Migraine is more than just a headache. For many, it’s a chronic condition that disrupts work, relationships, and quality of life. In recent years, new preventive treatments have emerged — including Ajovy, a medication designed to reduce the number of migraine days each month.
If you’re exploring treatment options or considering switching medications, here’s what you need to know about Ajovy, how it works, and how it compares to other migraine therapies.
What Is Ajovy?
Ajovy (fremanezumab) is an FDA-approved prescription medication developed by Teva Pharmaceuticals for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. It belongs to a class of drugs known as CGRP inhibitors — medications that block the calcitonin gene-related peptide pathway, a key driver of migraine attacks.
Unlike painkillers that treat migraines after they start, Ajovy is designed to help reduce how often they happen.
How Is Ajovy Taken?
Ajovy is administered through a subcutaneous injection. Patients can choose:
Monthly injection (225 mg)
Quarterly injection (675 mg, 3 injections in one sitting)
Many patients appreciate the autoinjector format, which allows for easy at-home use without requiring a clinic visit.
Clinical Effectiveness
In multiple Phase 3 trials, Ajovy was shown to:
Reduce monthly migraine days (MMD) significantly over placebo
Offer improvements for both episodic and chronic migraine patients
Deliver benefits in patients who had not responded well to other therapies
Some patients begin to see results within the first month, with continued improvement over several treatment cycles.
Ajovy vs Aimovig: How Do They Compare?
Ajovy and Aimovig are both CGRP-based treatments but work in slightly different ways.
| Feature | Ajovy | Aimovig |
|---|---|---|
| Type | CGRP ligand blocker | CGRP receptor blocker |
| Injection Options | Monthly or Quarterly | Monthly only |
| Dosing | 225 mg (monthly), 675 mg (quarterly) | 70 mg or 140 mg monthly |
| Feedback | Known for flexibility and tolerability | Known for ease ofuse |
Some patients who do not respond to one CGRP drug may respond better to another, which is why migraine specialists often recommend trying both before deciding on a long-term plan.
Side Effects and Safety
Most patients tolerate Ajovy well. Reported side effects include:
Injection site reactions (redness, swelling, pain)
Mild fatigue or constipation in some cases
Ajovy is not associated with overuse headaches, and it does not cause dependence — unlike certain pain relievers used during acute attacks.
Insurance Coverage and Cost
Ajovy is a prescription-only medication, and costs can vary depending on your insurance plan. However, Teva offers a copay assistance program through its Shared Solutions platform.
With insurance: Many patients pay less than $5/month
Without insurance: List price may exceed $600 per injection
Patient support: Includes help with prior authorization and pharmacy coordination
Check ajovy.com for current savings programs and eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ajovy covered by insurance?
In many cases, yes — especially for patients with a history of migraines who meet coverage criteria. Prior authorization is often required.
How quickly does Ajovy work?
Some patients see improvement within 4 weeks, though full benefits may take 3–6 months.
Can I use Ajovy along with other migraine medications?
Yes, Ajovy is preventive and can be used alongside acute treatments such as triptans or over-the-counter pain relievers.
Final Thoughts
Ajovy represents a new era in migraine prevention — one focused on targeted relief and long-term results. For patients who suffer frequent, debilitating migraine attacks, it offers a safe and effective way to regain control.
Talk to your neurologist or headache specialist to see if Ajovy is right for you. With the right treatment plan, fewer migraine days may be closer than you think.