New Hope for Migraine Patients

The FDA has approved a new drug for the prevention of migraines. Aimovig (erenumab) was evaluated in 3 separate clinical trials and found to be effective in reducing the number of migraines headaches by 1 to 2.5 episodes a month in patients compared with placebo.

The drug helps prevent migraines by interacting with a protein called CGRP (calcitonin gene related peptide). The most common adverse effects are injection site irritation and constipation. The drug is administered monthly by self-injection. The US list price of Aimovig is $575 for once monthly 70 mg or 140 mg single-use prefilled SureClick® autoinjectors, or $6900 annually.

Although not a cure, the medication offers hope and some relief for the more than 4 million people afflicted with migraine headaches and the physical and emotional pain they cause.

Related content: CGRPs: New Help in Migraine Prophylaxis?

Reference

1. US Food and Drug Administration. FDA approves novel preventive treatment for migraine. May 17, 2018. https://www.fda.gov/newsevents/newsroom/pressannouncements/ucm608120.htm. Accessed June 7, 2018.