This medication is used to help prevent migraine. This
medication may work by changing the amounts of certain natural substances
in the brain. Erenumab belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal
antibodies. Preventing frequent migraine attacks can help improve your
ability to concentrate and do your usual tasks.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions
for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using this
medication and each time you get a refill. Ask your health care
professional how to prepare and use this medication. If you have any
questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Inject this medication under the skin as directed by
your doctor, usually 1 time each month. The injection is given in the upper
arms, thighs, or abdomen (except for a 2-inch area around your belly
button). The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to
treatment.
For a more comfortable injection, take the medication
out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you inject it to allow
it to reach room temperature. Do not warm up this medication any other way
(for example, do not heat it in the microwave, place it in hot water, or
leave it in direct sunlight). Do not shake the medication. Before using,
check this product for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do
not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the skin you are
going to inject into (the injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the
injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. Do not inject
into skin that is tender, bruised, red, hard, or damaged. To lessen
bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot. Learn how to store
and discard medical supplies safely.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a
reminder.
Tell your doctor if your migraines happen more often or
get worse.
Redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site may
occur. Constipation may also occur. If any of these effects last or get
worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Erenumab may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood
pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high. Your
doctor may control your blood pressure with medication.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
If a reaction occurs, it may appear within hours after a dose, or in some
cases, more than one week after a dose. Get medical help right away if you
notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction,
including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using erenumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if
you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients (such as dry natural rubber/latex in the
needle cover of some brands), which can cause allergic reactions or other
problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- constipation
- high blood pressure
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Do
not double the dose to catch up. Then use your next dose one month later.
Continue to use each dose one month apart. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if
you have questions about your schedule.
Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep the
medication in the original packaging to protect from light. This medication
may also be stored at room temperature if needed. If the medication is
stored at room temperature, do not put it back in the refrigerator and
discard after 7 days. Do not leave the syringe/autoinjector in direct
sunlight. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.