Erenumab
Pronunciation: (eh-REN-yoo-mab).
- Generic name
- erenumab
- Brand names
- CGRPban, Aimovig, MigraFree
- Drug class
- Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) Receptor Antagonist; Monoclonal Antibody
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States
Australia: · Full directory
What erenumab is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how erenumab works
Erenumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to and blocks the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor. CGRP is a neuropeptide involved in the pathophysiology of migraine, mediating vasodilation and pain transmission. By inhibiting CGRP receptor activation, erenumab reduces the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.
What erenumab is used for
Migraine prevention
Indicated for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults; it reduces how often and how severely migraines occur over time and is not used to treat a migraine attack that has already started. (2)
Before taking erenumab
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to erenumab or any of its excipients. (Contraindication) (2)
- Safety in pregnancy, lactation, and pediatric populations has not been established. (Contraindication) (2)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take erenumab
- General Instructions: Erenumab is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) once a month. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions.. Adult Dosing: The recommended starting dose is 70 mg injected subcutaneously once monthly. Some patients may benefit from a higher dose of 140 mg once monthly, based on clinical response.. Pediatric Dosing: Safety and efficacy in children and adolescents under 18 years have not been established.. Administration: Inject into the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites each month. Do not inject into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, or hard.. When To Stop: Do not stop using erenumab without consulting your doctor. If you experience severe side effects or allergic reactions, seek medical advice immediately.. Storage: Store in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Protect from light. Do not freeze. Allow to reach room temperature before injection.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then, continue with your next dose in one month. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.
Overdose
If you accidentally use more than the prescribed dose, contact your healthcare provider or local poison control center immediately. There is no specific antidote; treatment is supportive. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Constipation
Incidence: 1%-3% (per FDA label, occurring >=3% more than placebo in the higher range of trials)
Injection site reactions (pain, redness, itching)
Incidence: 5%-6% (per FDA label)
Muscle cramps
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Back pain
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Hypersensitivity reactions
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Hypertension
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Angioedema
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Signs of a serious hypersensitivity reaction (facial or throat swelling, difficulty breathing, widespread rash or hives), which can occur hours to more than a week after a dose
Incidence: Uncommon but serious
Severe or persistent constipation, especially with abdominal pain or vomiting
Incidence: Uncommon but can become serious, occasionally requiring hospitalization or surgery
Serious warnings
Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including rash, angioedema, and anaphylaxis, have occurred, sometimes as early as hours after a dose but occasionally more than a week later — seek prompt medical care for swelling, breathing trouble, or a severe rash after any dose — serious
Symptoms: Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including rash, angioedema, and anaphylaxis, have occurred, sometimes as early as hours after a dose but occasionally more than a week later — seek prompt medical care for swelling, breathing trouble, or a severe rash after any dose. Severe constipation with serious complications (in some cases requiring hospitalization or surgery) has been reported, most often after the first dose but sometimes later; contact a clinician promptly for severe or persistent constipation. Not approved for use in children under 18 years. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established. Use caution in patients with a history of gastrointestinal disorders.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
The only formal FDA contraindication is serious hypersensitivity to erenumab-aooe or any of its excipients — serious
Symptoms: The only formal FDA contraindication is serious hypersensitivity to erenumab-aooe or any of its excipients. Beyond that, clinicians use caution in patients with a history of severe constipation or gastrointestinal disorders, and safety in pregnancy, lactation, and pediatric populations has not been established.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Erenumab has a low potential for drug-drug interactions as it is a monoclonal antibody and is not metabolized by liver enzymes. However, always inform your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements you are taking. |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
There is no adequate human data on developmental risk with erenumab. A pregnancy exposure registry monitors outcomes in women exposed to erenumab during pregnancy (enrollment information: 1-833-244-4083). For context, the general-population background risk of major birth defects is about 2%-4% and of miscarriage about 15%-20%, regardless of drug exposure. Any pregnancy or plan to become pregnant should be discussed with the prescribing clinician. (2)
Breastfeeding
There is no data on whether erenumab passes into human breast milk, its effects on a breastfed infant, or its effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be weighed against the mother's clinical need for erenumab and any potential infant risk, in discussion with the treating clinician. (2)
Children
Frequency: Not applicable. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable. Max Single Dose: Not applicable. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children (2)
Renal_impairment
No dose adjustment is needed for renal or hepatic impairment. Population pharmacokinetic analysis showed no clinically significant difference in patients with mild-to-moderate renal impairment; severe renal impairment has not been specifically studied, so closer clinician monitoring is reasonable in that group. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
No dose adjustment is needed for renal or hepatic impairment. Population pharmacokinetic analysis showed no clinically significant difference in patients with mild-to-moderate renal impairment; severe renal impairment has not been specifically studied, so closer clinician monitoring is reasonable in that group. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Refrigerate at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) in the original carton, protected from light. Do not freeze. If removed from the refrigerator, erenumab may be kept at room temperature (up to 77°F/25°C) for up to 7 days total before it must be discarded; allow it to reach room temperature before injecting. Keep out of reach of children.
