Frequently Asked Questions About Erenumab (Aimovig)

Written by Jodi Helmer
Medically Reviewed by Murtaza Cassoobhoy, MD on March 22, 2023
4 min read

Do you avoid trigger foods, limit caffeine and alcohol, get high-quality sleep, and managestress but still have migraines? If so, or if other migraine drugs haven’t worked for you, your doctor might prescribe erenumab (Aimovig). You may also see it called erenumab-aooe. 

Here are some commonly asked questions about this medication.

This is a drug you inject once a month to prevent episodic and chronic migraines. It’s a clear, colorless-to-light-yellow liquid that comes packaged in single doses: 

  • A 70-mg/mL prefilled autoinjector 
  • A 140-mg/mL prefilled autoinjector 
  • A 70-mg/mL prefilled syringe 

Erenumab, sold under the brand name Aimovig, is used to prevent chronic and episodic migraines in adults. Episodic means these headaches happen from time to time (up to 14 days a month) while chronic means you have 15 or more a month.

Erenumab targets a molecule called calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP) that causes inflammation and other reactions that lead to migraines. Erenumab blocks the actions of CGRP, which can reduce the number of migraines you have each month. 

You can use a prefilled autoinjector or prefilled syringe to inject erenumab into your stomach, thigh, or upper arm. A health care provider, friend, or family member can also give you the shot. 

Let erenumab sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before it’s injected. Don’t use the drug if the liquid is cloudy, discolored, or contains flakes or particles. 

Here are the basic steps for the autoinjector:

  1. Clean the injection site with an alcohol wipe.
  2. Pull the white cap off of the autoinjector.
  3. Stretch or pinch the skin around the injection site.
  4. Place the green safety guard on your skin at a 90-degree angle.
  5. Push the autoinjector down onto the skin until it stops moving.
  6. Press the purple start button. You’ll hear a click to confirm the medication has been released. Keep pushing down on your skin.
  7. Lift your thumb from the button (while still holding the injector on your skin). 
  8. Discard the used autoinjector.

You can also watch a how-to-inject video at aimovig.com.

Store erenumab in the refrigerator. Remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before your injection. A shot of cold medication can hurt more than one at room temperature.

You can keep it at room temperature for 7 days. After that, throw any unused medication away.

Some people start to have fewer migraines in the first month they take the drug. Most (about 70%), however, need to wait 2 to 3 months to get full benefits from erenumab.

The two most common side effects are injection-site reactions and constipation. Less commonly, the medication can cause high blood pressure or make high blood pressure worse.

Erenumab won’t cause you to gain or lose weight. 

Right now, erenumab doesn’t seem to interact with other medications. However, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you take before you use erenumab with other medications, including Lyrica.

Try not to. You should take your erenumab once a month, on the same day each month. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If you want to take the drug early for some reason, talk to your doctor first. 

It’s not a good idea. Erenumab is not made to take on an “as needed” basis for migraine pain. Stick with your prescribed dosing schedule and talk to your doctor about the best way to treat migraine headaches when you’re having one.

Erenumab costs about $738 a month. How much you’ll pay out of pocket depends on the details of your health insurance plan. Your doctor may also need to show that you’ve tried other drugs for migraine that don’t help you before your insurance company will cover erenumab. 

If you have private insurance, you may qualify for a copay card from Amgen, the company that makes erenumab. Most people (75%) with private insurance who use the card pay $5 or less per month for the medication. The rest pay about $82 a month. 

If you have Medicare or Medicaid, your plan may cover erenumab. If it does, your actual out-of-pocket costs will vary depending on your state’s Medicaid benefits and whether you have Medicare Part D drug coverage or are eligible for a federal cost-savings program. According to Amgen, most people with Medicare or Medicaid pay $20 or less a month for the drug. 

Get answers about your specific coverage at www.medicare.gov or by calling 800-633-4227. 

If you have no insurance, the Amgen Safety Net Foundation may cover the medication’s cost if you qualify for the program and can’t afford the drug. 

The FDA approved erenumab in 2018 as preventative treatment for chronic and episodic migraine in adults.

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