erenumab at a glance
Medicine class
CGRP receptor-targeting monoclonal antibody
Main role
Preventing migraine in adults
How it is given
Injection under the skin using a single-use pre-filled pen
Important practical warning
The removable pen cap contains latex rubber
What is erenumab used for?
The selected product is licensed for:
Preventing migraine in adults who have at least four migraine days each month.
How does erenumab work?
CGRP signalling is involved in migraine pathways. Erenumab binds to the CGRP receptor and prevents CGRP from activating it, helping reduce future migraine activity.
How to take erenumab
Erenumab is injected under the skin. Self-administration should begin only after training from a healthcare professional and must follow the instructions supplied with the pen.
Inject into the abdomen or thigh; the outer upper arm may be used when another person gives the injection.
Rotate injection sites and avoid tender, bruised, red or hardened skin.
Let the pen reach room temperature naturally. Do not shake it or use a heat source.
Do not use the solution if it is cloudy, distinctly yellow or visibly particulate.
Put the used pen immediately into an appropriate sharps container.
erenumab side effects
Common or expected effects
- Constipation
- Injection-site pain, redness, itching or swelling
- Itching
- Muscle spasms
- Allergic-type reactions such as rash, hives or swelling
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis or angioedema
- Severe constipation or constipation with persistent abdominal pain, vomiting or marked bloating
erenumab in pregnancy
Human pregnancy information is limited. As a precaution, the product information advises avoiding erenumab during pregnancy. Anyone who is pregnant, planning pregnancy or becomes pregnant should discuss treatment with their specialist or prescriber.
erenumab while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether erenumab enters human milk. Transfer of human IgG antibodies is greatest during the first days after birth and then falls. Later use may be considered only when clinically needed after discussion with the prescriber; published experience remains very limited.
erenumab interactions
Formal interaction information is limited, but conventional metabolic interactions are not expected because erenumab is a monoclonal antibody.
Ethinylestradiol/norgestimate oral contraceptive
A study in healthy volunteers found no effect on exposure to the contraceptive components.
Sumatriptan
No interaction was observed in a study involving healthy volunteers.
Medicines that reduce gastrointestinal motility
Concurrent use may increase the risk of severe constipation and related complications.
Common questions about erenumab
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Does erenumab treat an existing migraine attack?
No. It is preventive treatment and does not provide immediate relief during an attack.
Can I inject erenumab myself?
Yes, after a healthcare professional has trained you to use the pre-filled pen correctly.
Can erenumab cause serious constipation?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.