Ajovy

Ajovy is a prescription medication used to prevent migraines in adults. Ajovy is the second drug in a new class of medications called CGRP blockers. These medications target and block calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), the protein known for causing migraine, from binding to its receptor.

Ajovy is available in a pre-filled syringe that is given subcutaneously (under the skin). It may be administered by a healthcare professional, the patient, or a caregiver. Two dosing options are available: 225 mg given monthly or 675 mg given every 3 months (quarterly).

The most common side effect of Ajovy is a reaction at the injection site, such as redness or pain at the injection site.

Ajovy is a prescription medication used for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. 

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

• TEVA Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.

Serious side effects have been reported with Ajovy. See the “Ajovy Precautions” section.

The most common side effect of Ajovy is a reaction at the injection site, such as redness and pain. 

This is not a complete list of Ajovy side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

No drug interactions were reported by the manufacturer. However, you should tell your doctor about all the medicines you take- prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Not all drug interactions are known,  and new drug interactions are continually being reported.

Serious side effects have been reported with Ajovy including:

• Allergic reactions. Allergic reactions, including itching, rash, and hives, can happen within hours and up to 1 month after receiving Ajovy. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction:
  • swelling of your face, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • trouble breathing

Do not use Ajovy if you are allergic to fremanezumab-vfrm (the active ingredient) or any of the ingredients in Ajovy. 

Medications can interact with certain foods. In some cases, this may be harmful and your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods. In the case of Ajovy, there are no specific foods that you must exclude from your diet when receiving this medication.

Before taking Ajovy, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions. Especially tell your doctor if you:

• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Ajovy will harm your unborn baby.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Ajovy passes into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby while using Ajovy.
• are allergic to Ajovy or to any of its ingredients

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

There are no well-done studies that have been done in humans with Ajovy. In animal studies, pregnant animals were given this medication, and the babies did not show any medical issues related to this medication. This medication should only be used during pregnancy if the possible benefit outweighs the possible risk to the unborn baby.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

There is no evidence of effects that Ajovy has on milk production or in human milk. The health benefits of the child should be taken into consideration based on the mothers need for the medication.

• Use Ajovy exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to use it.
• Ajovy is given by injection under your skin (subcutaneously).
• Your healthcare provider should show you or your caregiver how to prepare and inject your dose of Ajovy before you or your caregiver give your Ajovy the first time.
• Your healthcare provider will tell you how much Ajovy to use and when to use it. 
  • Your healthcare provider will tell you if you should use Ajovy 225 mg one time every month or Ajovy 675 mg one time every 3 months. 
  • If your prescribed dose is Ajovy 675 mg every 3 months, you must use 3 separate syringes. You will give 3 separate injections one time every 3 months.
• If you are giving 3 injections of Ajovy for your prescribed dose, you may use the same body site for all 3 injections, but not the same spot. 
• Do not inject Ajovy in the same injection site that you inject other medicine.
• If you are switching from using Ajovy one time every month to one time every 3 months or if you are switching from using Ajovy one time every 3 months to one time every month, give the first dose of Ajovy on the day it was due to be given on your old schedule. 
• If you miss a dose of Ajovy, take it as soon as possible. If you need to take the dose late, you will need to adjust your schedule: if you take 225 mg of Ajovy, inject your next dose 1 month after the late dose. If you take 675 mg of Ajovy, inject your next dose 3 months after the late dose. If you have questions about your schedule, ask your healthcare provider.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully.

The recommended dose of Ajovy for is either 225 milligrams every month, or 675 milligrams every three months.

If you take too much Ajovy, call your healthcare provider or local Poison Control Center, or seek emergency medical attention right away.

• Store Ajovy in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
• Keep Ajovy in the carton it comes in to protect from light.
• If needed, Ajovy may be stored at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) in the carton it comes in for up to 24 hours. Do not use Ajovy if it has been out of the refrigerator for 24 hours or longer. Dispose of (throw away) Ajovy in a sharps disposal container if it has been out of the refrigerator for 24 hours or longer.
• Do not freeze. If Ajovy freezes, throw it away in a sharps disposal container. 
• Keep Ajovy out of extreme heat and direct sunlight. 
• Do not shake Ajovy. 

Keep Ajovy prefilled syringes out of the reach of small children.

This page was written by Ashly Daioub, PharmD Candidate 2020 | UT Austin College of Pharmacy