3 Ajovy Side Effects and How to Manage Them
Ajovy is a medication used to treat migraines. Injection reactions and other Ajovy side effects, including allergic reactions and fatigue, may occur.
Ajovy
Used for Migraine
Used for Migraine
Ajovy (fremanezumab or fremanezumab-vfrm) is a type of migraine medication called a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist. It's an injection given under the skin to help prevent migraines in adults. It can also help prevent episodic migraines in children ages 6 years and older who weigh at least 99 lbs. This medication is injected once a month or once every 3 months. It's injected using either the prefilled autoinjectors or syringes. Side effects include injection-site reactions like pain, swelling, and redness.
What is Ajovy (fremanezumab)?
What is Ajovy (fremanezumab) used for?
- Prevention of chronic migraines in adults
- Prevention of episodic migraines in children 6 to 17 years old who weigh at least 99 lbs
How Ajovy (fremanezumab) works
Ajovy (fremanezumab) is a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist. It's a monoclonal antibody that blocks a protein in the brain and nervous system called CGRP. CGRP is thought to play a role in causing migraine pain and other migraine symptoms.
By blocking CGRP, Ajovy (fremanezumab) helps prevent migraine pain.
When does Ajovy (fremanezumab) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Ajovy |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | CGRP antagonist |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Ajovy (fremanezumab) essentials
Side effects of Ajovy (fremanezumab)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Pain, swelling, redness, or other reaction at the injection site (43-45%)
Less Common Side Effects
- High blood pressure
Ajovy (fremanezumab) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic reaction: hives, itching, swelling of face or tongue, trouble breathing
- Raynaud's phenomenon: numbness, pain, or coldness in the fingers or toes
When do Ajovy (fremanezumab) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
H
D
W
M
Pain, swelling, redness at the injection site
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The following Ajovy (fremanezumab) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
- Increase in blood pressure
- Raynaud syndrome—cool, numb, or painful fingers or toes that may change color from pale, to blue, to red
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
Get your GoodRx coupon
$991.85
GoodRx discount
$768.22
Pros and cons of Ajovy (fremanezumab)
Pros
Cons
- Must inject it under the skin
- Not used for relieving and treating an active migraine
- Might be hard for some people to use properly
Pharmacist tips for Ajovy (fremanezumab)
- Ajovy (fremanezumab) is injected once every month. For adults, there's also an option to inject it once every 3 months. To help you remember when to inject the medication, you can put reminders on your calendar or phone.
- If you miss your scheduled dose of Ajovy (fremanezumab), take your usual dose as soon as you remember. Then, your next injections will be once a month (or once every 3 months) from the date you injected your late dose.
- After your Ajovy (fremanezumab) injection, the area might get red or sore. This usually happens within a couple hours of the injection and goes away on its own in a few days. Let your care team know if this reaction gets worse or doesn't go away.
- Keep Ajovy (fremanezumab) in the carton it comes in to protect it from light. Store it in the refrigerator between 36ºF and 46ºF, but don't let it freeze it.
- If needed (like for travel), you can keep Ajovy (fremanezumab) in the carton at room temperature up to 86ºF for up to 7 days. Keep it away from direct sunlight. Don't put it back in the fridge once it's at room temperature. Throw away Ajovy (fremanezumab) in a sharps container if it's out of the fridge for more than 7 days.
How to use Ajovy (fremanezumab):
- Your prescriber or care team will train you on how to use Ajovy (fremanezumab). They'll make sure you or your caregiver knows how to inject it at home. Read the instructions for the autoinjector or the prefilled syringe. Ask your prescriber, pharmacist, or care team if you have any questions.
- For children ages 6 to 12 years, a healthcare professional or an adult caregiver should give the Ajovy (fremanezumab) injection.
- Each Ajovy (fremanezumab) autoinjector and prefilled syringe has 225 mg of medication. For once-monthly injections, you only need 1 autoinjector or syringe each time. But adults who inject once every 3 months will need to use 3 autoinjectors or syringes in a row for a total of 675 mg each time. Use a different spot on your skin for each injection to help prevent bruising or irritation.
- When you're ready for your Ajovy (fremanezumab) injection: Take the medication out of the refrigerator. Lay it on a flat surface for 30 minutes so it reaches room temperature. Don't shake the medication or try to warm it up any other way (like in direct sunlight).
