fremanezumab at a glance
Medicine class
CGRP-targeting monoclonal antibody
Licensed role
Prevention of migraine in adults with at least four migraine days per month
Administration
Injection under the skin using a single-use pre-filled syringe; self-injection requires training
Storage
Keep refrigerated and protected from light; do not freeze or shake
What is fremanezumab used for?
Fremanezumab is licensed for:
Preventing migraine in adults who experience at least four migraine days per month.
How does fremanezumab work?
Fremanezumab binds to CGRP, a signalling protein involved in migraine and trigeminal pain pathways. This prevents CGRP from activating its receptor, helping reduce susceptibility to migraine attacks. The full preventive mechanism is not completely understood.
fremanezumab preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 225 mg
How to take fremanezumab
Inject under the skin only after training from a healthcare professional. Follow the instructions supplied with the pre-filled syringe.
Suitable areas include the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. Avoid tender, bruised, red or hardened skin.
Change the injection site between injections.
The solution should be clear to opalescent and colourless to slightly yellow. Do not use it if cloudy, discoloured, frozen or containing particles.
Do not shake or reuse the syringe. Put it directly into an approved sharps container after use.
Keep it refrigerated in its carton. If stored at room temperature, follow the product leaflet’s limits and do not return it to the refrigerator.
fremanezumab side effects
Common or expected effects
- Pain at the injection site
- Redness at the injection site
- Hardening or swelling at the injection site
- Itching at the injection site
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including breathing difficulty, faintness or swelling of the face, mouth, tongue or throat
- Widespread blistering or peeling rash, particularly with mouth or eye sores
fremanezumab in pregnancy
Pregnancy experience is limited, and the product information advises avoiding fremanezumab as a precaution. Discuss pregnancy or plans to conceive with the specialist prescriber before treatment or as soon as pregnancy is suspected.
fremanezumab while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether fremanezumab enters human milk. Risk to a breastfed newborn cannot be excluded, so discuss the benefits and uncertainties with a specialist.
fremanezumab interactions
Formal interaction studies have not been performed, but pharmacokinetic interactions are not expected. Tell the prescriber about all medicines and supplements.
Analgesics, triptans and ergot medicines
Use during studies did not alter fremanezumab pharmacokinetics.
Other preventive migraine medicines
These did not appear to alter fremanezumab exposure in studies.
Medicines affecting CYP450 enzymes
A metabolic interaction is unlikely because fremanezumab is not broken down by CYP450 enzymes.
Common questions about fremanezumab
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Does fremanezumab stop a migraine that has already started?
No. It is preventive treatment; prescribed acute treatments may still be needed for attacks.
Can I inject fremanezumab myself?
Yes, if a healthcare professional has trained you in the correct injection technique.
Where can it be injected?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.