Erenumab
About Erenumab
Erenumab belongs to a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies indicated in the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. Migraine is a neurological disorder that leads to headaches (like severe headaches or throbbing headaches), which causes severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head.
Erenumab contains Erenumab, which works by blocking the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor, a protein that causes migraine headaches. Thus, Erenumab helps in providing relief from migraine.
You are advised to take Erenumab for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. In some cases, this medicine may cause side effects such as pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, constipation, cramps, and muscle spasms. Most of these side effects of Erenumab do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Erenumab, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before starting Erenumab. Erenumab is not recommended for use in children as safety has not been established. Be careful when self-administering Erenumab. Get proper training from a healthcare professional before administering the injection by yourself. Let the doctor know if you are taking any other medicines or if you have any other medical conditions.
Uses of Erenumab
Medicinal Benefits
Erenumab belongs to a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies indicated in the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. Erenumab contains Erenumab, which works by blocking the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor, a protein that causes migraines. Thus, Erenumab prevents migraine headaches.
Directions for Use
Erenumab can be self-administered subcutaneously under a doctor's guidance. Make sure to get proper training from a healthcare professional before administering Erenumab by yourself.
Storage
Side Effects of Erenumab
- Injection site pain, redness, or itching
- Constipation
- Cramps
- Muscle spasms
Drug Warnings
Do not use Erenumab if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Inform your doctor if you have any pre-existing or existing medical issues and medications you are taking. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before starting Erenumab. Make sure to get proper training from a healthcare professional before administering Erenumab. Do not exceed the recommended dose; use it exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Let the doctor know if you are allergic to latex or rubber.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking cytochrome P450 enzymes and medicines used to treat myasthenia gravis (rozanolixizumab, efgartigimod alfa).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: If you have constipation, hypertension, or allergic reactions, inform your doctor before using Erenumab.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is unknown if alcohol interacts with Erenumab. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while on treatment with Erenumab.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorIt is not known whether Erenumab will harm your unborn baby. Please consult a doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy; the doctor may prescribe the medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Erenumab is excreted in human milk. Please consult a doctor before using Erenumab if you are a breastfeeding mother.
Driving
consult your doctorIt is not known if Erenumab affects your ability to drive. Hence, drive only if you are alert after using Erenumab.
Liver
consult your doctorIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Erenumab in patients with liver problems, please consult a doctor.
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Erenumab in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
Children
cautionThe safety and effectiveness of Erenumab in children have not been established. Please consult your doctor for appropriate suggestions.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Manage stress by doing meditation.
- Habituate yourself to being calm and peaceful.
- Limit usage of mobile phones, laptops, or any other entertainment electronic gadgets.
- Avoid extreme sounds.
- Eat meals at regular times.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Stay well-hydrated.
- Massaging your head or scalp using oils may help provide relief during a migraine.
Special Advise
- Monitor your blood pressure while using Erenumab, as it may cause hypertension or worsen pre-existing hypertension. If you notice an increase in blood pressure, seek medical attention immediately.
- Sometimes, Erenumab may cause severe constipation requiring hospitalisation or surgery. Consult the doctor if you have severe constipation.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Migraine: A migraine is a neurological condition that causes severe headaches or throbbing headaches, usually on one side of the head. Migraines can last from a few hours to several days and can significantly affect daily activities. Chronic migraine is a severe headache where a person experiences headaches up to 15 or more days per month for a period of three months or more. Symptoms of migraine include headache, nausea, and sensitivity to sound or light.
FAQs
Erenumab is used for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults.
Erenumab works by blocking the action of a natural substance that causes migraine headaches.
The common side effects of Erenumab are pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, constipation, cramps, and muscle spasms. Most of these side effects of Erenumab do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
No, Erenumab does affect the oral contraceptive pills containing ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate.
Erenumab should be stored in refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) in the original package to protect from light until use. Make sure not to freeze Erenumab.
Erenumab is generally considered safe when used as prescribed by a doctor. However, like all medications, it can have side effects and potential interactions with other drugs. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions and inform them of any pre-existing and existing medical conditions or medication history to avoid negative complications.
Administer Erenumab in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm subcutaneously. Do not inject into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, or hard.
Before administering, Erenumab should be removed from the refrigerator and allowed to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Do not warm Erenumab by using any type of heat source. Do not shake it before administering like suspensions or emulsions. Observe visually for any particulate matter and discolouration before administration. Do not administer Erenumab if its solution is cloudy or discoloured or contains any particles. Administer Erenumab in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm subcutaneously. Make sure not to inject into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, or hard.
Erenumab helps to prevent migraines but does not cure them. Therefore, continue using Erenumab as prescribed even if you feel better. Do not stop administering Erenumab without talking to your doctor.
