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Ubrelvy vs Aimovig
Introduction
For patients dealing with migraines, certain drugs that interact with the CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) pathway, which is implicated in migraine pathophysiology, can provide relief from debilitating symptoms. Ubrelvy and Aimovig are two such medications commonly prescribed for acute and preventive treatment of migraines respectively. Although both of these work on the same CGRP pathway, their mechanisms of action differ significantly.
Ubrelvy is classified as a CGRP receptor antagonist (gepants), it works by blocking the binding of CGRP to its receptors during a migraine attack thus relieving pain and associated symptoms. It’s an oral medication used at the onset of a migraine episode.
Aimovig on other hand is a monoclonal antibody targeting the CGRP receptor; it functions by preventing activation of this receptor hence reducing frequency and severity of migraines over time. It's administered monthly through subcutaneous injections for long-term prevention.
Ubrelvy vs Aimovig Side By Side
| Attribute | Ubrelvy | Aimovig |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Name | Ubrelvy | Aimovig |
| Contraindications | Should not be taken with SSRIs or SNRIs without a washout period due to the risk of dangerous interactions. | Not specified, but caution is advised for patients with known hypersensitivity to erenumab-aooe or any of its components. |
| Cost | $850 for 10 tablets (50 mg) | $690 for a single use autoinjector (70 mg) |
| Generic Name | Ubrogepant | Erenumab-aooe |
| Most Serious Side Effect | Allergic reactions including symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat. | Signs of allergic reaction such as hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, and high blood pressure with severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears. |
| Severe Drug Interactions | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). | Not specifically mentioned, but as with all medications, patients should consult with their healthcare provider about all medicines they are taking. |
| Typical Dose | 50–100 mg at the onset of symptoms, with a second dose allowed after two hours if needed. Maximum dosage in a 24-hour period should not exceed 200mg. | 70 mg once a month, can be increased to 140 mg per month if necessary. |
What is Ubrelvy?
Ubrelvy (generic name Ubrogepant) and Aimovig (generic name Erenumab) are both groundbreaking medications in the class of drugs designed to treat migraines. However, they serve different functions within this category. Ubrelvy was approved by the FDA in 2019 as an acute treatment for migraines, meaning it is used to alleviate symptoms once a migraine attack has begun. The drug works by blocking CGRP receptors, which are believed to play a crucial role in triggering migraines. Unlike some older migraine treatments, Ubrelvy does not constrict blood vessels.
On the other hand, Aimovig was first approved by the FDA in 2018 as a preventative measure against episodic or chronic migraines. It differs from Ubrelvy as it targets and blocks CGRP itself rather than its receptor, effectively preventing migraines before they start instead of treating them after onset.
While both these drugs have shown effectiveness with relatively fewer side effects compared to their predecessors due to their targeted action on CGRPs only without significant influence on other body systems like serotonin or dopamine pathways commonly affected by traditional migraine medicines.
What conditions is Ubrelvy approved to treat?
Ubrelvy and Aimovig are both approved for the treatment of different aspects of migraines:
- Ubrelvy is applied in acute migraine attacks with or without aura in adults
- Aimovig, on the other hand, is used for preventive treatment of migraines in adults. It's a once-monthly self-injection that blocks the activity of a molecule involved in migraine attacks.
How does Ubrelvy help with these illnesses?
Ubrelvy aids in managing migraines by blocking the CGRP receptor, which is heavily involved in migraine attacks. When a migraine occurs, elevated levels of CGRP are released, resulting in vasodilation and transmission of pain signals. By inhibiting this receptor, Ubrelvy can limit the painful effects of a migraine attack and help patients manage their condition.
On the other hand, Aimovig also targets the CGRP pathway but does so differently - it works as a preventative treatment by binding to and inhibiting the activity of the CGRP molecule itself rather than its receptor. This prevents any potential initiation or propagation of migraines.
Both medications focus on regulating one's susceptibility to migraines either at onset (Ubrelvy) or for prevention (Aimovig), each offering relief based on individual needs and response.
What is Aimovig?
Aimovig, also known as erenumab, is a first-in-class medication specifically designed for the prevention of migraines. It differs from other migraine medications in that it's a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist, meaning it blocks the action of CGRP, a molecule that plays a crucial role in migraine pathophysiology. Aimovig was approved by the FDA in 2018 and has been shown to reduce monthly migraine days for patients with both episodic and chronic migraines. As opposed to medications like Ubrelvy which are taken at the onset of a headache to stop symptoms, Aimovig is intended as preventive therapy; it's administered once per month via an injection pen device. Its side effect profile may differ from other drugs used for migraines: common side effects include constipation and reactions at the site of injections while serious cardiac events have been reported but are considered rare.
What conditions is Aimovig approved to treat?
Aimovig is FDA-approved for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. It has been designed to:
- Prevent and reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of migraines
- Improve quality of life by reducing disability caused due to migraines
- Limit the use of acute medication needed to control sudden migraine attacks
How does Aimovig help with these illnesses?
