Aimovig is a brand-name prescription medication. It’s a type of drug called a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist.
Aimovig contains the active drug erenumab-aooe.* It comes as a solution, and it’s given by subcutaneous injection.
Aimovig is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help prevent migraine episodes in adults. Doctors typically prescribe this drug for long-term use.
Similar to other drugs, Aimovig may cause side effects. Read below for information about possible side effects, including common, mild, and serious ones.
For a general overview of Aimovig, see this article. If you’d like to take Aimovig, search here to find a healthcare professional who might prescribe it.
* The ending “-aooe” appears on Aimovig’s active drug name to indicate that it’s different from similar medications that may be made in the future.
Some of Aimovig’s side effects may be more common than others. These side effects may last only a few days to weeks. However, some side effects may last longer or become severe or bothersome. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns about any side effects with Aimovig.
In Aimovig’s clinical studies, these were some side effects that occurred more often:
- injection site reaction*
- mild constipation*
* For more information about this side effect, see “Aimovig: Side effects explained” below.
Aimovig can cause mild side effects, which are listed below. However, this list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects. To learn more about Aimovig’s side effects, view the drug’s prescribing information.
Aimovig’s mild side effects include:
- injection site reaction*
- mild constipation*
- muscle spasms or cramps*
The side effects listed above may last only a few days to weeks. However, some side effects may last longer or become severe or bothersome. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have concerns about side effects with Aimovig.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while using Aimovig and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.
* For more information about this side effect, see “Aimovig: Side effects explained” below.
It’s possible to have serious side effects with Aimovig. Serious side effects are listed below, but this list may not include all possibilities. To learn more about Aimovig’s side effects, view the drug’s prescribing information.
Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects with Aimovig. However, if you think you’re having a medical emergency or life threatening side effects, call 911 or your local emergency number.
Serious side effects of Aimovig and their possible symptoms include:
- High blood pressure, which may not cause any symptoms unless it’s severe. Symptoms can include:
- bloody nose
- dizziness
- headache
- Severe constipation.*
* For more information about this side effect, see “Aimovig: Side effects explained” below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after using Aimovig. However, this side effect was not reported in clinical studies.
Here are some common questions about Aimovig’s side effects and answers to them. Talk with your doctor if you have other questions about this drug.
Does Aimovig cause weight gain or weight loss?
It’s not likely. Weight changes weren’t reported as side effects in clinical studies of Aimovig.
However, other drugs used to help prevent migraine episodes may cause weight changes. For example, topiramate (Topamax) is known to cause weight loss. And propranolol (InnoPran XL, Inderal LA) could cause weight gain.
If you’re concerned about weight changes with Aimovig, talk with your doctor. They can suggest ways to help you manage a weight that’s healthy for you.
Are reviews available from people who’ve taken Aimovig?
Yes, the manufacturer of Aimovig provides stories from people who’ve taken the drug. To view these stories, visit the manufacturer’s website.
Also, if you’d like to share your experience with Aimovig, visit this page.
To learn more about what to expect with Aimovig treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Keep in mind, though, that everyone’s experience with this medication may vary.
Will stopping Aimovig cause withdrawal symptoms?
Stopping Aimovig isn’t known to cause withdrawal symptoms. (Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that occur after you’ve suddenly stopped taking a drug your body has become dependent on. With dependence, your body needs the drug in order to function like usual.)
Withdrawal symptoms weren’t reported in clinical studies of Aimovig.
Regardless, it’s important to talk with your doctor before stopping Aimovig. They may prescribe a medication other than Aimovig to help prevent your migraine episodes.
Are hair loss, fatigue, and nausea possible side effects of Aimovig?
Hair loss, fatigue, and nausea weren’t reported as side effects in clinical studies of Aimovig.
However, hair loss has been reported since the drug became available for use. Hair loss can also be caused by stress. And stress may trigger a migraine episode for some people. (Aimovig is used to help prevent migraine episodes.)
In addition, fatigue and nausea are common symptoms of migraine.
For these reasons, you may have hair loss, fatigue, or nausea related to migraine during your Aimovig treatment.
If you have hair loss, fatigue, or nausea with Aimovig, talk with your doctor. They can help you decide if these symptoms are related to migraine episodes instead of Aimovig. Your doctor can also suggest ways to help ease your symptoms.
What are some rare side effects of Aimovig?
Rare side effects of Aimovig include high blood pressure and severe constipation.* These side effects weren’t reported in clinical studies of the drug. However, reports of high blood pressure and severe constipation have rarely been made since Aimovig became available for use.
If you’re concerned about your risk of rare side effects with Aimovig, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* For more information about this side effect, see “Aimovig: Side effects explained” below.
