Aimovig and Constipation: What Users Say (Page 3)

• AKE...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 22, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I am really glad other people took the time to write about their side effects that are not listed with the medication. I wanted to do the same thing in case others are searching for answers. I have had the constipation that everyone seems to suffer from. Not listed is my hair falling out constantly. I don't look like I am balding, but I am going crazy picking hair off my hairs and shoulders. I have had a tremendous amount of breakthrough bleeding even though I have been on continuous birth control for years. I have also gained a good 10 lbs. I am stopping the Aimovig. I haven't seen enough of a result after 7 months to put up with the weight gain in particular. Botox has been the most helpful thing to me by far. The Aimovig made the ones I had less intense and lowered the number by just a few. Hope this is helpful to someone."

• Eve...
• March 7, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I’ve taken Aimovig for over a year. It was good the first 3 months-then head pains and migraines came back halfway. Had a major migraine treated with Aimovig, nerve block, sumatriptan, and Nubrevly, which only allowed me to get through it-4 days in bed. Then switched to Emgality; did nothing. Now back on Aimovig. I have heart palpitations, constant headache requiring triptan, concentration issues, ringing ears, constipation, bloating, some weight gain, insomnia, sharp head pains in temples and head; need to get off all CGRP. Of course, Amgen doesn’t want to tell you how to stop taking it-guess what they want? Can’t do this anymore!"

• Mai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 22, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Do not take this Aimovig. I had squeezing of my heart, constipation, very little relief. I have multiple migraine types, including ocular migraines, occipital neuralgia, migraines with aura, tension headaches, etc. Did little to decrease severity, but had just as many, now up to 5-7 per day! Yes, per day."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I have taken 2 doses (140 mg) each. My digestive system has almost shut down. Out of nowhere, I started having horrible stomach pains. I’m horribly constipated, and then I had diarrhea for 10 days. It was so bad that I couldn’t leave my house. I have lost my appetite, and am very bloated. My migraines were not reduced. I’m seeing a gastroenterologist. I’ve never felt this way before."

• Tho...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 6, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I have taken 140 mg dosage since April. Fantastic for migraines, but constipation became so bad I feared I had a gut obstruction. I have resorted to colonoscopy prep twice, I was so sick and it was so painful. I will never take Aimovig again, and I am disappointed."

• Ell...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "Extreme constipation, so bad that I may need to discontinue. But it has significantly lessened my migraines. However, when I get a migraine, it is worse than ever and unable to be controlled with a triptan, ibuprofen, Tylenol combo."

• Ban...
• January 24, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I took the 70 mg shot last month. I was so excited with the results. I went from 2 migraines a week to 2 that month. I told my doctor I wanted the 140 because I thought more = no migraines. Last night I took 140, and about 2 hours later, I became confused/paranoid for about 10 minutes. Then my heart started to race extremely fast. My head felt very hot, and I was short of breath. My head started hurting intensely. I almost passed out a few times. I’ve never had anything like this happen. I was crying, and my husband wanted to take me to the ER, but I didn’t want to scare our four kids. He gave me a .25 alprazolam that I usually take for sleep assistance. This morning I was still shaking and had a headache. I feel very hungover and woozy, like I can’t hold my head up. Waiting for a call back from my doctor. Very worried after reading how long this stays in your body. Reading these comments also explains why I had the worst constipation of my life last month."

• Oh ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 6, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I had one Aimovig shot. That's it. Never again. I wish I had read the reviews on this being that it is so new. I had the pleasure of getting acid reflux from this medicine, plus muscle aches and constipation. Omg. Miralax isn't helping. Please think twice about this. I will just deal with the migraines, then these new issues. :("

• For...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "On Aimovig, I had severe constipation, plus my migraines began to change locations and increased in frequency. I also had ear pain that started getting worse. I started getting numb in my face with my migraines, which never happened before. After stopping, I got viral bronchitis, and my facial numbness started getting worse. I am getting dizzy spells that are increasing in intensity and how often they happen. Plus, severe ear pain got much worse (not connected to migraine pain), causing dizzy spells that have sent me to the ER a few times and face numbness getting worse. Doctors don’t know what is wrong. MRI fine, blood work fine... only thing new recently is Aimovig and viral bronchitis, but symptoms started with the Aimovig. I stopped Aimovig after 3 months, I couldn’t handle the side effects anymore."

• Ama...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 23, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "This drug has been very effective for reducing my migraines, however, the side effect is horrible constipation. I finally decided to try a probiotic and a stool softener, and it has provided relief... no more constipation. Hope this helps."

