 traditional preventive treatments. Also appropriate for patients who prefer monthly injections over daily pills. Not for patients who need acute treatment (Aimovig is preventive only). The first-in-class status means the longest real-world safety data among CGRP antibodies.

Food & Water Restrictions

✅ No Restrictions

This medication can be taken at any time of day, with or without food and water.

Comparisons

Comparison

Aimovig vs Emgality

Read comparison

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MedSwitcher may earn a commission from some providers. Full disclosure. This does not affect our recommendations. Our recommendations are based on clinical data, not partnerships.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical trial data referenced comes from published studies and FDA prescribing information. Side effect rates are from specific clinical trials and may not reflect real-world experience. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or switching any medication.