Common Side Effects of Aimovig
Aimovig (erenumab-aooe), a CGRP inhibitor for migraine prevention, most often causes injection-site reactions. Patients report pain, redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site in about 45% of cases, compared to 33% on placebo.[1][2] Other frequent issues include constipation (up to 6%), muscle cramps or spasms (up to 5%), and fatigue.[1]
Serious Side Effects and Warnings
Hypertension develops in 2% of users, sometimes severe enough to stop treatment; monitor blood pressure regularly.[1][2] Allergic reactions occur rarely, with symptoms like rash, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue, or trouble breathing—seek emergency care immediately.[1] No increased risk of heart, stroke, or liver issues in trials, but long-term data is limited.[2]
How Side Effects Compare to Placebo
| Side Effect | Aimovig (%) | Placebo (%) |
|-------------|-------------|-------------|
| Injection-site reaction | 45 | 33 |
| Constipation | 6 | 3 |
| Muscle spasms | 5 | 3 |
| Hypertension | 2 | 0 |
| Nausea | 4 | 3 |
Data from pivotal trials (NCT02456740, NCT02483531).[2]
Why Do Injection-Site Reactions Happen So Often?
Aimovig is self-injected monthly under the skin. Reactions stem from the drug's formulation or needle trauma, peaking within hours and resolving in days. Rotating sites (abdomen, thigh, upper arm) reduces recurrence.[1]
What If You Miss a Dose or Have Side Effects?
Skip missed doses—do not double up. For ongoing issues like severe constipation or high blood pressure, consult your doctor; they may adjust dose (70mg or 140mg) or switch treatments.[1] No withdrawal symptoms reported on stopping.[2]
Patient Experiences with Aimovig Side Effects
Real-world reports on forums and FDA data highlight constipation as most bothersome, often managed with diet/fiber. Some note initial worsening of migraines before improvement. Women report higher rates of muscle cramps.[3]
[1]: Aimovig Prescribing Information (Amgen, FDA-approved label)
[2]: Clinical Trials Data (NCT02456740, NCT02483531 via ClinicalTrials.gov)
[3]: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) Summary