4 Aimovig Side Effects You Should Know About

Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) is a prescription medication that can help prevent migraines in adults. It’s available as a once-monthly injection you can give yourself at home. Aimovig may start working within the first month of starting it, and is generally well tolerated. But it does have a few possible side effects to consider.

Below, we’ll review four Aimovig side effects you should know about. It’s important to remember that this list doesn’t include all possible side effects. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you’re concerned about potential side effects while taking Aimovig.

1. Injection site reactions

Injection site reactions are the most common Aimovig side effect. This is when you experience redness, discomfort, and/or swelling around the area where you injected Aimovig. This is a typical and expected side effect of many injectable medications.

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Injection site reactions usually go away on their own, typically within a few days. But if you’re looking for ways to ease the discomfort in the meantime, applying warm compresses or ice packs to the affected area may help. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can lessen the symptoms as well. Examples include acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).

2. Constipation

Constipation is another Aimovig side effect you could experience. But there are several ways to help manage it if it happens, such as:

• Increasing the amount of water or fluids you drink per day

• Increasing the amount of fiber you consume, either with dietary changes or fiber supplements like Metamucil (psyllium)

• Exercising regularly

• Going to the bathroom around the same time each day

• Going to the bathroom when you get the urge to go — instead of waiting or putting it off

If these tips don’t seem to help, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist whether you can take OTC medications for constipation, such as laxatives or stool softeners.

Check in with your provider if your constipation isn’t improving after a few days. And if it’s severe or gets worse at any point, contact your care team right away. Severe constipation can lead to more serious bowel problems.

Very rarely, severe constipation has been reported by people taking Aimovig. In these cases, people needed hospitalization and surgery to resolve it. This complication most often happens after the first dose of Aimovig, but it can occur after you’ve received a few doses, too. If you take other medications that cause constipation — such as opioids — the risk of this Aimovig side effect may be higher. 

Note any changes in your bowel habits when starting Aimovig. And if you develop signs of constipation that can’t be relieved with at-home or OTC remedies, contact your healthcare provider right away. They may suggest stopping Aimovig and seeking urgent treatment.

3. Muscle cramps or spasms

Muscle cramps and spasms are a less common Aimovig side effect. In general, they appear as uncontrollable muscle movements that are sometimes painful or uncomfortable.

Typically, muscle cramps or spasms with Aimovig should be mild. And they should stop shortly after they start. Stretching or massaging the affected area may help relieve or lessen this Aimovig side effect. Hot showers can also be soothing.

If muscle cramps or spasms are persistent or seem severe, contact your healthcare provider. More intense muscle cramps aren’t an expected side effect, and there may be another cause for this symptom.

4. High blood pressure

After Aimovig was FDA approved, some people reported that they developed high blood pressure after starting the medication. Clinical trials haven’t been able to say for sure whether this is truly caused by the medication. Typically, people who reported increases in blood pressure had a history of hypertension (chronic high blood pressure) or risk factors for developing hypertension.

Out of caution, the manufacturers of Aimovig warn that high blood pressure may potentially happen. And your risk may be higher if you already have hypertension or other heart problems. If you have a history of these health conditions, ask your healthcare provider whether you should periodically check your blood pressure at home while taking Aimovig.

When should I contact my healthcare provider about Aimovig side effects?

You should contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist anytime you have questions about Aimovig side effects. You don’t have to wait for things to become severe. Your healthcare team is there to help you understand how your medication works and what to expect while taking it.

Most mild Aimovig side effects, such as injection site reactions and mild constipation, can be managed at home. But if you have serious side effects, such as high blood pressure or severe constipation, contact your provider right away. They can help determine whether you need further medical care. If symptoms ever seem life-threatening, seek medical attention immediately.

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Written by:

Nicole E. Cieri-Hutcherson, PharmD, BCPS, NCMP

Nicole E. Cieri-Hutcherson, PharmD, BCPS, NCMP, has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist, professor, and researcher. She was a full-time clinical professor in the pharmacy practice department at D’Youville School of Pharmacy before subsequently joining the faculty of the pharmacy practice department at the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Edited by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

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