Patient Information for Ajovy
AJOVY®
(a-JO-vee)
(fremanezumab-vfrm) injection for subcutaneous use
What is AJOVY?
AJOVY is a prescription medicine used for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults.
It is not known if AJOVY is safe and effective in children.
Who should not use AJOVY?
Do not use AJOVY if you are allergic to fremanezumab-vfrm or any of the ingredients in AJOVY. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of the ingredients in AJOVY.
Before you use AJOVY, tell your healthcare provider if you:
- have high blood pressure.
- have circulation problems in your fingers and toes.
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if AJOVY will harm your unborn baby.
Pregnancy Registry: There is a registry for women who become pregnant during treatment with AJOVY. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the safety of AJOVY during pregnancy. Contact the registry as soon as you learn that you are pregnant, or ask your doctor to contact the registry for you. You or your doctor can get information and enroll you in the registry by calling 1-833-927-2605 or visiting www.tevamigrainepregnancyregistry.com.
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if AJOVY passes into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby while using AJOVY.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines with you to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
How should I use AJOVY?
- See the detailed “Instructions for Use” for information on how to prepare and inject a dose of AJOVY.
- Use AJOVY exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to use it.
- AJOVY is given by injection under your skin (subcutaneously).
- Your healthcare provider should show you or your caregiver how to prepare and inject your dose of AJOVY before you or your caregiver give your AJOVY the first time.
- Your healthcare provider will tell you how much AJOVY to use and when to use it.
- Your healthcare provider will tell you if you should use AJOVY 225 mg one time every month or AJOVY 675 mg one time every 3 months.
- If your prescribed dose is AJOVY 675 mg every 3 months, you must use 3 separate autoinjectors or 3 separate syringes. You will give 3 separate injections one time every 3 months.
- If you are giving 3 injections of AJOVY for your prescribed dose, you may use the same injection area for all 3 injections, but not the same spot.
- Do not inject AJOVY in the same injection site that you inject other medicine.
- If you are switching from using AJOVY one time every month to one time every 3 months or if you are switching from using AJOVY one time every 3 months to one time every month, give the first dose of AJOVY on the day it was due to be given on your old schedule.
- If you miss a dose of AJOVY, take it as soon as possible. If you need to take the dose late, you will need to change your schedule: if you take 225 mg of AJOVY, inject your next dose 1 month after the late dose. If you take 675 mg of AJOVY, inject your next dose 3 months after the late dose. If you have questions about your schedule, ask your healthcare provider.
What are the possible side effects of AJOVY?
AJOVY may cause serious side effects, including:
- Allergic reactions. Allergic reactions, including itching, rash, and hives, can happen within hours and up to 1 month after receiving AJOVY. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction:
- swelling of your face, mouth, tongue, or throat
- trouble breathing
- High blood pressure. High blood pressure or worsening of high blood pressure can happen after receiving AJOVY. Contact your healthcare provider if you have an increase in blood pressure.
- Raynaud's phenomenon. A type of circulation problem can worsen or happen after receiving AJOVY. Raynaud's phenomenon can lead to your fingers or toes feeling numb, cool, or painful, or changing color from pale to blue to red. Contact your healthcare provider if these symptoms occur.
The most common side effects of AJOVY include:
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
These are not all the possible side effects of AJOVY. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store AJOVY?
- Store AJOVY in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
- Keep AJOVY in the carton it comes in to protect from light.
- If needed, AJOVY may be stored at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C) in the carton it comes in for up to 7 days. Do not use AJOVY if it has been out of the refrigerator for 7 days or longer. Throw away (dispose of) AJOVY in a sharps disposal or puncture-resistant container if it has been out of the refrigerator for 7 days or longer. Once stored at room temperature, do not place back in the refrigerator.
- Do not freeze. If AJOVY freezes, throw it away in a sharps disposal container.
- Keep AJOVY out of extreme heat and direct sunlight.
- Do not shake AJOVY.
Keep AJOVY prefilled autoinjector and AJOVY prefilled syringe out of the reach of small children.
General information about the safe and effective use of AJOVY.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use AJOVY for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give AJOVY to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about AJOVY that is written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients in AJOVY?
