Erenumab Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Jun 6, 2024.

Applies to erenumab: subcutaneous solution.

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:

More common side effects

• 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 side effects

• muscle cramp or spasm

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:

Less common side effects

• constipation

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

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

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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