Ajovy (Fremanezumab) is a human monoclonal antibody that specifically targets that peptide associated to the calcitonin gene. It can be administered subQ as an injectable formulation.
Ajovy (Fremanezumab) Uses:
-
Migraine prophylaxis:
- It is approved for the adult population's prophylaxis of migraines.
Other drugs for the prophylaxis of migraine that acts on the same receptors include:
Ajovy (Fremanezumab) Dose in Adults
Ajovy (Fremanezumab) Dose in the prophylaxis of Migraine:
- 225 mg as a subQ injection once a month or
- 675 mg every three monthly.
- When changing the dosage options, the new regimen's first dose should be taken on the following planned administration date.
Ajovy (Fremanezumab) use in children:
Not recommended for use in children under the age of 18.
Ajovy (Fremanezumab) Pregnancy Risk Category: B1
- Studies on animal reproduction have not revealed any adverse effects.
- Information on human pregnancies, however, is not available.
Fremanezumab can be used during breastfeeding
- It is unknown if the drug will be excreted into breastmilk.
- When treating the mother, the manufacturer suggests that you weigh the risks and benefits to the infant as well as the potential for therapy.
Ajovy (Fremanezumab) Dose in Kidney Disease:
- The manufacturer has not recommended any dose adjustments in patients with kidney disease.
- However, renal impairment does not affect the pharmacokinetics of the drug.
Ajovy (Fremanezumab) Dose in Liver disease:
- The manufacturer has not recommended any adjustments in the dose in patients with liver disease.
- However, the liver disease does not alter the pharmacokinetics of the drug.
Side Effects of Ajovy (Fremanezumab):
-
Local:
- Injection site reaction
-
Immunologic:
- Antibody development
-
Hypersensitivity:
- Hypersensitivity reaction
Contraindications to Ajovy (Fremanezumab):
Severe allergic reactions to fremanezumab and any component of the formulation
Warnings and precautions
-
Hypersensitivity
- Allergies of various severity can occur, including urticaria and rash, pruritus and drug hypersensitivity reactions.
- Most reactions are mild to moderate in intensity and can occur within an hour to one month after the drug is administered.
- Allergy patients should stop taking the drug and seek treatment.
-
Cardiovascular disease
- Patients with heart disease should use it with caution.
- Patients with severe cardiovascular disease, ischemia and thromboembolic episodes, transient ischemic attack, deep vein embolism, and significant cardiovascular disease have not been treated with the drug.
Monitoring parameters:
- Monitor the response by calculating the number of monthly migraine days.
How to administer Ajovy (Fremanezumab)?
- This product is only for subQ usage. It should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
- Prefilled syringes should be left at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes before being administered.
- It shouldn't be warmed in hot water or microwaves, and it shouldn't be stirred.
- You should apply it to the abdomen, thighs, and upper arms, keeping out inflamed or indurated areas.
- Three injections of 675 mg should be given at three different sites.
- Each injection should consist of three consecutive injections each of 225 mg. Rotate the injection site for multiple injections.
Mechanism of action of Ajovy (Fremanezumab):
Fremanezumab, a monoclonal human antibody, acts as an antagonist to the calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP).
Metabolism:
- Like other immunoglobulins, it is degraded into small peptides and amino acids by proteolytic degradation.
Half-life elimination:
- It has a half-life elimination of about 31 days.
Time to peak:
- 5 to 7 days
International Brands of Fremanezumab:
- Ajovy
Fremanezumab Brand Names in Pakistan:
No Brands Available in Pakistan.
