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Drug vs. Drug

Aimovig vs. Ajovy: Differences, similarities & side effects

Learn why a healthcare provider might prescribe Aimovig or Ajovy for migraine prevention
Karen Berger medical writer and reviewer headshot
By | Oct. 16, 2024
Two autoinjector pens: Aimovig vs. Ajovy

Key takeaways

  • Aimovig and Ajovy are injectable prescription medications classified as CGRP inhibitors and are used to prevent migraine in adults. 

  • Aimovig is injected once a month, while Ajovy can be injected once a month or as a higher dose every three months (with three consecutive injections).

  • Both medications may cause injection site reactions, such as pain, redness, or itching. In rare cases, Aimovig may cause constipation that could require hospitalization or surgery. Aimovig can also cause or worsen high blood pressure.

  • Consult your healthcare provider for more information about both drugs and professional medical advice regarding your condition and treatment options.

In this article:

Aimovig and Ajovy are two brand-name injectable medications used to prevent migraine. They are classified in a group of medications called calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonists, also known as CGRP antagonists, or CGRP inhibitors. These medicines work by blocking CGRP, a substance involved in migraine-related pain and inflammation. Aimovig is made by the pharmaceutical company Amgen, Inc. Ajovy is made by Teva Pharmaceuticals USA. Continue reading to learn more about the similarities and differences of Aimovig and Ajovy.

Aimovig vs. Ajovy: Key differences

Both Aimovig and Ajovy are brand-name CGRP inhibitors and are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in adults for migraine prevention. Aimovig is injected under the skin once a month. Ajovy offers two dosing options: It can be injected once a month or as a higher dose every three months (quarterly). If prescribed the three-month option, you will need to use three autoinjectors or syringes, each containing 225 milligrams (mg), to add up to the 675 mg dose. You will give yourself three separate injections, one after the other. You can use the same general area for all three injections, but avoid injecting all three shots into the exact same spot.

As mentioned above, these drugs block CGRP, but they act at different points in the process by which CGRP contributes to migraine pain. Aimovig blocks the part of the brain cell that CGRP needs to attach to (the CGRP receptor) in order to cause migraine pain. It is similar to putting a lock on the door so CGRP cannot get in. On the other hand, Ajovy prevents CGRP from reaching the door in the first place. It is like blocking the keyhole so CGRP cannot reach the door. So, both medicines stop CGRP from causing migraine, but they do this in different ways.

Both Aimovig and Ajovy are biologics, complex drugs derived from living organisms, such as plants or animals. More specifically, Aimovig and Ajovy are monoclonal antibodies, a type of biologic designed to target specific substances in the body. Unlike some other biologics, these two medications do not have biosimilars available. Biosimilars are similar to their original biologic drugs but are not identical, because biologics are complex and hard to replicate. This is different from generics, which are almost exact copies of non-biologic brand-name drugs. 

Compare Aimovig vs. Ajovy key differences
Aimovig Ajovy
Drug class CGRP inhibitor CGRP inhibitor
Brand/generic status Brand  Brand 
What is the generic name? The active ingredient is called erenumab-aooe, but there is no generic or biosimilar available  The active ingredient is called fremanezumab-vfrm, but there is no generic or biosimilar available 
What form(s) does the drug come in? Injection: autoinjector Injection: autoinjector, prefilled syringe
What is the standard dosage? The usual dosage is 70 mg or 140 mg injected once a month by subcutaneous route, under the skin of the stomach, thigh, or upper arm  The dosage is either 225 mg once a month OR 675 mg (as 3 consecutive injections of 225 mg each) every 3 months injected by subcutaneous route, under the skin of the stomach, thigh, or upper arm 
How long is the typical treatment? Varies  Varies 
Who typically uses the medication? Adults  Adults 

 

Aimovig vs. Ajovy: Conditions treated

Aimovig and Ajovy are both FDA approved for the prevention of migraine in adults. They can be used for either episodic or chronic migraine. People with episodic migraine have up to 14 headache days per month. People with chronic migraine have 15 or more migraine days per month. 

Neither drug is intended for acute migraine treatment (i.e., for addressing symptoms as they occur, as medicines like triptans do). Both medications are used only for preventive treatment.

Compare Aimovig vs. Ajovy conditions treated
Condition Aimovig Ajovy
Prevention of migraine  Yes  Yes 
Acute migraine treatment No No

 

Is Ajovy better than Aimovig?

