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Why does Aimovig cause constipation?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on Aug 9, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Is constipation common with Aimovig?

Constipation is reported as a common side effect with the use of Aimovig.

In some people, the constipation with Aimovig can be severe and lead to serious complications. Hospitalization or surgery may be needed in some cases. Contact your doctor immediately if you have severe constipation so it can be managed.

In most people who developed constipation, the constipation was reported after their first dose of Aimovig. However, constipation has also occurred later in treatment. In those who developed serious constipation, treatment with Aimovig was stopped. Your doctor should monitor you for constipation and manage it as needed. Do not stop taking your medicine without first talking to your doctor.

Using other medications that can cause constipation may increase your risk for more severe constipation and constipation-related complications. Discuss this with your doctor.

Which CGRP inhibitors cause constipation?

Not all CGRP inhibitors have been associated with constipation. There are three other FDA-approved CGRP inhibitors, including:

According to the manufacturer’s data, none of these agents have been linked with constipation. Ajovy, Emgality and Vyepti bind to the CGRP ligand and block CGRP from binding to the receptor, while Aimovig binds to and blocks the actual CGRP receptor site.

However, the constipation due to Aimovig was reported post-marketing (after the drug was approved). It is not known if post-marketing reports will eventually link the other CGRP agents with constipation.

Related questions

What other side effects occur with Aimovig treatment?

Beside constipation, other common side effects with Aimovig include injection site reactions (pain, redness, or swelling).

Aimovig can also cause serious allergies, high blood pressure or worsening of high blood pressure, and cramps and muscle spasms.

Call your health care provider or get emergency medical help right away if you experience:

These are all signs of a possible allergic reaction.

See also:
Aimovig side effects (in more detail)

These are not all the possible side effects of Aimovig. For more information, ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Bottom Line

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

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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

Can Aimovig cause hair loss (alopecia)?

Aimovig (erenumab-aooe), a medicine used for migraine prevention, did not lead to hair loss (alopecia) during clinical trials submitted for FDA-approval. Alopecia has been reported as a possible side effect in post-marketing reports of Aimovig. Continue reading

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