Understanding Ajovy: A Preventive Treatment for Migraines
Migraine is a common but disabling neurological condition that affects billions of people worldwide. It is characterized by recurrent attacks of headache lasting between 4 and 72 hours, often worsened by routine physical activity like walking. Along with headache, many people experience nausea, sensitivity to light, and sound.1
Migraine typically peaks between 25 and 50 years of age, affecting people of all genders. Based on the frequency of attacks, migraines are classified as1:
- Chronic Migraine (CM): Headaches occur 15 or more days per month for at least 3 months.
- Episodic Migraine (EM): Fewer than 15 headache days per month.
Unlike medications used to relieve pain during an attack, preventive treatments like Ajovy aim to reduce the number, frequency, and intensity of migraine attacks over time.1
What Is Ajovy?
Ajovy is a prescription medicine used in adults to help prevent migraines, particularly in those who experience migraines on 4 or more days each month.2
It is not intended to treat a migraine once it starts, but rather to lower the frequency of attacks with regular use.
Active Ingredient: Fremanezumab
Ajovy contains fremanezumab, a monoclonal antibody—a lab-made protein that targets specific molecules in the body. Fremanezumab belongs to a class of medicines that act by blocking migraine-related pathways.1
How Does Ajovy Work?
Migraine attacks are influenced by a protein called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). During a migraine episode, CGRP levels rise, causing blood vessels in the brain to widen and become inflamed, leading to pain.1
Ajovy works by binding to CGRP and preventing it from interacting with its receptors. This action blocks one of the key processes that trigger migraines.2
Who Can Benefit from Ajovy?
Ajovy is recommended for adults with frequent or chronic migraines, particularly those who:
- Experience 4 or more migraine days per month3
- Have not responded well to other preventive treatments4
- Need a convenient, long-term management option2
How Is Ajovy Taken?
Ajovy is administered as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin) using a pre-filled syringe. It is designed for patient-friendly use and can be taken at home after proper training.2
Dosing Options:
Ajovy offers two flexible dosing schedules2:
- 225 mg once a month (one injection) or
- 675 mg once every three months (three injection at different sites)
Both dosing options have shown effectiveness. The choice depends on the doctor’s recommendation.3
What to Know Before Starting Ajovy
Before the patient is started on Ajovy, the healthcare provider will:
- Review the medical history, allergies, and current medications
- Discuss potential risks such as planning pregnancy, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Ajovy should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary, and its safety during breastfeeding is not fully established.
Possible Side Effects
Ajovy is generally well-tolerated. However, like all medications, it may cause side effects. Although not everybody gets them.3
Common (more than 1 in 10 people): pain, hardening or redness at the injection site.3
Less Common: rash or itching, allergic reactions (rare but serious)3
Seek medical help immediately if you notice symptoms like facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or a severe rash.
Safe Use and Storage Tips3:
- Store Ajovy in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze.
- It can be kept at room temperature (up to 30°C) for up to 7 days before use.
- Do not use if the solution is cloudy or discolored.
- Dispose of used syringes in a specific container.
Comparing Ajovy to Other CGRP Monoclonal Antibodies
Ajovy belongs to a group of CGRP-targeting preventive therapies for migraine. Other similar treatments include:
|
Medication |
How It Works |
Dosing |
Route |
|
Aimovig (erenumab) |
Blocks CGRP receptor5 |
Monthly5 |
Subcutaneous5 |
|
Emgality (galcanezumab) |
Blocks CGRP protein6 |
Monthly6 |
Subcutaneous6 |
|
Vyepti (eptinezumab) |
Blocks CGRP protein7 |
Every 3 months7 |
IV infusion7 |
|
Ajovy |
Blocks CGRP protein2 |
Monthly or quarterly2 |
Subcutaneous2 |
Ajovy stands out by offering both monthly and quarterly injection options.2
Accessing Ajovy in India: The Named Patient Program (NPP)
Ajovy is not yet available at regular pharmacies in India, but patients can obtain it legally through the Named Patient Program (NPP).
What Is the NPP?
The NPP is a regulated access program that allows Indian patients to receive internationally approved medicines not yet launched in the country.8
How to Get Ajovy via NPP:
1. Consult your neurologist to confirm if Ajovy is suitable.
2. The doctor will prepare a prescription and medical documents.
3. Reach out to authorized service providers such as Rx4u.
4. The provider will assist with import paperwork, cold-chain delivery and payment options
5. Delivery usually takes 2–4 weeks.
- Key Takeaways
- Ajovy is a preventive injection for frequent or chronic migraine in adults.
- It blocks CGRP, a protein involved in migraine development.
- It is available as monthly or quarterly injections.
- Common side effects are mild and typically injection-related.
- Available in India through the Named Patient Program (NPP).
- Ideal for people who want to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.
FAQs
1. Will Ajovy stop my migraines completely?
- Not always. Ajovy helps reduce the number and intensity of migraines.1
2. When will I see improvement?
- Many patients notice fewer migraine days within the first month of treatment.2
3. Is Ajovy safe for long-term use?
- Yes. Clinical trials and real-world use have shown it to be safe and well-tolerated over extended periods.3
4. Can I stop taking Ajovy suddenly?
- Do not stop or skip doses without talking to your doctor, as migraine symptoms may return or worsen.
Note:
The information provided is for education purpose only and is subjected to prescribing information of the drug and the guidance of your treating physician. Always consult your health care provider before making any medical decision for starting your treatment.
Disclaimer:
Rx4U procures prescribed medicines directly from manufacturers or authorized distributors. It does not claim ownership of any trademarks and complies with the provisions of the Trademark Act, 1999, particularly Sections 30 and 30(1) concerning ‘Fair Use’. It solely facilitates access to new launches through named patient import.
References:
1. Urits I, Clark G, An D, Wesp B, Zhou R, Amgalan A, et al. An evidence-based review of fremanezumab for the treatment of migraine. Pain Ther. 2020;9:195-215.
2. European Medicines Agency. Updated April 4, 2025. Accessed June 20, 2025. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/ajovy
3. Product information. Teva GmbH.
4. Real-world study demonstrates beneficial effects of Ajovy treatment for individuals with episodic and chronic migraine switching from other anti-CGRP therapies. Practical Neurology. April 15, 2024. Accessed June 20, 2025. https://practicalneurology.com/news/real-world-study-demonstrates-beneficial-effects-of-ajovy-treatment-for-individuals-with-episodic-and-chronic-migraine-switching-from-other-anti-cgrp-therapies/2470446/
5. European Medicines Agency. Updated December 19, 2024. Accessed June 20, 2025. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/aimovig
6. European Medicines Agency. Updated April 4, 2025. Accessed June 20, 2025. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/emgality
7. European Medicines Agency. Updated April 4, 2025. Accessed June 20, 2025. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/vyepti
8. Patil S. Early access programs: Benefits, challenges, and key considerations for successful implementation. Perspect Clin Res. 2016;7(1):4-8. doi:10.4103/2229-3485.173779
