What Aimovig Treats
Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) is an injectable medication approved by the FDA to prevent migraines in adults.[1] It targets people with episodic migraines (4-14 headache days per month) or chronic migraines (15 or more headache days per month).[1][2]
How Aimovig Works
It blocks CGRP, a protein that triggers migraine attacks, by binding to its receptor. This reduces migraine frequency without stopping acute attacks once they start.[1][2]
Who Can Use Aimovig
Prescribed for adults 18 and older with frequent migraines. Not for children or those with acute migraine relief needs. Doctors assess based on migraine history and failed prior treatments.[1]
Common Dosage and Administration
One 70 mg or 140 mg subcutaneous injection monthly using a prefilled autoinjector or syringe. Start with 70 mg; increase if needed after one month.[1][2]
Side Effects Patients Report
Most common: injection-site reactions (pain, redness), constipation. Rare serious risks include allergic reactions or high blood pressure. No evidence of medication-overuse headache risk.[1][2]
How Aimovig Compares to Other Migraine Preventives
Unlike older options (beta-blockers, anticonvulsants), Aimovig is migraine-specific with fewer systemic effects. Similar CGRP drugs include Emgality (monthly), Ajovy (quarterly), Vyepti (IV quarterly). Studies show 50% migraine-day reduction in about half of users across these.[2]
Cost and Access
List price around $800-900 monthly without insurance. Patient assistance programs from Amgen (maker) cover copays for eligible users. Biosimilars not yet available.[3]
Patent Status and Availability
Amgen holds patents on Aimovig until at least 2032 in the US, with challenges pending. No generics expected soon.[3]
[1] FDA Label: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfdadocs/label/2018/761032s000lbl.pdf
[2] Amgen prescribing information: https://www.pi.amgen.com/-/media/Project/Amgen/Repository/pi-amgen-com/Aimovig/aimovig-pihcp_english.pdf
[3] DrugPatentWatch.com: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/AIMOVIG