Aimovig and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Gin...
• May 20, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "Female, 65 yr, 5'3", 123#. Migraine started in my 20s. Increasing to daily migraine. Have been under neurologist care for decades, and you name it, I've swallowed or been jabbed with it. March 3, 2020, Aimovig 70 mg (free sample) which gave me relief from March 4 until May 3, 2020, with no migraines. Two months and no migraines - fantastic! Side effects were constipation, 5 lb weight increase, then right ankle pain (took ibuprofen). Will update after prescription refill."

• Joa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 11, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "The first injector to arrive did not function properly, so the pharmacy replaced it. The drug has given me side effects! Lasting pain in the leg into which it was injected. Constipation (something that usually does not happen to me). Weight gain (I am petite, size 6 jeans). Five pounds in the first 2 weeks after injection. I was also supposed to get a free dose gratis! But Amgen and Aimovig Allies do not answer the phone. They are treating patients badly. They do not return calls. My doctor's office cannot even reach the company! This company is making money hand over fist with your pain...but can't be bothered to pick up the phone? The pharmacy in Texas that ships the stuff also ignores phone calls. I think the 'Aimovig Allies' are actually a call center located outside the USA. No help from them!"

• Dai...
• May 16, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "This Aimovig medication made a big difference in my life with migraine prevention. I was having migraines 25 out of 30 days, if not 30 at times, now it’s half. I did notice weight gain, and I am having a stomach ache at times. I notice I become less active, no energy, but beats the migraines! I notice after I give myself the injection, I have terrible migraines for two to three days, then feel better! It has improved my life. I hope it is safe for long-term use because I feel it helps me and would like to keep taking it to feel better."

• Coc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 4, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Aimovig is helping me handle my migraines. Incredible relief after just one month, as I was having migraines 20-25 days a month. I have used 3 injections so far. Slight side effects at first, but gaining weight so fast is scary. I logged over 80,000 steps walking during the holidays this past week, and shocked to find I gained 6 pounds, even though I really watched what I ate. In total, I have already gained 25 pounds in a little over two months on Aimovig. Really considering stopping the drug, as this side effect is disturbing."

• Pat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I've been doing injections about 6 months. The headaches are better, but the side effects are crazy! Weight gain, a rash on my face, bleeding gums, and itching!! With each injection, these get worse!! I'm done and will deal with the headaches. Meds generally aren't the answer. There are natural treatments available."

• New...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 10, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I have used Aimovig for about 8 months now for migraine prevention. I had suffered frequent, disabling migraines for 30 years triggered by almost everything, including exertion. At first, the shots were a new lease on life, but now I experience frequent constipation, weight gain, and severe pain during the injection. I apparently took the shots too often in my arms. For the last several months, it is hard to lift my left arm, the muscle hurts so badly. I am going to ask my neurologist about possible nerve damage. It seems that my energy level is going down. I am wondering if these side effects are cumulative. Will check it out with my neurologist. Not sure if this medication is worth all these side effects."

• EDC...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 16, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "Was on Aimovig for 8 months, and it did reduce my migraines from 20 to 5 per month. However, as each month passed, I began having terrible side effects. I dealt with them because my migraines were better. I began with severe constipation and then heart fluttering, palpitations, shortness of breath, panic attacks, body aches, exhaustion, vision loss, and 20 lb weight gain in my stomach (eating habits not changed). After 3 ED visits, GI doctor visits, and a cardiologist who performed several tests, including a heart cath… my neurologist was not convinced it was Aimovig but put me on Emgality. Fast forward 3 months, and I was suffering the same side effects as Aimovig and increased weight gain in my stomach area. I’ve been off of Emgality now for 3 months, and my abdomen is huge. I’m having an endoscopy this week. I’m wearing my second heart monitor as I write this, as I’m still dealing with heart issues. My health has declined because of these meds, and I’m scared. Run from CGRP blockers."

• TBI...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 24, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "It helped with my headaches after the severe TBI. From having 20 migraine days a month, it decreased to 5 days a month. But side effects are horrible. I can't breathe, a shortness of breath, constipation, hair loss, fatigue, weight gain, acne, and joint pain. I prefer headaches rather than having all these side effects."

• pjr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 1, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Three weeks ago, I had my first injection of 70 mg. This week is 'migraine week' (my period), and this week is the first time I've had any headache. I think the Aimovig is reducing my migraines, but I have put on 5 pounds in those three weeks -- despite exercising more and eating my daily veggie/greens salad for dinner, intentionally trying to lose a few pounds for our upcoming vacation. I am so bloated I look like I'm 5 months pregnant. I'm going to see my general practitioner in a couple of weeks for my annual check-up, and if he finds no other insidious causes of this bloating and weight gain, I'm planning to go off the Aimovig. My last resort to get rid of the migraines is Botox."

• Cru...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 16, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I started taking Aimovig in September of 2018, so I am coming up on the 1-year mark. Prior to taking Aimovig, I was getting 6-8 headaches a month, and they were the pulsating type that developed behind my eyebrows. I finally broke down and saw a neurologist who tried a couple different pills before putting me on the Aimovig. In the beginning, it worked great, and I had zero headaches. Now, I am getting 2-4 a month, but they are very mild. However, I have gone from about 107-109 lbs to 111-113 lbs. This approximate 5 lb. weight gain has made my pants feel tight and my stomach stick out. I am going to talk to my pharmacist, but I am considering stopping this medication to see if I can drop the weight. I have been trying for a month to lose the weight and have only gained. Also, I am on the one-year free trial of this, and once that's up, I would most likely have to stop taking it as I can't afford the $600/month price tag."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 4, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "Despite migraine relief, I do not recommend this drug. I took only one dose and have been suffering ever since from rapid weight gain, muscle pain, severe constipation, dehydration, etc. My doctor minimized it, so I am relieved to see others who’ve posted similar experiences. If a drug has such intense side effects, though it may not be the case for all, it can’t be good for you. Also, I take other meds, and perhaps there are drug interactions researchers are not yet aware of… that happens!"

• Anonymous
• August 10, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "To the person talking about weight gain. Ears ringing. Eye pressure. Please, that is all of that is what I had - it’s not from the Aimovig. I ended up getting diagnosed with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). You have what I had. Pls get looked at! Pls."

• Cur...
• August 3, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "Aimovig has been a miracle for me, going from 18 migraines a month down to 1 or 2. I do have side effects, though, which include bloating, weight gain around my midsection, depression right after the injection, and insomnia."

• Mir...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 4, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I have been on Aimovig since 2018, first on 70 mg, then 140 mg. Overall, very positive experience. It has reduced my full-blown migraines to zero. I get morning headaches, and those are down, too. I do not have many of the side effects that others have mentioned, but I do struggle with my weight. Years of being on one migraine med or another never makes it easy to lose. My hair is also thinning on top, and I wonder if Aimovig is causing this. My sister-in-law and two cousins are on Aimovig, and it has helped them greatly with minimal side effects. Good luck, everyone."

• Sal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 11, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "Took Aimovig 10 days ago. I haven’t had a migraine since. It’s probably been 20 years since I’ve gone a week without one. However, my skin is suddenly dry and flaky, and I’ve gained 6 pounds."

• sje...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 29, 2024

For Migraine Prevention "I gained weight after taking it for 3 months, it was 5 lbs. Not terrible, but after working out and trying hard to eat right, it is discouraging."