Aimovig™ (erenumab-aooe)
Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Reviewed March 2022 | Last updated: June 2022
Aimovig is the first approved calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP) blocker for the preventive treatment of migraine. Aimovig is manufactured by the partnership of Amgen and Novartis.1,2
What are the ingredients in Aimovig?
The active ingredient in Aimovig is erenumab-aooe, a monoclonal antibody.1
How does Aimovig work?
CGRP is a protein that acts like a neurotransmitter (a chemical messenger) throughout the brain and body. CGRP is found in large numbers in the trigeminal system, the sensory nerves that supply the head and neck, and research has shown that CGRP is found in high levels during a migraine attack.
Aimovig is a monoclonal antibody that targets and binds to CGRP receptors which prevents CGRP from binding to the receptor. By not allowing CGRP to connect with its receptors, it is believed that Aimovig helps stop migraine attacks that were instigated by CGRP.1-3
What are the possible side effects of Aimovig?
The most common side effects experienced by patients receiving Aimovig in clinical trials were injection site reactions (pain, redness) and constipation.1 In the post-marketing setting, some patients have reported new-onset or worsening of existing hypertension.1 These are not all the possible side effects of Aimovig. Patients should talk to their doctor about what to expect with treatment with Aimovig.
Things to know about Aimovig
The prefilled autoinjector contains natural rubber, which may cause allergic reactions in people who have a sensitivity to latex.1
Warnings and precautions from the package insert include "Hypersensitivity reactions, including rash, angioedema, and anaphylaxis, have been reported with Aimovig. Most hypersensitivity reactions were not serious and occurred within hours of administration, although some occurred more than one week after administration. If a serious or severe hypersensitivity reaction occurs, discontinue administration." Constipation with serious complications requiring hospitalization, including surgery has been reported.1
Aimovig has not been studied in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and it is not known if Aimovig may cause any risks to unborn or breastfeeding infants.1
Aimovig has not been studied in children, and it is not known if Aimovig is safe to use in children with migraine.1
You should begin no medication or supplement without first checking with your health care provider and should let them know of any other prescriptions, OTCs, and herbals you are taking to ensure there are no interactions.
For more information, read the full prescribing information of Aimovig.
