Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) is a brand-name subcutaneous injection that’s prescribed to help prevent migraine headaches in adults. As with other drugs, Aimovig can cause side effects, such as constipation, injection site reactions, and muscle cramps.
Aimovig can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects (also called adverse effects) may be temporary, lasting a few days or weeks. But if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Aimovig in clinical trials:
- injection site reactions
- mild constipation
- muscle cramps and muscle spasms (twitches)
For more information on these side effects, see “Side effect specifics” below.
Mild side effects can occur with Aimovig use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Aimovig’s prescribing information.
Mild side effects that have been reported with Aimovig are explained in more detail below in “Side effect specifics.” These include:
- injection site reactions
- muscle cramps and muscle spasms (twitches)
- mild constipation
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days or weeks. But if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while using Aimovig and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.
Aimovig may cause serious side effects in some people. The list below may not include all the possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Aimovig’s prescribing information.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Aimovig in 2018. So far, the drug hasn’t been known to cause any long-term side effects.
If you develop serious side effects while using Aimovig, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Serious side effects that have been reported with Aimovig are explained in more detail below in “Side effect specifics.” These include:
Aimovig may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.
Is weight loss or weight gain a side effect of Aimovig?
No, weight loss or weight gain isn’t a side effect of Aimovig. Weight changes weren’t reported in clinical studies of people using the drug.
A different medication called topiramate (Topamax), which is also used to prevent migraine headaches, can cause weight loss.
Keep in mind that you may lose your appetite when you have migraine headaches, so that could cause you to lose weight.
On the other hand, there is a connection between weight and migraine episodes. Obesity may lead to an increase in the number or severity of migraine headaches, according to a
If you have concerns about losing or gaining weight during your Aimovig treatment, talk with your doctor.
Should I expect to have fatigue when using Aimovig?
No. A lack of energy known as fatigue isn’t a side effect of Aimovig. Fatigue wasn’t reported in clinical studies of the medication.
But it is common to feel fatigue before, during, or after a migraine.
If you’re concerned about fatigue while using Aimovig, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to help boost your energy.
Can Aimovig cause hair loss?
No, hair loss isn’t a side effect of Aimovig. It wasn’t reported in clinical studies of people using the drug. Hair loss has been reported in people using Aimovig since it was approved. But because these cases occurred outside of clinical trials, it’s possible that the hair loss could be due to other causes.
To learn about ways to help prevent hair loss and what treatments are available, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Are any side effects specific to the 70-mg or 140-mg shot of Aimovig?
No. People who took the 70-milligram (mg) or 140-mg dose of Aimovig had similar side effects.
If you’d to learn more about the dosage for Aimovig, see this article. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is depression one of Aimovig’s side effects?
No, depression isn’t a side effect of Aimovig. Depression wasn’t reported in clinical studies of the medication.
But some other drugs used for migraine headaches, such as topiramate (Topamax), may cause depression.
If you’re concerned about depression, talk with your doctor.
Can Aimovig cause period-related side effects?
No. Aimovig isn’t known to cause period-related side effects. Such side effects weren’t reported in clinical studies of the drug.
But some other drugs used to treat migraine, such as topiramate (Topamax), can cause period-related side effects. These side effects may include heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods.
Other factors can also cause changes in your period. Examples include stress and perimenopause (the stage right before menopause).
If you have any concerns about your period or side effects with Aimovig, talk with your doctor.
Learn more about some of the side effects that Aimovig may cause.
Injection site reactions
Aimovig is given as a subcutaneous injection using an autoinjector pen or a prefilled syringe. Some people have a mild reaction in the area of the injections. This kind of reaction is possible with most injectable drugs. Injection site reactions were a common side effect of Aimovig in clinical studies.
Injection site reactions might include the following symptoms near your injection site:
- redness or change in skin color
- itching
- pain
What you can do
Injection site reactions are typically mild and last a day or so. If you find that the reactions are bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to recommend ways to ease the side effect.
