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Compare Aimovig vs. Botox

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Aimovig (erenumab) and Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) are both used to prevent migraines, but they work in different ways and have different uses. Aimovig is a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist that blocks proteins involved in migraine pain signaling and is available as a monthly injection that you can do at home. Botox is a neuromuscular blocker thought to affect pain-causing chemicals in the brain and must be given by a healthcare professional every three months. Both are only available as a brand-name medications; however, Botox also has a cosmetic version used to treat wrinkles. Aimovig is approved for migraine prevention in adults, whereas Botox has multiple uses, including treating muscle spasms, bladder issues, and excessive sweating. Common side effects for Aimovig include injection site reactions and constipation. Using Botox can cause urinary tract infections, neck pain, and muscle weakness. Additionally, Botox carries serious risks if the toxin spreads to other parts of the body, which is not a concern with Aimovig.

Aimovig (erenumab)
Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA)
Aimovig (erenumab)
Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA)
Summary of Aimovig vs. Botox
Summary for CGRP antagonist
Prescription only
Aimovig (erenumab or erenumab-aooe) is a migraine medication called a CGRP antagonist. It helps prevent migraines in adults. Aimovig (erenumab) comes as an autoinjector and prefilled syringe. You inject each dose under the skin in the thigh or stomach once a month. Side effects can include pain, swelling, or redness where you injected the medication.
Summary for Neuromuscular blocker
Prescription only
Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) is a prescription injection used for many medical conditions caused by muscle overactivity or nerve problems. It's FDA approved for treating conditions like overactive bladder, excessive armpit sweating, and for preventing migraines. The medication is injected by a trained healthcare professional. Side effects depend on where the injection is given, but they can include urinary tract infections, headache, and neck pain. <br> Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) is different from Botox Cosmetic, which is used for facial and neck lines.
Indications of Aimovig vs. Botox
Indications for

•Prevention of migraines in adults

Indications for

•Overactive bladder (OAB) - adults

•Loss of bladder control caused by nerve-bladder problems - adults

•Nerve-related bladder problem - children 5 years and older

•Headache prevention for chronic migraine - adults

•Muscle spasms - adults and children 2 years and older

•Neck muscle spasms - adults

•Excessive armpit sweating - adults

•Eyelid twitching - adults and children 12 years and older

•Crossed eyes - adults and children 12 years and older
Pros and Cons of Aimovig vs. Botox
Pros and Const for CGRP antagonist
Pros

•Taken only once a month to help prevent migraines

•Available as a prefilled syringe and a prefilled autoinjector

Cons

•Must give as an injection under the skin

•Not approved for children

Pros and Const for Neuromuscular blocker
Pros

•FDA approved to treat many different conditions

•Might be a good option when other treatments have failed

•Injected directly into the area causing trouble

•Effects last a few months

Cons

•Needs to be injected by a healthcare professional

•Injections can be uncomfortable

•Has serious risks if the toxin spreads to other parts of your body

•Might need to get repeat treatments
Common Side Effects of Aimovig vs. Botox
Common Side Effects for

•Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site (up to 6%)

•Constipation (up to 3%)

Common Side Effects for
Overactive bladder:

•Urinary tract infection (18%)

•Painful urination (9%)

•Trouble emptying the bladder (6%)

Loss of bladder control:

•Urinary tract infection (24-26%)

•Urine left in the bladder (17%)

•Trouble emptying the bladder (15-17%)

•Difficulty passing urine (15%)

Chronic migraine:

•Neck pain (9%)

•Headache (5%)

Muscle spasms:

•Pain in the arm or leg (up to 9%)

•Muscle weakness (up to 4%)

Neck muscle spasm:

•Trouble swallowing (19%)

•Upper respiratory infection (12%)

•Neck pain (11%)

•Headache (11%)

Excessive armpit sweating:

•Injection site pain (3-10%)

•Bleeding (3-10%)

•Infection (3-10%)

Eyelid twitching:

•Droopy eyelid (21%)

•Damage to surface of the eye (6%)

•Dry eye (6%)

Crossed eyes:

•Droopy eyelid (1-38%)

•Eye misalignment (17%)
Warnings of Aimovig vs. Botox
Common Side Effects for

•Allergic reactions

•Constipation with serious complications

•High blood pressure

•Raynaud's phenomenon

Common Side Effects for

•Spread of toxin effect

•Serious allergic reaction

•Difficulty swallowing or breathing

•Lung problems in people with breathing conditions

•Eye problems and bleeding

•Bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections

•Overactive nervous system

•Urinary tract infections

•Trouble emptying the bladder

•Transmission of diseases
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Compare Aimovig vs. Botox

Key takeaways

Summary of Aimovig vs. Botox

Indications of Aimovig vs. Botox

Pros and Cons of Aimovig vs. Botox

Common Side Effects of Aimovig vs. Botox

Warnings of Aimovig vs. Botox

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