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Erenumab Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Feb 15, 2022.

For the Consumer

Applies to erenumab: subcutaneous solution

Side effects requiring immediate medical attention

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:

Less common

Incidence not known

  • Blurred vision
  • cough
  • dizziness
  • fast heartbeat
  • fever
  • headache
  • hives, itching, skin rash
  • hoarseness
  • irritation
  • joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
  • large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
  • nervousness
  • pounding in the ears
  • puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
  • redness of the skin
  • slow or fast heartbeat
  • tightness in the chest
  • trouble breathing or swallowing
  • unusual tiredness or weakness

Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention

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:

More common

  • Bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site

Less common

  • Muscle cramp or spasm

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to erenumab: subcutaneous solution

General

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

Frequently asked questions

References

1. "Product Information. Aimovig (erenumab)." Amgen USA (2018):

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer