Erenumab Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Jan 29, 2025.

Applies to erenumab: subcutaneous solution.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

The needle shield within the white or orange cap of the autoinjector and gray needle cap of the prefilled syringe contains dry natural rubber (a derivative of latex), which may cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to latex. Tell your doctor if you have a latex allergy before using this medicine.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth after using this medicine.

Erenumab-aooe may increase your risk of having severe constipation, especially when given with medicines that decrease bowel movement. Talk with your doctor if this is a concern for you.

Check with your doctor right away if you have blurred vision, dizziness, nervousness, headache, pounding in the ears, or slow or fast heartbeat. These could be symptoms of high blood pressure.

Common side effects of erenumab

Some side effects of erenumab may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Serious side effects of erenumab

Along with its needed effects, erenumab may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking erenumab:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to erenumab: subcutaneous solution.

General adverse events

The more commonly reported adverse reactions have included injection site reactions and constipation.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity reactions including rash, angioedema, and anaphylaxis

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Constipation
• Postmarketing reports: Constipation with serious complications, oral mucosal ulceration

During clinical trials, constipation was reported in 3% of patients receiving 140 mg/month and 1% of patients receiving 70 mg/month. In the postmarketing period, serious complications of constipation have been reported. In most cases of serious constipations, this drug was discontinued.

Cardiovascular

• Postmarketing reports: Hypertension and worsening of preexisting hypertension

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Injection site reactions
• Frequency not reported: Injection site erythema, injection site pruritus, injection site pain

Injection site reactions included reports such as injection site pain and injection site erythema. Injection site reactions were reported in 6%, 5%, and 3% of patients receiving 70 mg/month, 140 mg/month, and placebo, respectively.

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Cramps, muscle spasms

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus
• Postmarketing reports: Alopecia, rash

See also:

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Further information

Erenumab side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer