ERENUMAB

Erenumab received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on May 17, 2018, and belongs to the monoclonal antibody class. This medication is indicated for 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.

Avoid excessive use of pain-relieving medicines, as frequent use of certain drugs, including opioids, triptans, and NSAIDs, may contribute to medication-overuse headaches. Avoid going for long periods without eating, as low blood sugar may trigger migraines in some people. Including magnesium-rich foods, sources of omega-3 fatty acids, and hydrating foods in your diet may help support migraine management.

Consider keeping a migraine diary or using a smartphone app to track episodes, possible triggers, symptoms, and patterns. Identifying these trends can help you manage migraines more effectively. Aim for 7–9 hours of good-quality sleep each night and maintain adequate hydration by drinking around 8–10 glasses of water daily.

Attend all scheduled appointments and follow-up visits with your healthcare provider so that your response to treatment can be monitored and any side effects can be addressed promptly. With appropriate monitoring and management, erenumab may help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine episodes.

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 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 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