What Is Aimovig Used For?
Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) treats migraine headaches in adults, not general headaches. It reduces the frequency of migraine attacks by blocking CGRP receptors involved in migraine pain.[1]
How Does Aimovig Work for Migraines?
It targets calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a protein that triggers migraines. Patients inject it monthly under the skin, typically seeing fewer migraine days after 1-3 months.[1][2]
Does It Help Non-Migraine Headaches?
No, Aimovig is FDA-approved only for episodic or chronic migraines (4+ migraine days per month). It lacks evidence for tension headaches, cluster headaches, or sinus headaches.[1][3]
Common Side Effects and Patient Experiences
Injection-site reactions (pain, redness) occur in 40-50% of users. Constipation affects 10-20%. Serious risks include allergic reactions or high blood pressure.[1][2] Patients report 50% fewer migraine days on average in trials, but results vary.[4]
Who Makes Aimovig and What's the Cost?
Amgen and Novartis co-developed it. List price is about $800 per monthly dose; insurance often covers part, with copays $0-100 via savings cards.[5]
When Does Aimovig's Patent Expire?
Key U.S. patents expire around 2031-2035, with challenges from Teva and others pending. No biosimilars yet.[6]
[1]: FDA Label - https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/761032s000lbl.pdf
[2]: Aimovig.com - https://www.aimovig.com
[3]: American Migraine Foundation - https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/aimovig-erenumab/
[4]: NEJM Trial (2017) - https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1706445
[5]: GoodRx - https://www.goodrx.com/aimovig
[6]: DrugPatentWatch.com - https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/AIMOVIG