Treatment with erenumab, also known as Aimovig

Aimovig is used as a preventive treatment for migraines.

The preparation

Aimovig has been developed specifically to prevent migraines and is approved for adults who have at least 4 seizures a month.

Mechanism of action

It is known that CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide), which is formed in our nervous system, plays an active role in a migraine attack.

Aimovig works by specifically blocking the CGRP receptor and thus preventing the spread of signals to the brain. This can decrease the number and strength of your migraine attacks.

Aimovig has a half-life of approximately 28 days.

Side effects

Injection site reaction, constipation, skin itching, muscle cramps and hair loss. 

In rare cases, Aimovig may cause high blood pressure.

Precautionary measures

If you are known to have constipation or certain forms of cardiovascular disease, you should not use Aimovig.

Aimovig must not be used by pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers.

You must have stopped taking Aimovig for at least 5 months before trying to get pregnant.

Before starting treatment

Checked blood pressure.

In addition, blood pressure should be monitored continuously at intervals of 3-6 months while you are being treated with Aimovig.

What dose to take?

You should inject 1 dose of 70 mg or 140 mg once a month (one pen), depending on the dose prescribed by your doctor.

How is Aimovig taken?

We recommend that you take Aimovig out of the refrigerator about 1/2 hour before use.

Do NOT shake the Aimovig Pen.

Aimovig can be injected into either the upper arm, thigh or abdomen.

1. Check that the liquid in the pen is clear and without precipitate.
2. Pull the cap straight off the pen and stretch or squeeze around the skin where you want to inject.
3. The pen is placed at a 90 degree angle and pressed against the skin so that the small yellow sheath around the needle cannot be seen.
4. You can now press the plunger into the bottom. It is important that you maintain pressure for 5-10 seconds after the yellow stamp in the window has collapsed and has given a “click”.

Storage

Store Aimovig in a refrigerator at 2-8°C protected from light. Does not tolerate frost.

Because Aimovig is sensitive to temperature changes, it must be carried in the cooler bag provided to you when starting up.

The cooler bag can keep the temperature for up to 11 hours. Therefore, you should always bring your cooler bag with the two frozen items when you need to pick up new medicines at the pharmacy or if you need to take Aimovig on a trip.

If the cold chain is broken, Aimovig can be used within 7 days at room temperature of max 25°C.

Unused pens should then be discarded as they must not be re-placed in the refrigerator.

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