Erenumab and Constipation: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Bab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 3, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Just before my 3rd dose of 70 mg, I experienced days of headaches and a day-long migraine. I had to use a Tylenol & codeine (1/2) tablet. Immediately after the first dose, I had severe constipation, nausea, gagging, abdominal pain, pelvic bone pain, low back pain, and feet that felt like they were trapped in bricks. My lower legs gave out, and I had to resort to using a walker. I have no stamina or desire to do anything. My weight is up 12 lbs in 3 months, feet are so swollen that they are inflexible. My right leg is now 3 inches larger than the left. Daily headaches and tinnitus have overtaken the migraines. Aspirin or NSAIDs help for an hour, then I have to chew on an antacid or two because of acid reflux. NO more Aimovig for me."

• Sca...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Tried Aimovig, and the injection was easy, not painful at all. The problem was after 1 week, then the constipation was so bad. My bowels just stopped working. I was aware of potential side effects, so I was proactive to stay regular. Nothing I tried would work. It caused pain, cramp, and bloating. I felt awful on top of my migraines. I didn’t notice any reduction in pain, and it actually made my neck and shoulders worse."

• Nan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 25, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I started using 70 mg Aimovig in July and stopped using Botox the next month. My migraine days have been reduced from 10-15 a month to 4 a month. I have also stopped using amitriptyline, which I was on for 30 years. Insurance covered the first 6 months with a $75 copay and then stopped doing that, but now the drug company is paying for 6 months. I am not sure how I got so lucky. I do have the annoying stomach side effect, but mine is constipation for 2 weeks and then diarrhea for 2 weeks. I can't see that anyone else has mentioned this, but at night I am using medical marijuana for pain for a migraine. Works better than any triptan, you just can't drive."

• RJa...
• July 9, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I have had severe migraines since the age of 11. I have managed them with Rx for most of my life - preventative medication was discontinued due to side effects outweighing the benefits. At my neurology appointment, I had had continuous migraine for more than 3 months. Erratic sleep patterns and my usual frequent vomiting. I hoped the Aimovig would help. I have never had a problem with constipation until the day after the injection, and now I have so much gas and bloating. I know it is early, but I have had no lessening of migraine. My vomiting has increased, and my already present tinnitus is now louder. Be aware of side effects before buying! I have had daily sharp stabbing cramps in my feet. The MD wants me to take it again. I will not. Ask for the full list of side effects. My cost was 697.56."

• Kit...
• September 20, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "Has not changed my headaches at all. If anything, they have been worse. Also, constipation has been a major problem. I've been on it a month. The shot itself is easy and almost painless to use, at least for me. The manufacturer and pharmacy are impossible to contact. I'm happy for those it's helping, though!"

• mp2...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "30 yo female. I’ve had migraines since I was around 10. Started on Aimovig 70 mg at the beginning of June this year after using Botox every 12 weeks for the past 5 years and taking oral meds before then. I would say my migraines have been better, I’ve had maybe 2 debilitating ones this summer. However, the side effects of this drug make me prefer the multiple injections with Botox. I’ve had unbelievable constipation, considering I’ve gone my whole life with IBS with diarrhea. Also noticed that in the past 3 months I’ve gained so much weight (20-30 lbs) and feel bloated like I’m on my period all the time. The more research I do into this drug, the more I’m seeing similar issues."

• Sue...
• December 31, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I've just been on Aimovig for two months. 140 for the first dose, 70 second. Helped headaches but destroyed my digestive system. The constipation was horrible (constipation isn't usually a problem for me), which in turn caused a horrible flare-up of diverticulitis. I won't take Aimovig anymore. It's brutal. Proceed carefully!"

• 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."

• Bab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 31, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "I initially tried the 70 mg, which did absolutely nothing. I then tried the 140 mg, and my migraines have become worse in intensity and frequency. It also has played a negative role with my irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). I've been experiencing terrible cramps and also fluctuating between constipation and diarrhea. I had such hope for this drug."