Do side effects of 140-mg doses differ from those of other Aimovig doses?
Not necessarily.
Aimovig comes in two strengths: 70 milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL) and 140 mg/mL. In clinical studies, side effects of Aimovig didn’t differ based on the dosage given.
However, certain side effects occurred more often with 140-mg doses than with 70-mg doses. Examples include constipation and muscle spasms or cramps. For more information about these side effects, see “Aimovig: Side effects explained” below.
To learn more about what to expect based on the dosage of Aimovig you’re prescribed, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Here’s detailed information about some of Aimovig’s side effects.
Injection site reactions
Injection site reactions may occur with Aimovig. These are side effects that happen around the site where Aimovig is injected.
Injection site reactions were common in clinical studies of Aimovig. Examples of these reactions include:
- pain
- skin discoloration
- bruising
- itching
What to do
In many cases, injection site reactions with Aimovig typically go away within a few days after you receive an injection. However, if you have bothersome injection site reactions with Aimovig, talk with your doctor. They can suggest ways to help ease your symptoms.
Constipation
Constipation is possible with Aimovig. Mild constipation was commonly reported in clinical studies of the drug. There have also been reports of severe constipation with Aimovig since the drug became available for use.
Symptoms of constipation include:
- passing hard, dry stools
- having fewer than three bowel movements in 1 week
- having painful bowel movements
With severe constipation, your symptoms may be so serious that your condition needs to be treated in a hospital. In this case, doctors may need to perform surgery to relieve your constipation.
What to do
If you have constipation while using Aimovig, talk with your doctor. They may ask about your symptoms to determine if your constipation is severe.
You can also see this article for tips to relieve constipation and for help deciding if you should speak with a doctor.
Muscle spasms or cramps
Aimovig may cause muscle spasms or cramps, although these were less common in clinical studies of the drug.
Possible symptoms of muscle spasms or cramps include weakness, twitching, and sharp pain in your muscles.
What to do
If you have muscle spasms or cramps that bother you during your Aimovig treatment, talk with your doctor. They can suggest ways to help ease your symptoms.
Allergic reaction
As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after using Aimovig. A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible.
Allergic reactions weren’t reported in clinical studies of Aimovig. However, this side effect has been reported since the medication was approved.
Possible symptoms of mild and serious allergic reactions are listed in the table below.
| Mild allergic reaction symptoms | Serious allergic reaction symptoms |
| • itching | • trouble breathing |
| • rash | • swelling in your throat or mouth |
| • flushing | • swelling under your skin, possibly in your hands, feet, lips, or eyelids |
If you have an allergic reaction to Aimovig, call your doctor right away. This is important to do because the reaction could become severe.
However, if you’re having a medical emergency or your symptoms feel life threatening, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you begin Aimovig treatment. This drug may not be the right treatment option for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health.
The conditions and factors to consider include those described below.
High blood pressure. Aimovig may worsen high blood pressure in people who have this condition before starting Aimovig. If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may check your blood pressure more closely than usual during Aimovig treatment. Or they may recommend a different medication for you instead.
Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Aimovig or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Aimovig. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.
Latex or rubber allergy. If you have a latex or rubber allergy, tell your doctor before starting Aimovig treatment. Aimovig autoinjectors contain a form of rubber that’s similar to latex. It’s possible that people with a latex allergy may not be able to use Aimovig. Talk with your doctor to learn if a drug other than Aimovig may be better for you.
Consuming alcohol during Aimovig treatment
There aren’t any known interactions between alcohol and Aimovig.
However, alcohol may trigger a migraine episode for some people. And Aimovig is used to help prevent migraine episodes. If alcohol triggers your migraine episodes, it may be best to avoid alcohol during Aimovig treatment.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor. They can tell you if it may be safe to drink alcohol during your Aimovig treatment.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding during Aimovig treatment
Doctors aren’t sure if Aimovig is safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant or breastfeed, talk with your doctor before starting Aimovig treatment. They can discuss the possible risks and benefits of using the drug during these times.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to find out more information about Aimovig. If you have questions about the drug’s side effects, your pharmacist or healthcare professional can help answer them for you.
In addition to discussing Aimovig with your doctor, you may find the following articles helpful in learning more.
- Overview of Aimovig. To read an overview of Aimovig, see this article.
- Drug comparison. To learn how Aimovig compares with Emgality, read this article. And to read how Aimovig compares with Ajovy, Botox, and Topamax, see this article.
- Details about migraine. To learn more about migraine, which Aimovig is used to help prevent, see this article.
Disclaimer: Healthgrades 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.