Active ingredient: fremanezumab-vfrm
Inactive ingredients: disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid dihydrate (EDTA), L-histidine, L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, polysorbate-80, sucrose, and Water for Injection. AJOVY prefilled syringe and prefilled autoinjector are not made with natural rubber latex.
This Patient Information has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Instructions for Use
AJOVY®
(a-JO-vee) (fremanezumab-vfrm) injection prefilled autoinjector, for subcutaneous use
For subcutaneous injection only.
Read and follow the Instructions for Use for your AJOVY prefilled autoinjector before you start using it and each time you get a refill.
Important:
- AJOVY prefilled autoinjector is for single-time (one-time) use only. Put AJOVY in a FDAcleared sharps disposal or puncture-resistant container right away after use. Do not throw away (dispose of) your used sharps disposal container in your household trash.
- Before injecting, let AJOVY sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Keep AJOVY prefilled autoinjector out of the reach of small children.
- After you remove the protective cap from AJOVY, to prevent infection, do not touch the needle.
- Do not inject AJOVY in your veins (intravenously).
- Do not re-use your AJOVY prefilled autoinjector as this could cause injury or infection.
- Do not share your AJOVY prefilled autoinjector with another person. You may give another person an infection or get an infection from them.
You may give AJOVY yourself. If you feel uncomfortable, you should not get your first dose of AJOVY until you or your caregiver receive training from a healthcare provider on the right way to use AJOVY.
Storage Conditions:
- Store AJOVY in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
- Keep AJOVY in the carton it comes in to protect from light.
- If needed, AJOVY may be stored at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C) in the carton it comes in for up to 7 days. Do not use AJOVY if it has been out of the refrigerator for 7 days or longer. Throw away (dispose of) AJOVY in a sharps disposal or puncture-resistant container if it has been out of the refrigerator for 7 days or longer. Once stored at room temperature, do not place back in the refrigerator.
- Do not freeze. If AJOVY freezes, throw it away in a sharps disposal container.
- Keep AJOVY out of extreme heat and direct sunlight.
- Do not shake AJOVY.
AJOVY prefilled autoinjector (Before use). See Figure A.
Figure A
AJOVY prefilled autoinjector (After use). See Figure B.
Figure B
- The blue plunger moves down the viewing window during the injection. The blue plunger fills the window when the injection is complete. Note: When the blue plunger has filled the viewing window you will still be able to see the gray stopper, as shown in Figure B.
- When injecting AJOVY, hold the prefilled autoinjector so that your hand does not cover the viewing window.
Read this before you inject.
Step 1. Check the dose your healthcare provider has prescribed.
AJOVY comes as a single-dose (one time) prefilled autoinjector. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the dose that is best for you.
- If your healthcare provider has prescribed 225 mg of AJOVY each month for you, give 1 injection each month, using a 225 mg prefilled AJOVY autoinjector.
- If your healthcare provider has prescribed 675 mg of AJOVY every 3 months for you, give 3 separate injections, one after another, using a different 225 mg prefilled AJOVY autoinjector for each injection. Give these injections 1 time every 3 months.
Before you inject, always check the label of your single-dose prefilled autoinjector to make sure you have the correct medicine and the correct dose of AJOVY. If you are not sure of your dose, ask your healthcare provider.
How do I inject AJOVY?
Step 2. Remove the prefilled autoinjector from the carton.
- You may need to use more than 1 prefilled autoinjector depending on your prescribed dose.
- Remove the autoinjector from the carton (see Figure C).
- Do not shake the prefilled autoinjector at any time, as this could affect the way the medicine works.
Important: If there are any unused autoinjectors left in the carton, put the carton and unused autoinjectors back in the refrigerator.
Figure C
Step 3. Gather the supplies you will need to inject AJOVY.
- Gather the following supplies (see Figure D) and the number of AJOVY 225 mg prefilled autoinjectors you will need to give your prescribed dose:
- If your dose is 225 mg, you will need 1 AJOVY 225 mg prefilled autoinjector.
- If your dose is 675 mg, you will need 3 AJOVY 225 mg prefilled autoinjectors.
- Alcohol swabs (not supplied).
- Gauze pads or cotton balls (not supplied).
- Sharps disposal or puncture-resistant container (not supplied).
Figure D
Step 4. Let AJOVY reach room temperature.
- Place the supplies you have gathered on a clean, flat surface.