Study the drug class: Triptans and migraine agents
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Migraine prevention
Dose summary: 70 mg subcutaneously once monthly or 140 mg subcutaneously once monthly.
Renal context: No dose adjustment needed; population pharmacokinetic analysis showed no clinically significant difference in mild-to-moderate renal impairment. Severe renal impairment has not been specifically studied. (2)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for erenumab to start working?
Some people may notice fewer migraine days within the first month, but it can take up to 3 months to see the full benefit of erenumab.
Can I use erenumab to treat a migraine attack?
No, erenumab is not for acute migraine attacks. It is used to prevent migraines from occurring.
What should I do if I experience severe constipation while taking erenumab?
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you develop severe constipation, especially if it is associated with abdominal pain or vomiting.
Is erenumab safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
There is limited data on the safety of erenumab in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor before use.
Can I self-inject erenumab at home?
Yes, after proper training by your healthcare provider, you can self-inject erenumab at home using a pre-filled syringe or autoinjector.
Does erenumab interact with other migraine medications?
Erenumab is not known to interact with most other migraine medications, but always inform your doctor about all medicines you use.
What should I do if I miss a dose of erenumab?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, then continue with your next dose in one month. Do not double up doses.
What happens if I take too much Erenumab?
If you suspect an overdose of Erenumab, seek emergency medical attention immediately. While specific overdose symptoms for Erenumab are not well-documented, any unusual or severe reactions should prompt urgent medical evaluation. Overdosing on any medication can lead to serious health complications, so it is crucial to contact a poison control center or emergency services without delay.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Erenumab?
There are no known direct interactions between Erenumab and alcohol. However, alcohol can be a migraine trigger for some individuals and may exacerbate migraine symptoms. It is generally advisable to limit alcohol consumption while undergoing migraine treatment to better assess the medication's effectiveness and avoid potential triggers. Always discuss alcohol use with your healthcare provider.
Is Erenumab safe during pregnancy?
Erenumab's pregnancy category is not definitively established, and its safety during pregnancy has not been fully studied in humans. Therefore, it is crucial to consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding before starting or continuing Erenumab. Your healthcare provider can assess the potential risks and benefits and recommend the most appropriate course of action for your specific situation.
What is the mechanism of action of erenumab?
Erenumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to and blocks the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor. CGRP is a neuropeptide involved in the pathophysiology of migraine, mediating vasodilation and pain transmission. By inhibiting CGRP receptor activation, erenumab reduces the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.
What is the generic name of Erenumab?
The generic name is erenumab. It is sold under brand names including CGRPban, Aimovig, MigraFree.
What class of drug is erenumab?
Erenumab is classed as: Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) Receptor Antagonist; Monoclonal Antibody.
References
- Erenumab — MedGuideGlobal Medicine RecordMedGuideGlobal · Global · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- AIMOVIG (erenumab-aooe) injection — prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration · United States · dated 2026 · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- Erenumab-aooe Injection — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- AIMOVIG — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA BLA761077)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- erenumab — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 2045613)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient erenumab names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- AIMOVIG70 mg/mL, 140 mg/mL · amgen, inc