Erenumab was initially approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 17, 2018, belongs to the class of monoclonal antibodies. This medication is used for the preventive treatment of migraines in adults.

Erenumab is used as a preventive treatment for individuals who experience frequent migraine attacks. 

Erenumab is administered as a subcutaneous injection. The medicine will be prescribed to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. Erenumab is administered as a subcutaneous injection. It is injected under the skin, typically in the abdomen or thigh area, once a month. This route of administration allows the medication to be absorbed into the bloodstream and exert its preventive effects on migraines over time. It's important to follow the proper injection technique and guidelines your healthcare provider provides to ensure the medication is administered correctly and safely. It is available in the dose of 70 mg. 

Erenumab may lead to a range of side effects, with common ones encompassing injection site reactions, constipation, muscle spasms, fatigue, and nausea. While severe allergic reactions are rare, they require immediate medical attention if experienced. Discussing any side effects with a healthcare provider and adhering to proper administration guidelines is important. Individual responses can vary, and careful monitoring of potential reactions is advised to ensure safe and effective migraine prevention.

It is not recommended to use this medicine if you are allergic to the active compound erenumab and its compounds. If you have a history of hypersensitivity reactions to biologic agents or other injectable treatments, you should discuss this with your healthcare provider before starting erenumab. It is not recommended to use in childrens and adolescents under 18 years old. The use in elderly individuals needs close monitoring. Erenumab can cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. This medication may lead to constipation. It might affect blood pressure. This medication may affect the immune response. Abrupt discontinuation of this medication may lead to an increase in migraine frequency.

Individuals with severe liver or kidney impairment may require dosage adjustments or careful monitoring when using this medication. It may have an effect on your blood pressure. Individuals with severe cardiovascular illnesses, such as uncontrolled hypertension or a history of heart attack, may need to monitor or change their treatment plan while using this medicine. If you develop serious constipation of new hypertension it is advised to see a healthcare professional. Pregnant women and nursing mothers are required to get their consultation prior to taking erenumab. It is advised to inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you are taking including herbal, vitamin supplements and over the counter medicines before starting the treatment.

Proper injection technique is important to prevent injection site reactions. Ensure you have been properly trained on how to self-administer erenumab.

You are advised to be cautious with overuse of pain-relieving medications, as frequent use of certain medications (e.g., opioids, triptans, NSAIDs) can lead to medication-overuse headaches. You should not skip meals for a longer time since low blood sugar levels can cause migraines in some cases. You are advised to eat foods rich in magnesium, omega 3 fatty acids  and hydrating foods to cope with migraine pain.Use a migraine journal or smartphone app to record your migraine episodes, along with their causes, symptoms, and any trends that may emerge. Finding trends and triggers can help you better manage your disease.You should also maintain a quality sleep around 7-9 hours and proper hydration with 8-10 glasses of water per day to keep away migraines. 

Remember to attend all scheduled appointments and follow-up visits with your healthcare provider to ensure your treatment is effective and any side effects are managed appropriately. With proper monitoring and management, erenumab can be effective in migraine treatments. 

1. Amgen Inc. , United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), [Revised on February 2021], [Accessed on March 2024], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/761077s009lbl.pdf
2. Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd,  European Medicines Compendium (emc), [Revised on August 2023], [Accessed on March 2024], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.10297.pdf
3. Anna P.Andreou et al; The role of erenumab in the treatment of migraine; Therapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders, [Published on 27/05/2020] ,[Accessed on 23-04-2024], https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32523630 

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.