Muscle cramps and muscle spasms
Muscle cramps and muscle spasms (twitches) occurred in some people in clinical studies of Aimovig. But this was a rare side effect.
What you can do
To help prevent and ease muscle cramps and spasms, drink plenty of water. If you’re concerned about this side effect while using Aimovig, talk with your doctor.
Constipation
Constipation was one of the more common but mild side effects of Aimovig in clinical studies. Less commonly, some people developed severe constipation that required hospitalization and, in some cases, surgery.
Symptoms of constipation may include:
- abdominal pain or cramping
- difficulty passing stools
- straining when trying to pass stools
What you can do
To help prevent constipation, try drinking plenty of water and eating foods high in fiber.
If you have constipation while using Aimovig, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can suggest ways to help relieve it. But if your constipation is severe, talk with your doctor right away.
High blood pressure
High blood pressure wasn’t a side effect reported in people who used Aimovig in clinical studies. But some people reported new or worsened high blood pressure after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the medication.
Because these cases weren’t reported in the clinical studies, it’s possible that the high blood pressure was due to factors other than Aimovig.
High blood pressure is a common medical condition, sometimes with no obvious cause. But several factors can increase the risk of high blood pressure, such as smoking tobacco.
High blood pressure usually doesn’t cause any symptoms. But when it becomes very high, symptoms can include:
What you can do
If you notice symptoms of high blood pressure while using Aimovig, talk with your doctor right away. High blood pressure is often discovered when you have your blood pressure tested during a routine appointment.
If your blood pressure becomes high, your doctor may want to monitor your blood pressure at home. If it remains high, they may suggest switching you to a different medication.
Allergic reaction
As with most drugs, Aimovig can cause an allergic reaction in some people. No allergic reactions occurred during clinical studies of the drug. However, mild and serious allergic reactions have been reported with Aimovig after the FDA approved the drug. Most reports included mild allergic reactions. And most reactions occurred within hours to more than a week after receiving an Aimovig injection.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious and can include:
- skin rash
- itching
- flushing
- swelling under your skin, typically in your lips, eyelids, feet, or hands
- swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
What you can do
For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, talk with your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep using Aimovig. But if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you use Aimovig. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. The conditions and factors to consider include:
Allergic reaction: You shouldn’t use Aimovig If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to Aimovig or any of its ingredients. Talk with your doctor about which other treatments are better choices for you.
High blood pressure: Aimovig may cause high blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure, taking Aimovig could worsen your condition. Before using the drug, talk with your doctor. They may recommend that you monitor your blood pressure at home during your treatment.
Pregnancy: It’s not known if Aimovig is safe to use during pregnancy. For more information, see the “Aimovig and pregnancy” section below.
Breastfeeding: It’s not known if Aimovig is safe to use while breastfeeding. For more information, see the “Aimovig and breastfeeding” section below.
Alcohol with Aimovig
Alcohol does not interact with Aimovig. But alcohol can be a trigger for migraine in some people.
Talk with your doctor about how much alcohol is safe to drink while using Aimovig.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding while using Aimovig
Here’s some information on the use of Aimovig while pregnant or breastfeeding:
Pregnancy: It’s not known if Aimovig is safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown that Aimovig didn’t harm a fetus when given to a pregnant animal. But animal studies don’t always predict what will happen in humans.
Before using Aimovig, talk with your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant. They can advise you on the benefits and risks of the drug.
Breastfeeding: It isn’t known whether Aimovig is safe to use while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about whether Aimovig is right for you.
Side effects can occur while using Aimovig, but they’re usually mild. Most mild side effects of the drug are temporary and don’t require medical attention.
But you should talk with your doctor if you experience symptoms of severe constipation, high blood pressure, or an allergic reaction. These side effects could be serious and may need treatment.
If you’d like to learn more about Aimovig, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects of using the drug.
Note: For more information on migraine, see our list of headache and migraine articles.
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.