Aimovig (erenumab-aooe)* is a brand-name prescription medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to help prevent migraine episodes in adults.

For more information about Aimovig’s uses, refer to this article.

* The reason “-aooe” appears at the end of the drug’s name is to show that Aimovig is distinct from similar medications that may be created in the future.

Drug details

Here are some details about Aimovig:

  • Drug forms:
    • solution for injection with a prefilled autoinjector
    • solution for injection with a prefilled syringe
  • Biosimilar version: no

Read on to learn about Aimovig and injection costs, as well as how to save money on prescriptions.

As with all medications, the cost of Aimovig can vary. Factors that may affect the price you’ll pay include:

  • your treatment plan
  • your insurance coverage
  • the pharmacy you use
  • whether Aimovig has a savings program (see the “Financial and insurance assistance” section below)

To find out what the cost of Aimovig will be for you, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Note: If you have insurance, your insurance company may require prior authorization before it covers Aimovig. This means the company and your doctor will discuss Aimovig in regard to your treatment. The insurance company will then determine whether the medication is covered. If a drug requires prior authorization but you start treatment without the prior approval, you could pay the full cost of the medication. You can ask your insurance company whether Aimovig requires prior authorization.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about drug cost and Aimovig.

How does Aimovig’s cost with insurance compare with its cost without insurance?

Aimovig’s manufacturer provides information about typical costs with private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or no insurance coverage on its website. Keep in mind that Aimovig’s cost with insurance compared with its cost without insurance depends on a few factors, including the pharmacy you use.

In general, costs for prescription medications such as Aimovig are typically higher without insurance than with insurance. You may still have an out-of-pocket cost with Aimovig, even with insurance. (“Out of pocket” refers to costs that you’re responsible for paying.)

To learn more about what you might pay for an Aimovig prescription, you can also talk with your pharmacist or insurance provider.

Is there an Aimovig coupon card available?

Yes, for people with private insurance coverage. An Aimovig Copay Card is available, which is similar to a coupon card. If you have government-sponsored insurance, such as Medicare or Medicaid, you won’t be eligible for the Aimovig Copay Card. You also won’t be eligible if you don’t have insurance coverage.

To learn more about the Aimovig copay card and other options for help with Aimovig costs, check out the “Financial and insurance assistance” section below.

Does the cost of Aimovig injections vary depending on which strength I use (70 mg or 140 mg)?

Possibly. The cost of Aimovig injections could vary depending on the strength you’re prescribed. Costs for Aimovig are also affected by other factors, such as the pharmacy you use and your insurance coverage.

To learn more about what you might pay for an Aimovig prescription, talk with your pharmacist or insurance provider.

Aimovig contains the active drug erenumab-aooe,* and it’s available only as a brand-name biologic drug. It doesn’t come in a biosimilar version. A biosimilar medication is a drug that’s similar to a brand-name biologic drug (the parent drug). Also, biosimilars tend to cost less than brand-name medications.

* The reason “-aooe” appears at the end of the drug’s name is to show that Aimovig is distinct from similar medications that may be created in the future.

WHY ARE COSTS DIFFERENT FOR BIOLOGIC DRUGS VS. BIOSIMILAR DRUGS?

Biologic drugs can be expensive because of the research needed to test their safety and effectiveness. The manufacturer of a biologic drug can sell it for up to 12 years. When the biologic drug’s patent expires, multiple manufacturers can create biosimilar versions. This marketplace competition may lead to lower costs for biosimilars. Also, because biosimilars are very similar to biologic drugs, they don’t require the same costly testing.

If you take Aimovig long term, you may be able to lower its cost in the following ways.

Getting a 3-month supply

You may be able to get a 90-day supply of Aimovig. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

Using a mail-order pharmacy

Aimovig may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this type of service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to receive your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications. You may also be able to get a 90-day supply of the drug via mail order.

If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you need financial support to pay for Aimovig, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available. For example:

  • An Aimovig Copay Card is available for people with private or commercial insurance (such as insurance through an employer). To find out if you’re eligible for support, visit the card program website. You can also see other resources that can help with costs on the drug manufacturer’s site.
  • If you don’t have insurance, you may qualify for Aimovig at no cost through the Amgen Safety Net Foundation. To learn more, visit the foundation’s website.
  • Some websites provide details about drug assistance programs, ways to make the most of your insurance coverage, and links to savings cards and other services. Two such websites are:

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions with or without insurance, check out this article.

Now that you’ve learned about cost and Aimovig, you may still have some questions. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist, who can provide personalized guidance about cost issues related to Aimovig. However, if you have health insurance, you’ll need to talk with your insurance provider to learn the actual cost you would pay for Aimovig.

Here are some other resources you may find helpful:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.