Ajovy Side Effects, Dosage, And Reviews

What Is Ajovy?

Also known as Fremanezumab, Ajovy is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors. It is used for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ajovy in September 2018. Ajovy was the second drug in the CGRP antagonist class that the FDA approved to help prevent migraine symptoms.

What Is CGRP?

Calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a small molecule that is synthesized in our nervous system throughout the brain and other parts of the body to act as a chemical messenger between different cells. The activation of the CGRP pathways during a migraine attack causes the amplification of pain sensations and the dilation of blood vessels. The link between CGRP and migraine has been demonstrated in early studies where researchers saw an increase in plasma concentration of CGRP levels during an acute migraine attack and a decrease in plasma concentration of CGRP levels during migraine abortive treatments. 

Ajovy Uses: How Does Ajovy Prevent Migraine?

Ajovy prevent migraine by blocking the CGRP pathway. Fremanezumab binds directly to the CGRP molecule instead of its receptor and prevents CGRP from binding to the receptor. By inhibiting the functions of CGRP receptors, Ajovy can prevent migraine.

It is important to note that Ajovy does not stop a migraine episode when it happens. It prevents a migraine attack from happening.

Ajovy Coupon: How Much Does Ajovy Cost Without Insurance

Ajovy cost for $525.45 without insurance. According to the Ajovy website, eligible commercially insured patients can use the Ajovy Savings Offer for Ajovy, which may cost as little as $5 for each prescription. Your doctor will present an Ajovy Savings Card that allows you to receive this offer.

Clinical Studies And Reviews Of Ajovy

A clinical study found that Ajovy is safe and effective for use with other migraine preventive medications. Other drugs that your doctor may prescribe with Ajovy include topiramate (Topamax), propranolol (Inderal), and certain antidepressants. Ajovy can also be used with Botox. The good news is that Botox can be covered by insurance!

According to Drugs.com, Ajovy has an average rating of 5.0 out of 10 from a total of 293 reviews on Drugs.com. 34% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 44% reported a negative experience. Reviews of Ajovy were mixed where constipation was quite a common side effect even though patients experienced substantial migraine prevention.

What Are The Side Effects Of Ajovy?

Common side effects of Ajovy include:

• redness
• itchiness
• pain
• tenderness and bumps.
• These side effects do not last long and may disappear within a couple of days or a few weeks.

The side effects mostly revolve around injection site reactions and do not last long as they may disappear within a couple of days or a few weeks. However, you may encounter more severe side effects when you take Ajovy. Some of the more severe side effects of Ajovy include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, angioedema and trouble breathing. Angioedema refers to the swelling under your skin, typically in your lips, hands, eyelids or feet.

Does Ajovy Come In Autoinjectors?

Ajovy comes in both autoinjectors and prefilled syringes.

The autoinjector and prefilled syringes both come in the same strength: 225 mg per 1.5 mL solution. Both of these are single-dose forms, meaning you’ll use a new autoinjector or prefilled syringe each time you take a dose.

What Are The Differences Between Ajovy VS Aimovig?

Both Aimovig and Ajovy prevent migraine by blocking the CGRP pathway. However, the main difference between Ajovy vs Aimovig lies in how they block the CGRP pathway. Aimovig (Erenumab) binds to the CGRP receptor. This allows Aimovig to block the CGRP receptor function. Ajovy binds directly to the CGRP molecule instead of its receptor and prevents CGRP from binding to the receptor.

Another difference lies in their dosage. Aimovig is injected once a month, while Ajovy can be given once a month or once every 3 months (quarterly).

Despite their differences in how they block the CGRP system, both mechanisms of action ultimately lead to inhibiting the functions of CGRP in migraine attack.

What Is The Recommended Ajovy Dosage?

Ajovy comes in one strength: 225 milligrams (mg) per 1.5 milliliters (ml) of solution. In general, there are two dosage options for Ajovy. You can take Ajovy dosage either monthly or a quarterly (once every 3 months). The recommended monthly dosage schedule is a 225-mg injection of Ajovy once per month. Meanwhile, the recommended Ajovy quarterly dosage schedule is three 225-mg injections given one after another for a total of 675 mg. This dose is taken once every 3 months.

Ajovy is meant to be consumed as a long term migraine preventive medication. If you and your doctor determine that Ajovy is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Tracking Ajovy Usage

The good news is that you can record your medication intake with Migraine Buddy to understand the efficacy. You can download Migraine Buddy on iOS and Android!