Migraine headaches are a debilitating neurological condition that can significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life. Migraine treatment can include lifestyle modification of triggers, as well as medications. In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new drug for the treatment of migraine headaches, erenumab-aooe, marketed under the brand name Aimovig. In this blog post, we will delve into what erenumab-aooe is, how it works, its benefits, and potential side effects.
What are Migraine Headaches?
Migraines are a severe type of headache. They often involve severe, throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. Alongside the pain, migraines can bring a range of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disturbances. About one-third of individuals who suffer from migraines can predict when a migraine attack is coming because they first experience what is called an aura.
Read our blog – Ocular Migraine here.
An aura is a temporary sensory or visual disturbances that appear as flashing lights, zig-zag lines or a temporary loss of vision. Migraine headaches can be triggered by a variety of factors, including stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, and environmental factors.
What is Erenumab-aooe?
Erenumab-aooe is FDA approved for the prevention of migraine headaches. It was the first FDA-approved medication in a new class of drugs that work by blocking the activity of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a molecule that is involved in migraines. Erenumab-aooe is administered via subcutaneous injection (injection into the fatty tissue) once a month.
Benefits of Erenumab-aooe:
Reduced Migraine Frequency: Clinical trials have shown that erenumab-aooe significantly reduces the number of migraine days per month in individuals with chronic and episodic migraines.
Monthly Administration: Erenumab-aooe is administered once a month via subcutaneous injection, offering a convenient dosing schedule for patients.
Considerations for Use:
To achieve the best results with erenumab-aooe, it is important to follow the prescribed usage guidelines:
Dosage: Erenumab-aooe is typically administered as a 70 mg or 140 mg injection once a month. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dosage based on your individual needs and response to treatment.
Administration: The injection is typically self-administered. Follow the instructions provided with the medication to ensure proper injection technique.
Consistency: For optimal effectiveness, it is important to take erenumab-aooe consistently as prescribed. Do not skip doses or alter the dosing schedule without consulting your healthcare provider.
Monitoring: Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are essential to monitor your response to treatment and adjust the dosage if necessary.
Potential Side Effects:
While erenumab-aooe is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects in some individuals. Common side effects include:
– Injection Site Reactions: Redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site.
– Constipation: Some patients may experience constipation as a side effect.
Conclusion:
Erenumab-aooe (Aimovig) represents an advancement in the prevention of migraines, offering an effective treatment option for individuals suffering from this potentially debilitating condition. Overall, erenumab-aooe helps reduce the frequency of migraine attacks, thereby improving quality of life. As with any medication, it is important to use erenumab-aooe as prescribed and communicate with your healthcare provider to ensure the best possible outcomes and an individualized medication plan tailored to your needs.
Also see our blog about Over the counter migraine medications
Resources:
1) AIMOVIG® (erenumab-aooe) injection [package insert]. Thousand Oaks, CA. Amgen, Inc; 2021.
2) https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-novel-preventive-treatment-migraine#:~:text=The%20U.S.%20Food%20and%20Drug,once%2Dmonthly%20self%2Dinjections
3) https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/migraine
