Erenumab is an innovative active substance, produced in the form of an injection, created to prevent and reduce the intensity of migraine pain in people with 4 or more episodes per month. This drug is the first and only monoclonal antibody designed specifically for the prevention of migraine and has already been approved in the United States, under the trade name Aimovig.
Migraine is characterized by an intense and pulsating headache that can reach only one side, and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sensitivity to light, pain in the neck and difficulty concentrating. Learn more about migraine symptoms.
The results of studies with Erenumab were very positive, with a reduction in half the number of migraines and also the duration of episodes of pain, with doses of 70 mg and 140 mg. In addition, this medicine has been well tolerated and no side effects have been reported.
How Erenumab works
Erenumab is a human monoclonal antibody that acts by blocking the peptide receptor related to the calcitonin gene, which is a chemical compound present in the brain and that is involved in migraine activation and pain duration.
The peptide related to the calcitonin gene is believed to play a key role in the pathophysiology of migraine, with the link with its receptors involved in the transmission of migraine pain. In people with migraine, the levels of this peptide increase at the beginning of the episode, returning to normal after pain relief, with therapy with drugs used to treat migraine, or when the attack subsides.
Thus, Erenumab can not only reduce migraine episodes, but it can also reduce taking medications currently used to treat migraines, which have many side effects.
How to use
Aimovig should be injected under the skin using a syringe or pre-filled pen, which can be administered by the person after receiving adequate training.
The recommended dose is 70 mg every 4 weeks, in a single injection. In some cases, it may be necessary to administer a dose of 140 mg every 4 weeks.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects that can occur during treatment with Erenumab are reactions at the injection site, constipation, muscle spasms and itching.
Who should not use
Aimovig is contraindicated for people who are hypersensitive to any of the components in the formula and is not recommended for pregnant women or women who are breast-feeding.
