Can You Take AJOVY (Fremanezumab) with a GLP-1 Receptor Agonist?
Yes, you can safely take AJOVY (fremanezumab) with a GLP-1 receptor agonist—there are no known drug interactions or contraindications between these two medication classes.
Why This Combination Is Safe
AJOVY is a monoclonal antibody that targets calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) for migraine prevention, while GLP-1 receptor agonists work through completely different mechanisms affecting glucose metabolism, gastric emptying, and appetite regulation 1, 2. These medications operate on entirely separate physiological pathways with no overlapping metabolic effects or contraindications 1, 3.
Key Considerations When Taking Both Medications
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Safety Profile
The only absolute contraindications for GLP-1 receptor agonists are 1, 3, 4:
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Severe renal impairment or end-stage renal disease (for exenatide and lixisenatide specifically)
Common Side Effects to Monitor
When taking a GLP-1 receptor agonist (regardless of AJOVY use), expect 2, 3, 5:
- Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) in 15-20% of patients, typically transient and occurring mainly during the first 4-8 weeks 3, 6
- These effects diminish with slow dose titration 1, 2, 3
- No interaction with AJOVY would worsen these symptoms
Practical Management Tips
- Start low and titrate slowly with your GLP-1 receptor agonist to minimize gastrointestinal side effects 2, 3, 5
- Reduce food portion sizes and fat intake during the initial weeks 7
- Continue standard fasting guidelines if undergoing any procedures 1
No Medication Adjustments Required
Neither medication requires dose adjustment when used together 1, 2. AJOVY does not affect glucose metabolism, and GLP-1 receptor agonists do not influence CGRP pathways or migraine mechanisms 2, 5.
Special Populations
If you have type 2 diabetes with cardiovascular disease or risk factors, GLP-1 receptor agonists with proven cardiovascular benefit (liraglutide, semaglutide, or dulaglutide) are actually recommended as preferred agents 1, 2. The addition of AJOVY for migraine prevention does not change this recommendation 1.
If you have chronic kidney disease, most GLP-1 receptor agonists retain efficacy even with eGFR as low as 15 mL/min/1.73 m² 2, and AJOVY does not affect renal function.