- Wait for 30 minutes to allow the medicine to reach room temperature.
- Do not leave the prefilled autoinjector in direct sunlight.
- Do not warm up the AJOVY prefilled autoinjector using a heat source such as hot water or a microwave.
Step 5. Wash your hands.
- Wash your hands with soap and water and dry well with a clean towel. Be careful not to touch your face or hair after washing your hands.
Step 6. Look closely at your AJOVY prefilled autoinjector.
Note: You may see air bubbles in the prefilled autoinjector. This is normal. Do not remove the air bubbles from the prefilled autoinjector before giving your injection.
Injecting AJOVY with these air bubbles will not harm you.
- Check that the liquid medicine in the prefilled autoinjector viewing window is clear and colorless to slightly yellow before you give your injection. (See Figure E). If the liquid has any particles in it, or is discolored, cloudy, or frozen, do not use the prefilled autoinjector. Call your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
- Do not use the prefilled autoinjector if it has any visible damage, such as cracks or leaks. See disposal instructions in Step 12.
- Check that AJOVY appears on the prefilled autoinjector.
- Do not use if you have been given the wrong medicine.
- Check the expiration date (EXP) printed on the prefilled autoinjector label.
- Do not use the prefilled autoinjector if the expiration date (EXP) has passed.
Figure E
Step 7: Choose your injection area.
- Choose an injection area from the following areas (see Figure F):
- your stomach area (abdomen), avoid about 2 inches around the belly button.
- the front of your thighs, an area that is at least 2 inches above the knee and 2 inches below the groin.
- the back of your upper arms, in the fleshy area of the upper back portion.
Figure F
Note: There are some injection areas on your body that are hard to reach (like the back of your arm). You may need help from someone who has been instructed on how to give your injection if you cannot reach certain injection areas.
Step 8. Clean your injection area.
- Clean the chosen injection area using a new alcohol swab. Let your skin dry.
- Do not inject AJOVY into an area that is tender, red, bruised, callused, tattooed, hard, or that has scars or stretch marks.
- Do not inject AJOVY in the same injection site that you inject other medicine.
- If you want to use the same injection area for the 3 separate injections needed for the 675 mg dose, make sure the second and third injections are not at the same spot you used for the other injections.
Step 9. Remove protective cap and do not replace.
- Pick up the prefilled autoinjector in 1 hand.
- Hold the prefilled autoinjector as shown in Figure G and pull the protective cap straight off with your other hand. Do not twist.
- Throw away the protective cap right away.
- Do not put the protective cap back on the prefilled autoinjector, to avoid injury and infection.
Figure G
Step 10. Give your injection.
- Place the prefilled autoinjector at a 90 degree angle against your skin at the injection site you have cleaned (see Figure H).
Figure H
Press down on the prefilled autoinjector and keep holding it down against the skin for about 30 seconds.
Do not remove pressure until the 3 steps below are complete.
1. You hear the first “click” (this means the injection has started and the blue plunger starts to move).
2. You hear a second “click” (about 15 seconds after the first click. The plunger will be moving to the bottom of the viewing window as the medicine is being injected.)
3. You wait another 10 seconds. (to make sure all the medicine is injected).
Check that the blue plunger has filled the viewing window and remove the autoinjector from the skin by lifting the prefilled autoinjector straight up (see Figure I).
Note: When the blue plunger has filled the viewing window you will be able to see the gray stopper.
As the prefilled autoinjector is lifted from the skin, the needle shield returns to the original (before use) position and locks into place, covering the needle.
Do not try to put the protective cap back on the used prefilled autoinjector as it is no longer needed.
Do not try to re-use the prefilled autoinjector.
Figure I
Step 11. Apply pressure to the injection site.
- Use a clean, dry cotton ball, or gauze pad to gently press on the injection site for a few seconds.
- Do not rub the injection site.
- Do not re-use the prefilled autoinjector.
Step 12. Dispose of your prefilled autoinjector right away.
 |
- Put your used prefilled autoinjectors in a FDA-cleared sharps disposal container right away after use.
- Do not throw away (dispose of) prefilled autoinjectors in your household trash. Do not recycle your used sharps disposal container.
- If you do not have a FDA-cleared sharps disposal container, you may use a household container that is:
- made of a heavy-duty plastic,
- can be closed with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid, without sharps being able to come out,
- upright and stable during use,
- leak-resistant, and
- properly labeled to warn of hazardous waste inside the container.
