Aimovig: Uses, dosage, side effects, cost, and more

Can you use Aimovig to treat a migraine headache?

No. Aimovig is only used to prevent a migraine headache before it starts. It will not work to treat a migraine headache that has already started.

Does Aimovig cure migraine?

No, Aimovig will not cure migraine. No medications are currently available to cure migraine.

How is Aimovig different from other migraine drugs?

Aimovig is different from most other migraine drugs because it was the first FDA approved medication specifically made to prevent migraine headaches. Aimovig is one of a group of drugs called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors. Most other drugs used to prevent migraine headaches were actually developed for other reasons, such as treating seizures, high blood pressure, or depression. Many of these drugs are used off-label to prevent migraine headaches. Being a monthly injection also makes Aimovig different from most other migraine prevention drugs. Most of these other drugs come as tablets or pills. Botox is an alternative drug that comes as an injection. However, it has to be given in a doctor’s office once every 3 months. You can give yourself injections of Aimovig at home. And unlike most other migraine prevention drugs, Aimovig is a monoclonal antibody. This is a type of medication developed in a lab. It’s made from immune system cells. Monoclonal antibodies are broken down inside many different cells in the body. Other migraine prevention drugs are broken down by the liver. Because of this difference, monoclonal antibodies such as Aimovig tend to have fewer drug interactions than other medications used to prevent migraine headaches.

If I take Aimovig, can I stop taking my other preventive medications?

Possibly. Each person’s body will respond to Aimovig differently. If Aimovig reduces the number of migraine headaches you have, you may be able to stop taking other preventive medications. But when you first start treatment, your doctor will probably recommend that you start taking Aimovig along with other preventive medications. After you’ve taken Aimovig for 2 to 3 months, your doctor will talk with you about how well the medication is working for you. You and your doctor can discuss stopping the other preventive medications you take or reducing your dosage of these drugs.

Key takeaways

• Aimovig is a once-monthly injection used to help prevent migraine in adults. It can be self-injected with a prefilled syringe or an auto-injector pen.
• Possible side effects include injection site reactions, constipation, and high blood pressure.
• Aimovig works by blocking the activity of a protein called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). This protein is involved in pain transmission in the brain and is thought to play a role in migraine symptoms.

Aimovig (pronounced AIM-oh-vig) is a biologic drug available only as a brand-name medication. It doesn’t come in a biosimilar version. A biosimilar drug is a medication that’s similar to a biologic drug. Biosimilars are considered as safe and effective as brand-name biologic drugs and tend to cost less.

Aimovig is a prescription medication used to help prevent migraine.

Aimovig belongs to a group of biologic drugs called monoclonal antibodies. These are manufactured proteins that behave similarly to antibodies found naturally in the body.

The active ingredient in Aimovig is the drug erenumab-aooe. (An active ingredient is what makes a medication work.) The reason “-aooe” appears at the end of the drug’s name is to distinguish it from current or future biosimilar versions.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Aimovig for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults.

The

• do not have fewer monthly migraine episodes with other drugs
• experience side effects or drug interactions with other drugs

Migraine can be classified as either episodic or chronic, according to the International Headache Society. Aimovig can be used to prevent both episodic and chronic migraine. The differences between these types of migraine are:

• episodic migraine causes fewer than 15 headache or migraine days per month
• chronic migraine causes 15 or more headache days per month over a period of at least 3 months, with at least eight of the days being migraine days

Aimovig is a specific type of monoclonal antibody called a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitor. CGRP is a small protein found in sensory nerves of the head and neck. This small protein is involved in pain transmission and may play a role in the cause of migraine.

CGRP can cause inflammation and vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) in your brain. The inflammation and vasodilation brought on by CGRP is a possible cause of migraine. In fact, when a migraine headache starts to occur, people have higher levels of CGRP in their bloodstream. Aimovig helps prevent migraine by stopping the activity of CGRP.

While most medications affect many substances in the body, monoclonal antibodies such as Aimovig work on only one protein. Because of this, Aimovig may cause fewer drug interactions and side effects. This can make it a treatment option for people who cannot take other medications due to side effects or interactions.

