Can Aimovig cause hair loss (alopecia)?
Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) did not lead to hair loss (alopecia) during clinical trials submitted for FDA-approval, but alopecia has been reported as a possible side effect in post-marketing reports. Aimovig is a prescription medicine used for migraine prevention.
The most common side effects with Aimovig include injection site reactions and constipation, which can be serious. Cramps, muscle spasms, allergic reactions, high blood pressure and Raynaud’s phenomenon (a blood circulation problem) have also been reported.
Other monoclonal antibody CGRP inhibitors used for migraine prevention and associated with hair loss in post-marketing reports including Ajovy, Emgality, Vyepti and Ubrelvy. However, FDA Medwatch reports are voluntary and from a population of uncertain size, so it is not always possible to prove the side effect was caused by the drug or know how many people it may affect.
If you are experiencing hair thinning or hair loss, it may be due to a medical condition or another medication. Contact your healthcare provider for further advice.
Does Aimovig cause any serious side effects?
Constipation can be a common and serious side effect with Aimovig and may lead to hospitalization or the need for surgery.
Aimovig can also cause serious allergies (hypersensitivity), high blood pressure and cramps and muscle spasms. Hypersensitivity reactions can occur within hours to more than one week after receiving the medicine.
Call your health care provider or get emergency medical help right away if you experience swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat, or have trouble breathing. These are all signs of a possible allergic reaction with Aimovig.
Raynaud’s phenomenon is a blood circulation problem that can occur or get worse after receiving this treatment. You may notice your fingers or toes feeling numb, cool, painful or changing color (pale to blue to red). Contact your healthcare provider if these symptoms occur.
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- Why does Aimovig cause constipation?
Common side effects
Besides constipation, other common side effects with Aimovig (in at least 3% of treated patients and more often than placebo) include injection site reactions, that can lead to pain, redness, or swelling.
These are not all the possible side effects of Aimovig. For more information, ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for details on side effects and view the product information.
See also: Aimovig side effects (in more detail)
Bottom Line
- Hair loss was reported as a side effect with Aimovig after it was approved, but it is not known if the drug caused the hair loss or how many people this may affect. CGRP monoclonal antibody inhibitors like Aimovig are increasingly being associated with hair loss.
- If you have experienced hair thinning or hair loss (alopecia), contact your health care provider. Hair loss can be a side effect of other medications or from certain medical conditions.
- Aimovig can also cause other side effects, such as allergies or constipation, which can be serious. New occurrences of high blood pressure, worsening of high blood pressure, and cramps and muscle spasms have also been reported.
This is not all the information you need to know about Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) for safe and effective use. Review the full product information, and discuss this information with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
- Ruiz M, Cocores A, Tosti A, et al. Alopecia as an emerging adverse event to CGRP monoclonal antibodies: Cases Series, evaluation of FAERS, and literature review. Cephalalgia. 2023;43(2). doi:10.1177/03331024221143538
- Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) product information. Amgen. Thousand Oaks, CA. Revised 3/2025. Accessed July 21, 2025 at https://www.pi.amgen.com/-/media/Project/Amgen/Repository/pi-amgen-com/Aimovig/aimovig_pi_hcp_english.pdf
Read next
How long does Aimovig last in your system?
It takes approximately 154 days (22 weeks, or over 5 months) for Aimovig to be eliminated out of your system. Aimovig is a prescription medicine injected monthly for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. Continue reading
What is the mechanism of action of Aimovig?
Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) works by blocking the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor binding site and function. This helps to prevent the development of a migraine headache and associated pain. CGRP is a protein thought to cause blood vessels to dilate and lead to inflammation and migraine headache pain. Continue reading
How long can Aimovig be out of the fridge?
Once you remove Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) from the refrigerator, you must use it within 7 days. Do not put Aimovig back in the refrigerator after it has reached room temperature Continue reading
See also:
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Drug information
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