- When your sharps disposal container is almost full, you will need to follow your community guidelines for the right way to dispose of your sharps disposal container. There may be state or local laws about how you should throw away used autoinjectors. For more information about safe sharps disposal, and for specific information about sharps disposal in the state that you live in, go to the FDA's website at: https://www.fda.gov/safesharpsdisposal
- Do not dispose of your used sharps disposal container in your household trash unless your community guidelines permit this. Do not recycle your used sharps disposal container.
Injection Complete
This Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Instructions for Use
AJOVY®
(a-JO-vee) (fremanezumab-vfrm) injection prefilled syringe, for subcutaneous use
For subcutaneous injection only.
Read and follow the Instructions for Use for your AJOVY prefilled syringe before you start using it and each time you get a refill.
Important:
- AJOVY prefilled syringe is for single-time (one-time) use only. Put AJOVY in a FDAcleared sharps disposal or puncture-resistant container right away after use. Do not throw away (dispose of) your used sharps disposal container in your household trash.
- Before injecting, let AJOVY sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Keep AJOVY prefilled syringe out of the reach of small children.
- After you remove the needle cap from AJOVY, to prevent infection, do not touch the needle.
- Do not pull back on the plunger at any time, as this can break the prefilled syringe.
- Do not inject AJOVY in your veins (intravenously).
- Do not re-use your AJOVY prefilled syringe, as this could cause injury or infection.
- Do not share your AJOVY prefilled syringe with another person. You may give another person an infection or get an infection from them.
You may give AJOVY yourself. If you feel uncomfortable, you should not get your first dose of AJOVY until you or your caregiver receive training from a healthcare provider on the right way to use AJOVY.
Storage Conditions:
- Store AJOVY in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
- Keep AJOVY in the carton it comes in to protect from light.
- If needed, AJOVY may be stored at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C) in the carton it comes in for up to 7 days. Do not use AJOVY if it has been out of the refrigerator for 7 days or longer. Throw away (dispose of) AJOVY in a sharps disposal or punctureresistant container if it has been out of the refrigerator for 7 days or longer. Once stored at room temperature, do not place back in the refrigerator.
- Do not freeze. If AJOVY freezes, throw it away in a sharps disposal container.
- Keep AJOVY out of extreme heat and direct sunlight.
- Do not shake AJOVY.
AJOVY prefilled syringe (Before use). See Figure A.
Figure A
AJOVY prefilled syringe (After use). See Figure B.
Figure B
Read this before you inject.
Step 1. Check the dose your healthcare provider has prescribed.
AJOVY comes as a single-dose (one time) prefilled syringe. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the dose that is best for you.
- If your healthcare provider has prescribed 225 mg of AJOVY each month for you, give 1 injection each month using a 225 mg prefilled AJOVY syringe.
- If your healthcare provider has prescribed 675 mg of AJOVY every 3 months for you, give 3 separate injections, one after another, using a different 225 mg prefilled AJOVY syringe for each injection. Give these injections 1 time every 3 months.
Before you inject, always check the label of your single-dose prefilled syringe to make sure you have the correct medicine and the correct dose of AJOVY. If you are not sure of your dose, ask your healthcare provider.
How do I inject AJOVY?
Step 2. Remove the prefilled syringe from the carton.
- You may need to use more than 1 prefilled syringe depending on your prescribed dose.
- Hold the prefilled syringe (as shown in Figure C).
- Remove the syringe from the carton.
- Do not shake the prefilled syringe at any time, as this could affect the way the medicine works.
Figure C
Step 3. Gather the supplies you will need to inject AJOVY.
- Gather the following supplies (see Figure D) and the number of AJOVY 225 mg prefilled syringes you will need to give your prescribed dose:
- If your dose is 225 mg, you will need 1 AJOVY 225 mg prefilled syringe.
- If your dose is 675 mg, you will need 3 AJOVY 225 mg prefilled syringes.
- alcohol swabs (not supplied).
- gauze pads or cotton balls (not supplied).
- sharps disposal or puncture-resistant container (not supplied).
Figure D
Step 4. Let AJOVY reach room temperature.
- Place the supplies you have gathered on a clean, flat surface.