- Before injecting Ajovy (fremanezumab): Always check that the medication it's either clear and colorless or slightly yellow. If it's cloudy, discolored, has particles (chunks), or frozen, don't use it. Also don't use it if any part of the autoinjector or syringe is broken or has any visible damage to it (e.g., cracks, leaks). Use a new one for the injection.
- Where to inject Ajovy (fremanezumab): You can inject the medication into your stomach, at least 2 inches away from your belly button. Another spot is the front of your thighs, at least 2 inches above your knee and 2 inches below your groin. You can also inject into the fleshy area at the back of your upper arm with someone's help. Pick a slightly different area for each injection. Don't inject into tender, red, bruised, hard, or tattooed skin or areas with scars or stretch marks. This helps lessen bruising and skin irritation.
- How to inject using the Ajovy (fremanezumab) autoinjector: Wash your hands and clean the injection area with an alcohol swab. Take off the cap and put the autoinjector against your skin at a 90-degree angle. Then, press it down on your skin for about 30 seconds. Keep holding it down until you hear two "clicks" and the blue plunger has filled the viewing window. Then, lift the autoinjector straight up.
- How to inject using the Ajovy (fremanezumab) prefilled syringe: Wash your hands and wipe the injection area with an alcohol swab. Gently pinch up at least 1 inch of the skin. After taking off the needle cap, insert the needle into the fold of skin at a 45- to 90-degree angle with your other hand. Once the needle is all the way in, push the plunger slowly with your thumb. Push all the way down to inject all the medication. Then, pull the needle straight out.
- After each Ajovy (fremanezumab) injection: Throw used autoinjectors and syringes into a sharps container. You can also use a heavy-duty container like an empty milk carton or laundry detergent bottle. This helps protect you and others safe from needle sticks.
More on Ajovy (fremanezumab) tips
Risks and warnings for Ajovy (fremanezumab)
Ajovy (fremanezumab) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions to Ajovy (fremanezumab) are possible. Some people can have hives, a rash, or itching. Most reactions are mild and can happen within hours to one month after taking the medication. Some people have also had swelling of the face or anaphylaxis, which can sometimes be life-threatening.
Get medical help right away if you have signs of an allergic reaction. Watch for dizziness, throat tightness, trouble breathing, hives, swelling around your eyes, and swelling of your lips or tongue.
High blood pressure
- Risk factors: History of high blood pressure
Ajovy (fremanezumab) can sometimes raise blood pressure. This can happen at any time. But most cases happen within 7 days of taking the medication for the first time.
Some people might be more likely to have higher blood pressure with Ajovy (fremanezumab). This includes people who already have or are at risk of high blood pressure. Talk to your prescriber about your risk.
Ask your prescriber if you need to check your blood pressure regularly. If you do and it stays higher than usual, tell your care team. Your prescriber can see if you need blood pressure medication to manage this side effect. They might also suggest a different migraine medication.
Raynaud's phenomenon
- Risk factors: History of Raynaud's phenomenon
Some people taking CGRP antagonists like Ajovy (fremanezumab) have had Raynaud's phenomenon. This is a problem with blood flow in the fingers and toes. If you already have this problem, it could get worse while taking this medication.
Depending on how well blood is flowing, your fingers and toes can look pale or red and feel cold, numb, or painful. Sometimes, the pain can be so severe that it needs hospital care or makes everyday life harder.
If you feel numbness or pain in your fingers or toes, stop taking Ajovy (fremanezumab) and talk to your prescriber. Your care team can help you manage this problem. Tell them if symptoms don't go away even after stopping the medication.
Ajovy (fremanezumab) dosage
The average cost for 1 autoinjector of 225mg/1.5ml of Ajovy (fremanezumab) is $768.22 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 22.55% off the average retail price of $991.85.
Typical dosage for Ajovy (fremanezumab)
Ajovy (fremanezumab) is given as an injection under the skin into the stomach, thigh, or back of the upper arm.
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Prevention of chronic migraines in adults: There are two dosing options.
- Option 1: Inject 225 mg under the skin once every month, or
- Option 2: Inject 675 mg under the skin once every 3 months.
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Prevention of episodic migraines in children 6 to 17 years of age: Inject 225 mg under the skin once every month.
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How much does Ajovy (fremanezumab) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Ajovy (brand)
$768.22
What are alternatives to Ajovy (fremanezumab)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Ajovy (fremanezumab). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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Ajovy (fremanezumab) images