• Tra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 5, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I have been doing these Aimovig shots for 3 months, and I am still in disbelief. Nothing has worked for me in the past. Only one triptan out of all of the ones I tried was helpful 50% of the time, with awful side effects, and my insurance would not even pay for it. So it was not worth it. I took Fioricet when I would get migraines, and it got to a point where my headaches were more days than not, and I was scared I was taking too much Fioricet. The doctor had me try Aimovig. I was thinking, okay, but this will not work either. But it has worked! I don’t even remember the last time I had a headache or needed a Fioricet. I will say the first week after my first injection, I felt very nauseous, but I do not know if it was the shot or not. I did not feel anything after the last 2 shots. The only side effect is constipation for me."

• Ros...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Aimovig (140 mg) 3 months. I’m happy for the people it helped... For me, I felt dizziness from the beginning, also lack of concentration, extreme fatigue, daily heartaches, stomach aches, depression, and augmentation of tinnitus and constipation. This is what I felt, but do not judge the medication for everyone, those were my personal side effects."

• JMM...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 19, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "I am very impressed with Aimovig so far. I have not had a migraine in 9 days! I usually have one every single day. I do have constipation, but that is easily dealt with. I take a stool softener each night. That is a million times better than crippling daily migraines! One thing to note: when I first had the injection, I had a bad migraine for 3 days straight after it."

• Joa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 4, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I’ve taken one 70 mg dose of Aimovig so far. First off, the injection (given in the left arm) hurt like anything. It was like getting harshly stabbed with a large needle. Now, I’m dealing with crazy side effects. Severe dizziness, blurred vision, and sometimes even trouble taking deep breaths. It’s as if my lungs will not expand all the way. Oh!! And don’t forget the constipation!! Despite the side effects, I have seen a decrease in my migraines. When I do get one, they have changed—more nausea and now dizziness!! Side effects are disruptive and awful. I will not be injecting myself with this drug EVER again."

• Min...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 31, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I have been on Aimovig for 5 months. My almost daily migraines stopped completely after 3 months. But, I am going to stop as I cannot manage the side effects. Mainly, insomnia, aching, painful muscles, significant hair loss, intense fatigue, no concentration and brain fog, constipation. Has anyone else experienced these side effects? I am on steroids, so I wondered if it reacts to some medications. It’s a shame as it really did work for me."

• Sic...
• September 4, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I tried the Aimovig because my chronic pain management team suggested it. I have suffered with migraines for years, and recently a routine medical procedure by the same team that was botched made them worse, so they suggested I try 70 mg of this. My headache/migraine is less, but I am having severe depression on top of my depression that was already severe. I have lost even more energy and have constipation, and it's only been a week or so. I can't believe I was talked into this. Plus, I am a cancer survivor, and I don't need this! I was told the only side effects could be a rash, constipation, or pain at the injection site. I see that's not the case, and I am not the only one whose depression is worse from reading about this. Who does that to a person? What medical team! Great, my headache is a little better, but at what cost? Plus, I have no idea what's to come! The half-life is too long for experimenting on a patient with multiple health issues. I won't have another shot of this."

• San...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 15, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Suffering migraines for over 30 years. Have gone through many types of pill treatments. Currently on a regimen of 3 daily prevention meds and Zomig nasal spray for migraine attacks. A long road brought me down to 2-3 attacks per month, affecting 3-4 days. Have had 4 injections of Aimovig 70. Results = no migraines, which was very exciting; 1 episode of 20-minute aura. Handling the constipation with modulating amounts of Metamucil and prunes. Seems like it's working… except that about 3 weeks after the 1st injection, developed a rash on the back of my neck. Since then, it has gone up into my hair, then down to my upper back, and today creeping around to the front upper shoulder/chest. Very, very itchy that prescription strength cortisone cream lightly touches. So... in a dilemma. Since my migraines seem to be waning, maybe just get off the Aimovig before the itchy rash takes over."

• 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!"