- Wait for 30 minutes to allow the medicine to reach room temperature.
- Do not leave the prefilled syringe in direct sunlight.
- Do not warm up the AJOVY prefilled syringe using a heat source such as hot water or a microwave.
Step 5. Wash your hands.
- Wash your hands with soap and water and dry well with a clean towel. Be careful not to touch your face or hair after washing your hands.
Step 6. Look closely at your AJOVY prefilled syringe.
Note: You may see air bubbles in the prefilled syringe. This is normal. Do not remove the air bubbles from the prefilled syringe before giving your injection. Injecting AJOVY with these air bubbles will not harm you.
- Check that the liquid medicine in the prefilled syringe is clear and colorless to slightly yellow before you give your injection (see Figure E). If the liquid has any particles in it, or is discolored, cloudy, or frozen, do not use the prefilled syringe. Call your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
- Do not use the prefilled syringe if it has any visible damage, such as cracks or leaks. See disposal instructions in Step 12.
- Check that AJOVY appears on the prefilled syringe.
- Do not use if you have been given the wrong medicine.
- Check the expiration date (EXP) printed on the prefilled syringe label.
- Do not use the prefilled syringe if the expiration date (EXP) has passed.
Figure E
Step 7. Choose your injection area.
- Choose an injection area from the following areas (see Figure F):
- your stomach area (abdomen), avoid about 2 inches around the belly button.
- the front of your thighs, an area that is at least 2 inches above the knee and 2 inches below the groin.
- the back of your upper arms, in the fleshy area of the upper back portion.
Figure F
Note: There are some injection areas on your body that are hard to reach (like the back of your arm). You may need help from someone who has been instructed on how to give your injection if you cannot reach certain injection areas.
Step 8. Clean your injection area.
- Clean the chosen injection area using a new alcohol swab. Let your skin dry.
- Do not inject AJOVY into an area that is tender, red, bruised, callused, tattooed, hard, or that has scars or stretch marks.
- Do not inject AJOVY in the same injection site that you inject other medicine.
- If you want to use the same injection area for the 3 separate injections needed for the 675 mg dose, make sure the second and third injections are not at the same spot you used for the other injections.
Step 9. Remove needle cap and do not replace.
- Pick up the body of the prefilled syringe with 1 hand.
- Pull the needle cap straight off with your other hand (see Figure G). Do not twist.
- Throw away the needle cap right away.
- Do not put the needle cap back on the prefilled syringe, to avoid injury and infection.
Figure G
Step 10. Give your injection following the 4 steps below.
1. Use your free hand to gently pinch up at least 1 inch of the skin that you have cleaned.
2. Insert the needle into the pinched skin at a 45 to 90 degree angle.
3. When the needle is all the way into your skin, use your thumb to push the plunger.
4. Push the plunger slowly all the way down as far as it will go to inject all of the medicine.
Step 11. Remove the needle from your skin.
- After you have injected all of the medicine, pull the needle straight out (see Figure H).
- Do not recap the needle at any time to avoid injury and infection.
Figure H
Step 12. Apply pressure to the injection site.
- Use a clean, dry cotton ball or gauze to gently press on the injection site for a few seconds.
- Do not rub the injection site.
- Do not re-use the prefilled syringe.
Step 13. Dispose of your prefilled syringe right away.
 |
- Put your used prefilled syringes, needles, and sharps in a FDA-cleared sharps disposal container right away after use.
- Do not throw away (dispose of) loose needles, syringes, or prefilled syringes in your household trash. Do not recycle your used sharps disposal container.
- If you do not have a FDA-cleared sharps disposal container, you may use a household container that is:
- made of a heavy-duty plastic,
- can be closed with a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid, without sharps being able to come out,
- upright and stable during use,
- leak-resistant, and
- properly labeled to warn of hazardous waste inside the container.
- When your sharps disposal container is almost full, you will need to follow your community guidelines for the right way to dispose of your sharps disposal container. There may be state or local laws about how you should throw away used syringes. For more information about safe sharps disposal, and for specific information about sharps disposal in the state that you live in, go to the FDA's website at: https://www.fda.gov/safesharpsdisposal
- Do not dispose of your used sharps disposal container in your household trash unless your community guidelines permit this. Do not recycle your used sharps disposal container.
Injection Complete
This Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.