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a protein that plays a crucial role in the transmission of pain and the dilation of blood vessels. Elevated levels of CGRP have been associated with migraine attacks. Aimovig, which works by blocking the effect of CGRP, has proved to be an effective preventive treatment for many patients suffering from chronic migraines or episodic migraines. It specifically targets and blocks the CGRP receptor, thereby preventing migraine attacks before they start by reducing activation of this pathway. Its action differs greatly from Ubrelvy, which is used to treat acute migraine symptoms once an attack has started rather than prevent them beforehand. Aimovig may hold significant advantages over typical acute treatments like Ubrelvy for individuals who experience frequent or severe migraines due to its preventive nature and potential to reduce overall reliance on instant-relief medications.
How effective are both Ubrelvy and Aimovig?
Ubrelvy (ubrogepant) and Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) both offer promising treatment options for people suffering from migraines, despite having different approaches to handling the condition. Ubrelvy is an oral medication used on-demand to treat acute migraine attacks with or without aura in adults, while Aimovig is a preventative medication given as a monthly injection.
Both were recently approved by the FDA: Ubrelvy received approval in 2019 and Aimovig was approved in 2018. Their effectiveness has been evaluated through various clinical trials, exhibiting similar efficacy at managing symptoms of migraines as well as showing favorable safety profiles. Neither drug's success rate significantly differed when studied against placebo groups during trials.
Aimovig works by blocking the calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor (CGRP), which plays a crucial role in migraines. It's typically prescribed for patients who experience frequent migraine episodes - usually four or more per month - making it one of the pioneering drugs in this type of preventive treatment.
On the other hand, Ubrelvy belongs to a new class of drugs known as CGRP antagonists that are designed to block the effects of CGRP proteins that can cause inflammation and pain response related to migraines. Unlike Aimovig, Ubrelvy is taken once a migraine begins rather than being used preventatively.
Despite their differences, both medications have provided relief for many migraine sufferers looking for alternatives beyond over-the-counter treatments or traditional prescription medications like triptans – especially beneficial if these standard treatments haven't worked effectively or aren't tolerated well due to side effects.
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At what dose is Ubrelvy typically prescribed?
Oral dosages of Ubrelvy for treating migraines range from 50–100 mg at the onset of symptoms, with a second dose allowed after two hours if needed. The maximum dosage in a 24-hour period should not exceed 200mg. It is not indicated for use in children or adolescents under age 18. On the other hand, Aimovig is typically given as an injection of 70-140 mg once monthly and it may take several weeks to see improvement in migraine frequency and severity. Again, it's important to note that Aimovig isn't recommended for those under age 18.
At what dose is Aimovig typically prescribed?
Aimovig treatment typically begins with a dosage of 70 mg once a month. If necessary, the dose can be increased to 140 mg per month which is delivered as one injection or two injections of 70 mg each. Dosing should be spaced out over the course of a month and not exceed the maximum allowed monthly dose. The response to Aimovig's treatment varies among individuals and if there is no significant improvement after several weeks, consult with your healthcare provider about alternatives or potential dosing adjustments.
What are the most common side effects for Ubrelvy?
Common side effects of Ubrelvy include:
- Nausea
- Sleepiness/drowsiness
- Dry mouth
On the other hand, Aimovig is associated with several common side effects such as:
- Injection site reactions (redness, swelling)
- Constipation
- Muscle cramps or spasms
- Fatigue or general weakness
Remember, everyone's reaction to medication varies. If you experience any of these symptoms persistently and they impede your daily activities, please consult a healthcare professional for advice on managing them.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Ubrelvy?
Ubrelvy and Aimovig are both prescribed for the treatment of migraines, but their side effects can differ significantly:
-
For Ubrelvy: Although it is generally well-tolerated, some patients might experience nausea or sleepiness. In rare cases, an allergic reaction may occur which could include symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat.
-
For Aimovig: The most common side effects reported with this medication are pain at the injection site and constipation. However, potentially serious adverse reactions could also occur like allergic reactions (hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat), high blood pressure that can lead to heart issues including fast/pounding heartbeats. It’s also crucial to monitor for signs indicative of serotonin syndrome when on Aimovig - agitation, hallucinations, fever or shivering among others.
In both cases if you experience any severe side-effects you should seek immediate medical attention.
What are the most common side effects for Aimovig?
Aimovig, a prescription medication used to prevent migraines in adults, can cause its own unique set of side effects. Some individuals may experience injection site reactions such as redness or pain. Additionally, constipation and cramps can also be common side effects. More rarely, Aimovig users might experience muscle or joint pain similar to the feeling after an intense workout. Other potential issues include hypertension marked by a faster than usual heartbeat and allergic reactions that could manifest as rashes on the skin. It's important for patients using Aimovig to stay hydrated due to possible increased urination which could lead to dehydration if not monitored properly. In some cases, there have been reports of unintentional weight loss associated with this medication.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Aimovig?