Aimovig may also be a treatment option for people who haven’t found another medication that can reduce their migraine days enough.

How long does it take for Aimovig to work?

After you start taking Aimovig, it may take a few weeks to see an improvement in your migraine headaches. Aimovig may take full effect after several months. Many people who took Aimovig during clinical trials had fewer migraine days within 1 month of starting the drug. People also had fewer migraine days after continuing the treatment over several months. The Aimovig dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

• frequency and severity of migraine episodes
• your age
• other medical conditions you may have

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Drug form and strengths

Aimovig comes as a solution inside prefilled auto-injector pens and prefilled syringes. You’ll use either form to give an injection to yourself at home once each month.

Aimovig is available in two strengths:

• 70 milligrams/milliliter (mg/mL)
• 140 mg/mL

Dosage for migraine prevention in adults

Aimovig can be prescribed in two doses: 70 mg or 140 mg. Either dose is given once per month.

Your doctor will likely start your treatment at 70 mg once per month. If this dosage does not decrease your number of migraine days enough, they may increase your dosage to 140 mg once per month.

Aimovig comes as a solution given as an injection under your skin (subcutaneous injection). You’ll give the injection to yourself at home once per month. The first time you get a prescription for Aimovig, your healthcare professional will explain how to give the injection to yourself.

Aimovig comes in prefilled single-use auto-injectors and syringes. Each form contains only one dose and is meant to be used once and then thrown away.

How to inject Aimovig

For information on how to use Aimovig auto-injectors, visit the drug manufacturer’s website. There, you can view directions and videos for administering the drug. And for information on how to use prefilled syringes of Aimovig, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Dosing schedule

Aimovig should be taken once per month. It can be taken at any time of the day.

If you miss a dose, take Aimovig as soon as you remember. The next dose should be 1 month after you take that one. Using a medication reminder tool can help you remember to take Aimovig on schedule.

Taking Aimovig with food

Aimovig can be taken with or without food.

Storage

Aimovig should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). It can be taken out of the refrigerator and stored at a room temperature of 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). But in that case, it must be used within 7 days. Do not put it back in the refrigerator once it has been taken out and brought to room temperature.

Do not freeze Aimovig. Also, keep it in its original package to protect it from light.

If you have unused medication that is beyond its expiration date, talk with your pharmacist about whether you might still be able to use it.

Aimovig can cause mild or serious side effects. In clinical studies, the most common side effects of Aimovig were injection site reactions and constipation. Injection site reactions included pain and reddening or changes in color of the skin.

These side effects may go away after a few days or a couple of weeks. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you have more severe side effects or effects that don’t go away.

After Aimovig was approved for use by the FDA, side effects reported by some people using the drug included:

• mild or severe allergic reaction
• constipation
• rash
• hair loss
• high blood pressure

For more information on the possible side effects of Aimovig or tips on how to manage a troubling side effect, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Call your doctor right away if you think you are having a severe allergic reaction to Aimovig. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or you’re having a medical emergency.

As with all medications, the cost of Aimovig can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Comparing pharmacies: The price of Aimovig may vary depending on which pharmacy you use, so it can help to compare prices across pharmacies to find the lowest cost.

Drug coupons: You may be able to find drug coupons on prescription discount websites that can reduce the cost of your medication. These coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits, but the discounted price may be lower than what you would pay through insurance.

Financial and insurance assistance: If you need financial support to pay for Aimovig, help is available.

Amgen and Novartis, the manufacturers of Aimovig, offer an Aimovig Ally Access Card program that can help you pay less for each prescription refill. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible, call 833-246-6844 or visit the program website.

Optum Perks is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.

Many drugs can interact with other medications. Different effects can be caused by different interactions. For example, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works, while others can cause more side effects.

Aimovig doesn’t generally have drug interactions. This is because of the way Aimovig is processed in your body.

How Aimovig is metabolized

Many drugs, herbs, and supplements are metabolized (processed) by enzymes in your liver. But monoclonal antibody drugs, such as Aimovig, are not usually processed in the liver. Instead, this kind of drug is processed inside other cells in your body.

Because Aimovig isn’t processed in the liver like many other drugs are, it generally doesn’t interact with other drugs.

