Ajovy vs Aimovig

Ajovy and Aimovig are brand names for prescription drugs used for migraine prevention. Here we will explain how they work, their similarities and differences, their side effects, and more. This should provide you with the basics to better understand your options.

What is Ajovy?

Ajovy is an FDA-approved (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) medication manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. It is a calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonist (CGRP antagonist) used for the preventive treatment of migraine (episodic migraine or chronic migraine) in adult migraine patients Ajovy can help to lower the number of migraine headache days you have each month by 1.5 to 2 days per month.

Migraines are a type of head pain disorder that causes moderate to severe headaches that usually recur over time. People experience migraines differently, but they can cause sharp and pulsating pain, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and raised sensitivity to light, noise, and smells. Migraines can last from a few hours to multiple days. After a migraine passes, you may feel exhausted, drained, and have gastrointestinal problems.

Ajovy contains the active drug ingredient fremanezumab-vfrm, a CGRP monoclonal antibody that binds to the calcitonin gene-related peptide and blocks its binding to the CGRP receptor. Ajovy is a CGRP inhibitor.

Ajovy dosage

Ajovy is available in injection form, in the following doses: Ajovy 225 mg/1.5 mL solution in a single-dose autoinjector prefilled syringe.

Ajovy is for subcutaneous injection use only. Two dosing options are available, 225 mg monthly, or 675 mg every 3 months, administered in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

Take Ajovy out of the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature for 30 minutes before injecting your dose. Please read the full prescribing information for the instructions for use and always speak with a healthcare professional for medical advice about any changes to your dose so they can monitor and evaluate your condition.

What is Aimovig?

Aimovig is an FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved medication manufactured by Amgen. Aimovig is a prescription medicine given to adults to prevent migraines. The medication helps limit the number of migraine days you have.

The active ingredient in Aimovig is called erenumab-aooe, usually shortened to just erenumab. Erenumab works by blocking the action of a molecule called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). CGRP attaches to receptors on certain cells in your brain, which is thought to be involved in triggering a migraine. Erenumab attaches to these receptors instead of CGRP, stopping it from stimulating the receptors.

Aimovig dosage

Aimovig is available in injection form, in the following doses: 70 mg/mL solution in a single-dose prefilled SureClick autoinjector, or 70 mg/mL solution in a single-dose prefilled syringe.

You take it by injecting it under your skin (subcutaneous injection). You typically give yourself one injection every 4 weeks but make sure you always take your Aimovig as your doctor directed.

Common side effects of Ajovy and Aimovig

The most common side effects of Ajovy in clinical trials compared to placebo include:

• Injection site reactions

More serious side effects of Ajovy include:

• Hypersensitivity reactions

The most common side effects of Aimovig in clinical trials include:

• Injection site reactions
• Constipation

More serious side effects of Aimovig include

• Severe allergic reactions to the medication can cause swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat, and problems breathing
• Severe constipation can cause serious complications requiring hospital treatment or surgery
• High blood pressure or worsening existing high blood pressure

These aren’t all the side effects Ajovy or Aimovig can cause. You can find more details in the patient leaflet that comes with your medication. If you have any concerns about side effects, talk to your physician or pharmacist.

Ajovy and Aimovig drug interactions

Ajovy can interact with other medications. These include:

• Treatments for myasthenia gravis – efgartigimod alfa

Aimovig can interact with other medications. These include:

• Treatments for myasthenia gravis – efgartigimod alfa

Ajovy and Aimovig can interact with other medications. This can change how Ajovy and Aimovig and other medications work and can make side effects more likely. Tell your prescribing physician about all your drugs, including vitamins and dietary supplements.

Ajovy and Aimovig contraindications

You should not use Ajovy if you:

• Are allergic to the active ingredient fremanezumab-vfrm
• Have had an allergic reaction to any of the other ingredients in Ajovy
• Are younger than 18 years old

Talk to your doctor before using Ajovy if you:

• Are taking any of the medications that could interact with Ajovy
• Are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed – It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk

You should not use Aimovig if you:

• Are allergic to the active ingredient erenumab-aooe
• Are allergic to any of the other ingredients in Aimovig
• Are under 18 years of age

Talk to your doctor before using Aimovig if you:

• Are allergic to rubber or latex, as the caps of the prefilled SureClick and prefilled syringes contain a natural rubber similar to latex
• Are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed

Other treatment options for migraine attacks

• Beta-blockers such as propranolol
• Triptans such as Zomig, Imitrex, Axert, Relpax, or Maxalt
• Certain seizure medications, such as Depakote (divalproex sodium) or Topamax (topiramate)
• Ubrelvy (ubrogepant)
• Emgality (galcanezumab)
• Botox
• Nurtec (rimegepant)
• Vyepti (eptinezumab)

If you have any concerns about Ajovy or Aimovig side effects, talk to your physician, or pharmacist for medical advice. Also inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions, supplements, and over-the-counter meds you are taking. You are also encouraged to report side effects to the FDA: visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.