Although pharmaceutical companies demonstrated the safety and efficacy of these drugs individually in clinical trials, there is limited data directly comparing the two.

A small study compared three preventive migraine medications for chronic migraine—Aimovig, Ajovy, and Emgality (another CGRP inhibitor). The study measured how well these drugs worked by tracking how many migraine days patients had each month and how migraine affected their daily lives. The results showed that all three drugs helped reduce the number of migraine days and improved quality of life at 12 and 24 weeks. There was no significant difference in overall effectiveness between the drugs.

RELATED: Emgality vs. Aimovig

It was previously thought that drugs like Aimovig and Ajovy were only used when other preventive treatments were ineffective. However, 2024 guidelines from the American Headache Society now recommend these CGRP inhibitors as first-line preventive treatment options for both episodic and chronic migraine.

Experts point out that individual responses to treatment can vary. If one drug in this class does not provide the desired results, switching to another may be beneficial. Some patients who do not respond to one CGRP inhibitor may find relief with a different one.

The best treatment for you depends on your individual health needs and circumstances. Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider, as only they can take individual factors into account and determine which treatment is best for you.

Aimovig vs. Ajovy: Insurance coverage and cost comparison

Insurance coverage for Aimovig and Ajovy varies by health insurance plan. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing estimates and information about your copay and coverage, contact your insurance company directly. Some plans may require prior authorization before covering Aimovig or Ajovy, meaning your healthcare provider will need to submit information explaining the need for the medication before the insurance company decides on coverage.

For those without insurance:

  • A one-month Aimovig prescription may cost approximately $1,065, but using a free SingleCare prescription discount card provides access to Aimovig coupons that can lower the price to $741, providing a savings of about $324 per month.
  • A one-month Ajovy prescription may cost around $989, but you can pay as low as $644 with a SingleCare Ajovy coupon, offering a savings of about $345 per month.

You can also visit the manufacturers’ websites for more information on savings options or financial assistance for your specific situation (e.g., private insurance, no insurance, or Medicare).

Compare Aimovig vs. Ajovy cost & coverage
Aimovig Ajovy
Typically covered by insurance? Varies  Varies 
Typically covered by Medicare Part D? Coverage may differ; out-of-pocket costs also vary Coverage may differ; out-of-pocket costs also vary
Quantity 1 box 1 box
SingleCare cost* $741 $644
*This is the cost at one major pharmacy at the time of publication. Drug prices fluctuate and vary by pharmacy. 

Aimovig vs. Ajovy side effects

The most common side effects of Aimovig and Ajovy are injection site reactions, which can involve pain, redness, or itching at the site where you inject the medicine. Constipation and muscle spasms are also possible side effects of Aimovig. 

Serious allergic reactions to Aimovig are rare and may occur from a few hours to more than one week after use. For Ajovy, serious allergic reactions might occur up to one month after administration. If you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, seek emergency medical help right away.

Compare Aimovig vs. Ajovy side effects
Aimovig Ajovy
Side effect Applicable? Frequency (may vary by dose) Applicable? Frequency (may vary by dose)
Pain, redness, or itching at the injection site  Yes  5%–6% Yes  43%–45%
Constipation  Yes  1%–3% No  N/A
Muscle spasms  Yes  Up to 2% No  N/A
Source: Aimovig prescribing information (DailyMed), Ajovy prescribing information (DailyMed)

Aimovig and Ajovy drug interactions

There are no known drug interactions for Aimovig and Ajovy. Still, it is important to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medications you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins, and dietary supplements.

Aimovig and Ajovy drug warnings

Before using Aimovig or Ajovy, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions and medical history. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Aimovig warnings

Aimovig can cause constipation, which may result in serious complications, such as hospitalization or surgery. Contact your healthcare provider if you have severe constipation or constipation accompanied by stomach pain, swelling, bloating, or vomiting. Aimovig can also cause or worsen high blood pressure. Ask your healthcare provider when and how you should monitor your blood pressure while using Aimovig.

Ajovy warnings 

Ajovy does not have the same specific warnings as Aimovig, but it is still important to discuss your medical history and any concerns with your healthcare provider.

Can you take Aimovig and Ajovy together?

Taking Aimovig and Ajovy together is not recommended. Although there are no known drug interactions between these two medications, both are CGRP inhibitors used for migraine prevention. Using both together does not provide additional benefits and may increase the risk of side effects. 

It is important to consult your healthcare provider for advice before starting or combining any medications.