If you have any concerns about combining Aimovig with other medications you may be taking, talk with your doctor. And be sure to tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other medications you take. You should also tell them about any herbs, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you use.

Aimovig and Emgality are both biologic monoclonal antibody drugs, and they have a similar mode of action to prevent migraine. But there are some differences between these two drugs.

For example, in addition to being FDA approved for the prevention of migraine, Emgality is also approved for the treatment of cluster headaches.

Emgality and Aimovig may also have different side effects.

Before taking Aimovig, talk with your doctor about your health history. Aimovig may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. These include:

• High blood pressure: Aimovig may cause new or worsened high blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor before starting Aimovig. If you develop new or worsened high blood pressure with Aimovig, your doctor may recommend that you don’t take this drug.
• Raynaud phenomenon: Aimovig may cause or worsen a circulation problem called Raynaud phenomenon that can make your fingers or toes feel cold, numb, or painful.
• Latex allergy: Aimovig auto-injectors and syringes contain a form of rubber similar to latex. This may cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to latex. If you have a history of severe reactions to products that contain latex, Aimovig may not be the right medication for you.
• Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Aimovig or any of its ingredients in the past, you should not take this drug. Ask your doctor about other medications that may be options for you.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: It’s not known whether Aimovig is safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Learn more about Aimovig, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.

Other drugs are available to help prevent migraine. Some may work better for you than others. If you’re interested in trying a treatment other than Aimovig, talk with your doctor to learn more about other drugs that may work well for you.

Examples of other medications that are FDA approved for preventing migraine include:

• other calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors:
• certain seizure medications, such as: divalproex sodium (Depakote) topiramate (Topamax, Trokendi XR)
• divalproex sodium (Depakote)
• topiramate (Topamax, Trokendi XR)
• the neurotoxin onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox)
• the beta-blocker propranolol (Inderal, Inderal LA)

Some drugs are used off-label to prevent migraine. These medications include:

• some antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
• some seizure medications, such as valproate sodium
• some beta-blockers, such as metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL) or atenolol (Tenormin)

CGRP inhibitors

Aimovig and other CGRP inhibitors (Ajovy, Emgality, and Vyepti) work in similar ways to prevent migraine.

CGRP is a protein in your body that’s been linked with inflammation and vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) in the brain. This inflammation and vasodilation can result in pain from migraine headaches. To cause these effects, CGRP needs to bind (attach) to its receptors, which are sites on the surface of some of your brain cells.

Ajovy and Emgality both work by binding to CGRP itself. As a result, CGRP cannot bind to its receptors. Unlike those two drugs from this class, Aimovig works by binding to the brain cell receptors. This blocks the CGRP from attaching to them.

By blocking CGRP from interacting with its receptor, all three drugs help stop inflammation and vasodilation. This can help prevent migraine headaches.

Side by side

The following chart compares basic information about CGRP inhibitors that are FDA approved for use to prevent migraine.

Aimovig Ajovy Emgality Vyepti Active ingredient erenumab-aooe fremanezumab-vfrm galcanezumab-gnlm eptinezumab-jjmr How it’s administered subcutaneous self-injection using a prefilled auto-injector or prefilled syringe subcutaneous self-injection using a prefilled syringe subcutaneous self-injection using a prefilled pen or syringe intravenous (IV) infusion by a healthcare professional Dosing monthly monthly or every 3 months monthly every 3 months How it works prevents CGRP effects by blocking the CGRP receptor, which prevents CGRP from binding to it prevents CGRP effects by binding to CGRP, which prevents it from binding to the CGRP receptor prevents CGRP effects by binding to CGRP, which prevents it from binding to the CGRP receptor prevents CGRP effects by binding to CGRP, which prevents it from binding to the CGRP receptor

Aimovig vs. Ajovy

Aimovig contains the drug erenumab, which is a monoclonal antibody. Ajovy contains the drug fremanezumab, which is also a monoclonal antibody. Monoclonal antibodies are medications created in a lab. These drugs are developed from immune system cells. They work by blocking the activity of certain proteins in your body.

