Ajovy™ (fremanezumab-vfrm)
Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Reviewed August 2021 | Last updated: November 2021
Ajovy is a calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP) blocker for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. Ajovy is manufactured by Teva Pharmaceuticals and is an injectable medication.1
What is the ingredient in Ajovy?
The active ingredient in Ajovy is fremanezumab, a monoclonal antibody.1
How does Ajovy work?
Ajovy is a monoclonal antibody that targets CGRP. Like antibodies that are created by the body to target specific invaders, monoclonal antibodies are created in a laboratory to attach to specific proteins. Ajovy attaches to the CGRP peptide ligand, and blocks its binding to the receptor. The CGRP protein is involved in the dilation of veins (vasodilation) and in the sensory nervous system, both of which are impacted by migraine.2 Research has found that during a migraine attack, CGRP levels are increased. By blocking the protein’s ability to connect with the receptor, Ajovy may reduce the frequency or severity of migraine attacks.1
What are the possible side effects of Ajovy?
The most common side effects experienced by patients receiving Ajovy in clinical trials were injection site reactions, such as redness or pain at the site of the injection. In some people, Ajovy caused a hypersensitivity reaction (severe allergic reaction), which may appear as a rash, itching, hives, anaphylaxis, and angioedema. Ajovy should be discontinued if a severe allergic reaction occurs.1
These are not all the possible side effects of Ajovy. Patients should talk to their doctor about what to expect with treatment with Ajovy.
Things to know about Ajovy
Ajovy has not been studied in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and it is not known if Ajovy may cause any risks to unborn or breastfeeding infants.1
Ajovy has not been evaluated in children and is currently only approved for use in adults.1
2020 Update: In January 2020, the FDA approved an autoinjector device for AJOVY® (fremanezumab-vfrm) injection. The AJOVY autoinjector is expected to be available to patients in the coming months.3
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 for Ajovy.