Aimovig, like any other medication, can cause serious side effects in rare cases. Some adverse reactions to be aware of include:
- Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat
- Constipation and severe stomach pain
- Possible kidney problems with symptoms such as back pain just below the ribs or blood in the urine
- High blood pressure which may present with severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears
- Shortness of breath
If you experience any of these symptoms while taking Aimovig, seek immediate medical attention. It's also worth noting that although it is not common for Aimovig to impact mood negatively if you notice increased feelings of sadness or thoughts about hurting yourself contact a healthcare professional right away.
Contraindications for Ubrelvy and Aimovig?
Both Ubrelvy and Aimovig, like most migraine medications, may cause some side effects in people. If you experience severe side effects such as chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, unusual sweating or changes in heartbeat after taking these medications, please seek immediate medical attention.
Neither Ubrelvy nor Aimovig should be taken if you are taking certain types of medication for depression known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Always inform your physician about any medications that you are currently on; SSRIs and SNRIs need a washout period to clear from the system to prevent dangerous interactions with Ubrelvy and Aimovig.
How much do Ubrelvy and Aimovig cost?
For the brand name versions of these drugs:
- The price of 10 tablets of Ubrelvy (50 mg) averages around $850, which works out to about $85 per dose.
- The price for a single use Aimovig autoinjector (70 mg) is approximately $690, equating to roughly $23 per day.
Thus, if you are in need of frequent relief from migraine symptoms, then Aimovig may be less expensive on a per-day treatment basis. However, it's important to remember that cost should not be the primary consideration when deciding between these two medications; effectiveness and compatibility with your health profile hold greater significance.
There are no generic versions available at this time for either Ubrelvy or Aimovig as they are relatively new medicines. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions regarding medication choices based on costs.
Popularity of Ubrelvy and Aimovig
Ubrelvy, in generic form known as ubrogepant, is a newer medication that was approved by the FDA in December 2019 for acute treatment of migraines. Being one of the first drugs from a novel class called gepants, Ubrelvy acts on calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptors and has been shown to effectively stop migraine attacks.
Aimovig, also known as erenumab-aooe, has been around slightly longer with its approval announced in May 2018. Aimovig is part of another new class of drugs - CGRP inhibitors which are designed for preventive treatment of migraines. It works differently than Ubrelvy; it targets the CGRP receptor and blocks its function to prevent migraine onset.
The use data specific to these two medications isn't available yet due to their novelty within the market but they have both demonstrated significant potential for those suffering from migraines.
Conclusion
Both Ubrelvy (ubrogepant) and Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) are effective treatments for migraines, backed by clinical trials indicating their efficacy over placebo. However, they have different mechanisms of action and usage guidelines. Ubrelvy is used to treat acute migraine attacks once they occur, acting as a CGRP receptor antagonist that helps alleviate the pain and other symptoms associated with a migraine attack.
On the other hand, Aimovig is designed to prevent migraines from occurring in the first place. It's a monoclonal antibody that blocks the CGRP receptor pathway which plays a crucial role in triggering migraines.
While both medications may be used together under careful physician guidance, it's important to note they are not substitutes for one another due to these differing roles. Both drugs are available only with prescription; as newer medications on the market there currently isn't generic alternatives available making them more costly especially for those paying out-of-pocket.
The side effect profile differs between these two drugs: while generally well-tolerated, common side effects of Ubrelvy include nausea or dry mouth whereas Aimovig can cause constipation or injection site reactions among others. Patients should monitor their health closely when starting treatment and promptly seek medical help if experiencing any concerning side effects.
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Refrences
- Scott, L. J. (2020, February). Ubrogepant: First Approval. Drugs. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.http://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-020-01264-5
- Zhang, Z., Shu, Y., Diao, Y., Du, Y., Chen, L., Liu, Y., & Du, B. (2021, February 26). Calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist ubrogepant for the treatment of acute migraine. Medicine. Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health).http://doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000024741
- Markham, A. (2018, July). Erenumab: First Global Approval. Drugs. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.http://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-018-0944-0
- Markham, A. (2018, July). Erenumab: First Global Approval. Drugs. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.http://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-018-0944-0
- Ailani, J., Lipton, R. B., Hutchinson, S., Knievel, K., Lu, K., Butler, M., … Trugman, J. M. (2020, January). Long‐Term Safety Evaluation of Ubrogepant for the Acute Treatment of Migraine: Phase 3, Randomized, 52‐Week Extension Trial. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain. Wiley.http://doi.org/10.1111/head.13682
- Curto, M., Capi, M., Cipolla, F., Cisale, G. Y., Martelletti, P., & Lionetto, L. (2020, February 3). Ubrogepant for the treatment of migraine. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy. Informa UK Limited.http://doi.org/10.1080/14656566.2020.1721462