Aimovig and Ajovy both stop the activity of a protein called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). CGRP causes inflammation and vasodilation (widening of blood vessels) in the brain, which may result in migraine headaches. Blocking CGRP helps prevent migraine.

Uses

Aimovig and Ajovy are both FDA approved to prevent migraine headaches in adults.

Forms and administration

Aimovig and Ajovy both come as solutions that are injected under your skin (subcutaneous injections). You can give the injection to yourself at home. Both drugs can be self-injected in certain areas, such as:

• your belly
• the front of your thighs
• the back of your upper arms

Aimovig is usually taken once per month. Depending on the dosage prescribed, Ajovy can be given once each month or once every 3 months.

Side effects and risks

Aimovig and Ajovy work in similar ways and cause some of the same side effects. The common and serious side effects of both drugs follow.

More common side effects

These lists contain examples of more common side effects that can occur with Aimovig, with Ajovy, or with both drugs (when taken individually).

• Can occur with Aimovig: muscle cramps or spasms upper respiratory infections (such as the common cold or a sinus infection) flu-like symptoms back pain
• muscle cramps or spasms
• upper respiratory infections (such as the common cold or a sinus infection)
• flu-like symptoms
• back pain
• Can occur with Ajovy: (no unique common side effects)
• (no unique common side effects)
• Can occur with both Aimovig and Ajovy: injection site reactions such as pain, itchiness, redness, or deepening of skin color
• injection site reactions such as pain, itchiness, redness, or deepening of skin color

Serious side effects

These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Aimovig, with Ajovy, or with both drugs (when taken individually).

• Can occur with Aimovig: constipation new or worsened high blood pressure
• constipation
• new or worsened high blood pressure
• Can occur with Ajovy: (no unique serious side effects)
• (no unique serious side effects)
• Can occur with both Aimovig and Ajovy:

Immune reaction

In clinical trials done for both Aimovig and Ajovy, a small number of people had an immune reaction to the drugs. The reaction caused their bodies to develop antibodies against the medications.

Antibodies are proteins made by the immune system to fight off foreign substances in your body. Your body can develop antibodies to any foreign substance, including monoclonal antibodies. If your body makes antibodies to Aimovig or Ajovy, the drug may no longer work for you.

In clinical trials for Aimovig, more than 6% of people developed antibodies to the drug. In ongoing clinical studies, fewer than 2% of people developed antibodies to Ajovy.

Because Aimovig and Ajovy were approved in 2018, it’s still too early to know how common this effect might be and how it might affect the way people use these drugs in the future.

Effectiveness

Aimovig and Ajovy are both effective at preventing migraine headaches, but they haven’t been directly compared in clinical trials.

However,

• do not have fewer monthly migraine episodes with other drugs
• cannot tolerate other medications because of side effects or drug interactions

Episodic migraine

Separate studies of Aimovig and Ajovy showed effectiveness for preventing episodic migraine.

• In clinical studies of Aimovig, about 40% of people with episodic migraine who received 70 mg of the drug monthly had fewer migraine days by at least half over 6 months. Up to 50% of people who received 140 mg had similar results.
• In a clinical study of Ajovy, around 48% of people with episodic migraine who received monthly treatment with the drug cut their migraine days by at least half over 3 months. About 44% of people who received Ajovy every 3 months had similar results.

Chronic migraine

Separate studies of Aimovig and Ajovy also showed effectiveness for preventing chronic migraine.

• In a 3-month clinical study of Aimovig, about 40% of people with chronic migraine who received either 70 mg or 140 mg of the drug monthly had half as many migraine days or fewer.
• In a 3-month clinical study of Ajovy, almost 41% of people with chronic migraine who received monthly Ajovy therapy had half as many migraine days after treatment or fewer. Of the people who received Ajovy every 3 months, around 37% had similar results.

Costs

Aimovig and Ajovy are both brand-name medications. There are no generic forms of either drug available. Brand-name medications generally cost more than generic forms.

Aimovig and Ajovy cost roughly the same amount. The actual price you would pay for either drug would depend on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use. Your price for Aimovig would also depend on your dose.

Aimovig vs. Botox

Aimovig contains a monoclonal antibody called erenumab. A monoclonal antibody is a type of drug developed in a lab. These drugs are made from immune system cells. Aimovig works to prevent migraine headaches by blocking the activity of a specific protein that can cause them.