• NYa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 28, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "This drug has worked for me. I’ve been on it since it first became available (about 18 months ago). I’ve had migraines since age 5 and was also already on Topamax and Verapamil and was still having nearly daily low-grade headaches and 2x weekly full-blown. I still have a migraine about once every 10 days, but now no low grades. It really has changed my life. I haven’t noticed any constipation, but the Verapamil I’m on causes so much constipation that I was already treating that with Miralax and Metamucil, so maybe. My hair is a bit thinner, I didn’t even notice until the doctor asked me, and now I do see that. Oh well, it’s worth it to me. I have been wondering lately if it has started to wear off some or work less, as I’ve started to get more headaches, but that could be my life stress. And I still do not have daily low-grade, which honestly I used to have all the time. Good luck, everyone!"

• Sta...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 22, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "I took my first injections (2 @ 70 mg each) of Aimovig on June 14, 2018. That first month, I had 5 consecutive days without a migraine. I had been suffering from daily migraines for over three years, so that alone would have been enough. But with the following injections, my migraine-free days have increased. Also, if I do feel the start of a migraine, two Anacins kill the pain. The only side effect is constipation. For me, it can be resolved with Miralax. I am so thankful for this medication."

• Par...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 8, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Just had the fourth round of 140 mg Aimovig injections this morning. Moved from having them in my arms to my stomach and no issues with the actual injections. I had no improvement at all in my migraines over the first three months, and in fact, they have been worse in the third month than in a long time. I am now taking daily prednisone to calm things down for the next 15 days. The constant constipation is a real issue, as well as the mood changes, exhaustion, and interrupted sleep. I have also lost interest in food and lost weight. My neurologist is keen for me to stay on this for the duration of the 12-month trial, but if this fourth month continues like the first three, I will stop, as I was better on Botox and episodic medications. The worry is once the injections are in, you have to ride it out for at least four weeks, and for me, it has been a very unpleasant experience, particularly when you are working."

• Bea...
• September 21, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "I get ~25 migraines a month, ranging in intensity. They’re triggered by my hormone cycle. I take Zomig, which works great. When I have stress or a food trigger layered on top of my hormone cycle, the meds stop working. I’ve eliminated food triggers, but it's hard to avoid stress. I usually have to take at least one day off work a month, but I'm in pretty severe pain almost every day. I started Aimovig a little over a week ago ($100 copay). I was in the middle of a migraine episode when I took it, and it continued. Then I had intense headaches, which I never get. I felt like there was a migraine fighting to come through, it was an odd, foggy, tight feeling in my head. Not sure it’s better or worse than a migraine, just different. Now I’m severely constipated, which I will definitely have to treat. I’m still very hopeful, though. I’d like to see how my body adjusts after a month or two. It’s worth a try. There is nothing else left. I’ll be praying for us all that we find some relief one way or another."

• Jud...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 19, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "63-year-old female with migraines for 7 yrs after a failed surgery on C5-C7 vertebrae. Debilitating migraines 18-20 days/month. After a year of being on the highest dosage of Oxy allowed, my pain management doc offered Aimovig. I've had 2 injections and a 3rd is in my refrigerator where it will stay. For a couple of days after the 1st injection, I felt hungover, with dizziness similar to vertigo. A week later, I developed this rash all over my legs that looked like chigger bites. The itching and skin sensitivity are unbearable and wake me up in the middle of the night. Skin is hypersensitive and I can no longer stand anything hotter than lukewarm water, which makes me feel like my skin is on fire. I have bruises all over with no explanation, fatigue and depression along with constipation. I still have at least 8-10 migraines/month. The side effects are so awful I can't recommend it. I just hope they aren't permanent."

• Mis...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 21, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I am a 77-year-old female who has experienced chronic migraine since age 30. I have taken nearly every preventive medication for migraine to no avail. Began using Aimovig 10 months ago and the results were miraculous-from 15 to 1 or 2 headaches per month. Side effects were minimal except for constipation. NOW I am experiencing significant hair loss, including eyebrows! I will not continue using Aimovig. I'd rather have headaches than be bald."

• Aim...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 11, 2024

For Migraine Prevention "I have taken Aimovig 70 ml for 6.3 years now. At first, I continued to have migraines. Then, after a few months, they became significantly lowered from chronic everyday to 1 a month. I have, after starting Aimovig 70 ml, developed an ascending aortic aneurysm. I have now got severe osteoporosis, T-score of -4.8. The CGRP being blocked is preventing my body from making new bone formation. I have severe constipation, muscle pain and cramps, neuropathy. I have fullness in the right ear and swelling under my eyes. These physical problems have presented themselves while on Aimovig 70 ml. My migraines have returned to 6 a month this month."

