Erenumab (short for erenumab-aooe) is a prescription medication used for the prevention of migraine headaches. This medication is supplied as a subcutaneous injection (shot delivered under the skin).

Erenumab is the active ingredient in Aimovig, a brand-name medication. Aimovig is only available in its brand-name form, and via a prescription from a licensed health care provider.

Erenumab-aooe injections are prescribed to prevent the occurrence of migraine headaches.

A migraine is a headache disorder that generally affects one side of the head and causes intense pain. These throbbing, severe headaches are usually accompanied by nausea and vomiting. They may also cause acute sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine headache episodes can last from hours to days, and the pain might be severe enough to prevent you from going about your normal activities.

There is no singular cause of migraines. Neurology researchers continue to study various brain chemicals and hormones' role in causing migraines.

Some triggers that may cause a migraine episode include:

• Hormone changes in women
  
• Daily use of pain management medication or headache medication
  
• Stress
  
• Caffeine use
  
• Sensitivity to light or loud sounds
  
• Sensitivity to food additives or ingredients (such as aged cheese, nitrates, or alcohol)
  
• Changes in weather conditions
  
• Exhaustion or physical overexertion
  
• Dieting or missing meals
  
• Dehydration
  

A warning sign (known as an aura) may appear before or with the headache. Symptoms of a migraine aura include visual phenomena, such as flashes of light or blind patches, a tingling sensation on one side of the body, or trouble speaking.

Erenumab belongs to a classification of medication known as monoclonal antibodies. Erenumab blocks the action of certain protein substances in the brain that have been shown to cause migraine headaches. By blocking the activation of these substances, erenumab prevents migraine attacks.

It’s important to note that erenumab is prescribed to prevent migraine headaches. It is not used to treat a migraine attack that is already happening.

Erenumab has been shown to cause some side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these adverse reactions do not go away within a few days.

Common side effects reported from erenumab (Aimovig) use include:

• Redness or irritation at the injection site
  
• Constipation
  
• Cramping
  
• Muscle spasms
  

This is not a complete list of adverse effects – though these are the most common. Seek medical attention right away if you experience symptoms such as swelling, difficulty breathing, rash, or chest pain while taking erenumab.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with, as well as any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before taking erenumab. Erenumab can interact with other forms of medication and substances, causing potentially serious side effects. In addition, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with erenumab. If you become pregnant while taking erenumab, inform your health care provider immediately.

Erenumab is commonly supplied as a subcutaneous injection – a shot that is administered just below the skin. Talk to your health care provider about the best practices for injecting this shot, and the best parts of the body to apply the shot into. It is recommended that you rotate injection sites to prevent skin irritation and pain at the injection site. Keep track of where you inject erenumab and cycle through administering the shot into various parts of the body.

For adults administering erenumab at home, 70 mg of this medication should be injected under the skin once per month. This dosage may be increased as needed.

Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of erenumab without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

Erenumab is the active drug in Aimovig, a brand-name medication only available via prescription in its brand-name form. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not Aimovig is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for erenumab to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.