Botox contains the drug onabotulinumtoxinA. This drug belongs to a class of medications called neurotoxins. Botox works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles that it’s injected into. This effect prevents pain signals in the muscles from being activated. It’s thought that this process helps prevent migraine headaches before they start.

Uses

Aimovig is approved by the FDA to prevent episodic or chronic migraine in adults.

Botox is FDA approved to prevent chronic migraine in adults. Botox is also approved to treat several other conditions, such as:

• cervical dystonia (painfully twisted neck)
• eyelid spasms
• overactive bladder
• muscle spasticity
• excessive sweating

Forms and administration

Aimovig comes as a solution that’s injected under your skin (a subcutaneous injection). You can give the injection to yourself at home. It can be self-injected in certain areas, such as:

• your belly
• the front of your thighs
• the back of your upper arms

Aimovig is usually taken once per month.

Botox also comes as a solution. It’s injected into your muscle (an intramuscular injection), usually once every 12 weeks. And it’s only given in a doctor’s office.

The usual sites for Botox injections include:

• your forehead
• the back of your neck and shoulders
• above and near your ears
• near your hairline at the base of your neck

Your doctor will typically give you 31 small injections in these areas at each appointment.

Side effects and risks

Aimovig and Botox are both used to prevent migraine headaches, but they work in different ways. Therefore, they have some similar side effects and some different.

More common side effects

These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Aimovig, with Botox, or with both drugs (when taken individually).

• Can occur with Aimovig: muscle cramps muscle spasms back pain upper respiratory infections (such as the common cold or a sinus infection)
• muscle cramps
• muscle spasms
• back pain
• upper respiratory infections (such as the common cold or a sinus infection)
• Can occur with Botox: headache or worsening migraine eyelid droop facial muscle paralysis neck pain muscle stiffness muscle pain and weakness
• headache or worsening migraine
• eyelid droop
• facial muscle paralysis
• neck pain
• muscle stiffness
• muscle pain and weakness
• Can occur with both Aimovig and Botox: injection site reactions flu-like symptoms
• injection site reactions
• flu-like symptoms

Serious side effects

These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Aimovig, with Botox, or with both drugs (when taken individually).

• Can occur with Aimovig: constipation new or worsening high blood pressure
• constipation
• new or worsening high blood pressure
• Can occur with Botox: spread of paralysis to nearby muscles* trouble swallowing and breathing serious infection
• spread of paralysis to nearby muscles*
• trouble swallowing and breathing
• serious infection
• Can occur with both Aimovig and Botox:

* Botox has a boxed warning from the FDA for spread of paralysis to nearby muscles following injection. A boxed warning is the strongest warning the FDA requires. It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Effectiveness

The only condition both Aimovig and Botox are used to prevent is chronic migraine.

Botox is recommended by the American Academy of Neurology as an option for treatment in people with chronic migraine.

The effectiveness of these drugs hasn’t been directly compared in clinical studies. However, in separate studies, Aimovig and Botox both achieved effective results in preventing chronic migraine.

• In a clinical study of Aimovig, about 40% of people with chronic migraine who received either 70 mg or 140 mg had half as many migraine days or fewer after 3 months.
• In clinical studies of people with chronic migraine, Botox reduced the number of headache days by up to 9.2 days on average per month, over 24 weeks. In another study , around 47% of people had a decrease in their number of headache days by at least half.

Costs

Aimovig and Botox are both brand-name medications. There are currently no generic forms available of either drug.

Botox is typically less expensive than Aimovig. The actual price you would pay for either drug would depend on your dose, insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Aimovig vs. Topamax

Aimovig contains a monoclonal antibody called erenumab. A monoclonal antibody is a type of drug developed from immune system cells. Drugs of this type are made in a lab. Aimovig helps to prevent migraine headaches by stopping the activity of specific proteins that cause them.

Topamax contains topiramate, a type of drug that’s also used to treat seizures. It’s not well understood how Topamax works to prevent migraine headaches. It’s thought that the drug decreases overactive nerve cells in the brain that might cause migraine headaches.