• Kia...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 14, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I’ve been taking Aimovig for almost a year. It more or less stopped working a few months ago, so the doctor doubled the dose to 140 mg. Now I am having serious constipation and will have to discontinue. It seems like all of these new meds have such huge trade-offs in terms of risk vs. rewards. I don’t think they are adequately tested before release."

• Tex...
• August 27, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "I took my 1st injection on 08/17. I gave the 70 mg injection to myself in the stomach with no pain. It did get a little sore for a few hours after, but nothing at injection time. Later that day, I got a migraine that lasted 3 days and also flu-like symptoms. The flu-like symptoms came on first with muscle weakness, fatigue, muscle spasms, and nerve pain. I have since experienced very mild constipation and awful stomach cramps. I had Botox 5 days later, and it helped some. Aimovig was given to use each month to fill in the gaps from Botox. I have daily debilitating migraines averaging 25-30 days per month. I have arterial thoracic outlet syndrome (ATOS) & neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS). I’m very curious if anyone else has this? My first Aimovig was my last one! This medication (that was hyped up to be a migraine miracle cure) is NOT for me. I wanted to put my experience out there for others to see. I feel like there are WAY more side effects yet to be discovered from the use of this medicine."

• RKe...
• May 2, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I’m 34 and don’t remember a time when I didn’t have migraines. Aside from the week-long pain at the injection site, I didn’t have any constipation, sleeplessness, or any of the other “common” side effects. I did, however, get a terrible migraine a few days after the shot, though that has lasted for the better part of a month now. Since the shot, my migraines have increased from once every two weeks to every other day in spite of virtually eliminating migraine “trigger” foods/drinks from my diet. I’ve noticed that triptans that previously worked aren’t working at all anymore - I may as well be eating tic-tacs. Since no medications seem to be working anymore, my migraines have gone from a nuisance to completely debilitating. I’ll be happy when this drug is out of my system and hope that triptans work again."

• Rin...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 11, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I should have read the reviews before I got suckered into taking this drug. I'm now on about month 9 of the drug. I started with 70 mg and then was increased to 140 mg. I've been having extreme dizziness/vertigo, terrible constipation, and a distended belly (it feels like food is just sitting at the top of my stomach for weeks on end!), overall lack of energy, confusion, and odd pressure in the side of my head where I used to get migraines. I am going to stop this drug right away. It has cut down my migraines but at the cost of my overall health."

• Suz...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 6, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I’ve been on Aimovig for about a year. Has been a game changer for my migraines but has caused severe constipation and weight gain. I am most likely going off the medicine. Don’t feel it’s worth it."

• Hea...
• September 5, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "I just took my third shot. The first month, I did not see any changes except for severe constipation. After the second month, I noticed a huge difference. My energy level is finally back. My advice is don't knock it until you try it and actually give it time to get in your system. We are all different. I know this may not sound like a big deal, but I actually enjoy finally getting outside without the sun or even cloudy days hurting my head. The shot does sting for just a few minutes, and I usually feel kind of bad not really knowing how to explain the feeling, but this passes pretty quickly. I finally have the biggest part of my life back! The severe constipation is still current, but the doctor has put me on medication for this. What does anyone have to lose by giving it a try? You also could be that one out of six."

• Luk...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 2, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "My son, who is 18, suffers from occasional intense migraines with vomiting and sensitivity to noise, light, etc. We tried Aimovig for the first time, and after the first dose, he immediately had a hot sensation/flash. Fast forward a few days, he began to experience extreme fatigue, causing him to take periodic naps (when he never usually naps), a feeling of being lightheaded with stomach upsets and hot flashes again. He said he felt as though he had mononucleosis again, as he had that 15 months prior. Is anyone else experiencing the same or similar symptoms? I called the Dr. and also manufacturer, but most side effects do not include these, but more so muscle cramps and constipation. It's been a horrible experience thus far and will completely discontinue this. I think the headaches were better than what he is experiencing in side effects. I would love to know if anyone else had or has the same."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 19, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I have been taking Aimovig for over a year now. I suffer with chronic migraine, and before Aimovig, had days on end of constant 9/10 pain. I started taking Aimovig, and I am down to roughly 1 bad 9/10 migraine a month. It’s amazing. I’m still on it due to an everyday 2/10 headache I have, but my overall migraines have been so much better. I experienced some constipation early on, but it got better the more I took it. I sometimes have to take a Benadryl if my body reacts funny to the injection site, which happened a lot when I was injecting in my thigh, but since I’ve been doing it in the tummy, I’ve only had to take it once. It’s a lifesaver, and I hope everyone has as good of a reaction to it that I did."