Uses

Both Aimovig and Topamax are FDA approved to prevent migraine headaches. Aimovig is approved for use in adults, while Topamax is approved for use in adults and children ages 12 years and older.

Topamax is also approved to treat epilepsy.

Forms and administration

Aimovig comes as a solution inside single-dose prefilled auto-injectors and syringes. It’s given as an injection under your skin (a subcutaneous injection). You’ll give injections of Aimovig to yourself at home once per month.

Topamax comes as an oral capsule or oral tablet. It’s typically taken twice daily.

Side effects and risks

Aimovig and Topamax work in different ways in the body and therefore have different side effects. Some of the common and serious side effects of both drugs follow. The list does not include all possible side effects.

More common side effects

These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Aimovig, with Topamax, or with both drugs (when taken individually).

• Can occur with Aimovig: injection site reactions back pain muscle cramps muscle spasms flu-like symptoms
• injection site reactions
• back pain
• muscle cramps
• muscle spasms
• flu-like symptoms
• Can occur with Topamax: sore throat fatigue paresthesia (feeling of “pins and needles”) nausea diarrhea weight loss loss of appetite trouble concentrating
• sore throat
• fatigue
• paresthesia (feeling of “pins and needles”)
• nausea
• diarrhea
• weight loss
• loss of appetite
• trouble concentrating
• Can occur with both Aimovig and Topamax: respiratory tract infection (such as the common cold or a sinus infection)
• respiratory tract infection (such as the common cold or a sinus infection)

Serious side effects

These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Aimovig, with Topamax, or with both drugs (when taken individually).

• Can occur with Aimovig: constipation new or worsening high blood pressure
• constipation
• new or worsening high blood pressure
• Can occur with Topamax: vision problems, including glaucoma decreased sweating (inability to regulate body temperature) metabolic acidosis suicidal thoughts and actions thought problems such as confusion and memory issues depression encephalopathy (brain disease) kidney stones increased seizures when drug is stopped suddenly (when drug is used for seizure treatment)
• vision problems, including glaucoma
• decreased sweating (inability to regulate body temperature)
• metabolic acidosis
• suicidal thoughts and actions
• thought problems such as confusion and memory issues
• depression
• encephalopathy (brain disease)
• kidney stones
• increased seizures when drug is stopped suddenly (when drug is used for seizure treatment)
• Can occur with both Aimovig and Topamax:

Effectiveness

The only purpose both Aimovig and Topamax are FDA approved for is migraine prevention.

• cannot take other medications because of side effects or drug interactions
• cannot reduce the number of monthly migraine headaches enough with other medications

Treatment guidelines recommend Topiramate as an option for preventing episodic migraine.

Clinical studies have not directly compared the effectiveness of these two drugs in preventing migraine headaches. However, the drugs have been studied separately.

Episodic migraine

Separate studies of Aimovig and Topamax showed that both drugs were effective in preventing episodic migraine:

• In Aimovig clinical studies, up to 50% of people with episodic migraine who received 140 mg had a reduction in migraine days by at least half over 6 months of treatment. About 40% of people who received 70 mg saw similar results.
• In clinical studies of people with episodic migraine who took Topamax, those ages 12 years and older had about two fewer migraine headaches each month. Children ages 12 to 17 years with episodic migraine had three fewer migraine headaches each month.

Chronic migraine

Separate studies of the drugs showed that both Aimovig and Topamax were effective in preventing chronic migraine:

• In a 3-month clinical study of Aimovig, about 40% of people with chronic migraine who received either 70 mg or 140 mg had half as many migraine days or fewer after treatment.
• A study that looked at the results of several clinical trials found that in people with chronic migraine, Topamax reduced the number of migraine headaches or headaches by about five to nine each month.

Costs

Aimovig and Topamax are both brand-name medications. Brand-name medications usually cost more than generic medications. Aimovig is not available in a generic form, but Topamax comes as a generic called topiramate.

Topamax may cost more or less than Aimovig, depending on your dose. And topiramate, the generic form of Topamax, will cost less than either Topamax or Aimovig.

The actual price for any of these drugs will depend on your dose, your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Here are answers to other frequently asked questions about Aimovig.