• Ade...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "This medicine has been a total game changer for me! Having suffered from migraines since I was 7, 15 times per month on average, heavy use of triptans. In July, I counted only 2 migraine headaches. Before this, I had even tried amitriptyline, reaching a dose of 75 mg with no success and crazy side effects and mood swings. My only concern on Aimovig is the long-term effects that haven't been studied as the drug is so new. Other than that, if you can afford it, I would always recommend using Aimovig. I used this discussion as a reference for whether I should try it and was scared initially because so many people experience side effects. From my side, there are none, or at least mild constipation is not a real issue when you compare it with migraines..."

• Liv...
• July 11, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "42-year-old male. Living with migraines most of my life, on average experiencing 13 days/month with symptoms. They start with bad, blinding auras, sensitivity to light and smells, confusion, nausea. Following this, extreme pain that can last from 5 minutes to 5 hours. The worst is the 'hangover' the following day that leaves you exhausted like a zombie, with pain behind my eye when I sneeze or cough. I started Aimovig 70 mg 3 months ago, and I can say this drug has changed my life. I am now logging 3-4 days/month with symptoms, and they are mild. It seems like the auras 'almost' come, and the pain, whenever it shows up, is more manageable. Best part: no hangover. The first month, the constipation was bad and had to be managed with Miralax, it was even giving me abdominal pain. It seems to be getting better by month 3. Frankly, the constipation is a small price to pay (and is manageable) when compared to the gain of much lower frequency of migraines. Aimovig worked for me!"

• len...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 2, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Aimovig lowered my pain level and decreased the number of migraines per month. I also suffered chronic constipation and brain fog. The cognitive difficulties were like a low-level migraine that lasted a week or more and left me unable to think clearly. I will stop taking Aimovig and go back to migraines for 4-6 days per month. When the migraine is over, I will have a week or two of normalcy, instead of weeks of brain fog and depression."

• Spa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 25, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I’ve been on Aimovig for 8 months now, and about the 3rd month, I felt a significant decrease in my migraines. I went from almost daily to 4-5 migraines a month. I noticed constipation but was able to control that by taking magnesium powder daily and increasing my fiber. However, just about 4 weeks ago, I started experiencing what felt like a sore throat and tongue. My left ear also felt like I had fluid in it. My jaw also feels stiff and painful when opening. I saw an ENT, and he reported that there was no redness or fluid in my ear, and my hearing was normal. He said that I may have a virus? It doesn’t seem to be going away. I was wondering if anyone else is experiencing these symptoms while on Aimovig? Today, it feels like my tongue and palate are burning. It’s very uncomfortable. If it is due to Aimovig, I will be going off of it."

• Rib...
• March 2, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "Aimovig has helped me immensely. I was at about 20-25 migraine days per month and was to the point where I couldn’t continue at uni since by the end of the day after work and school (when I felt well enough to go) my head would be hurting so badly I’d spend the evening in bed. I’m now at 1-2 migraine days per month, often going over a month without one. The migraines I do have are right before my next injection and take a few days to break, but actually do break now. Aimovig has completely changed my life. I started on the 70 mg every 4 weeks, and after 5-6 months of relief that wore off after 2-3 weeks, I went up to 140 mg, which worked like a charm. My only noticeable side effect is constipation—but it is severe and requires everything from milk of mag to glycerin suppositories to enemas to get relief. Miralax didn’t help. Fiber supplements seemed to help but not enough to make much difference. Milk of mag works if I keep up with it daily, but I’m always bloated."

• Oma...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Many side effects for which many were not listed. Aside from muscle cramps and constipation, flu-like symptoms, sore muscles, nausea that would not go away, bloating, ... But the worst was suppression of appetite. Joints also affected, it's just so horrible for what I paid."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 31, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I've had headaches/migraines since I was 20 and been to headache specialists, neurologists, PCPs... FINALLY, my new neurologist tried me on AIMOVIG 70 mg. I've done only ONE injection and will NEVER DO IT AGAIN!! The injection has caused severe constipation, a very itchy scalp (to the point I thought I had lice!!), severe body pain, especially in my feet and hands - I'm dropping things because I can't get a grip on anything! I've noticed an increase in my appetite/weight, low energy, nausea, my hair falling out, and stomach pain. I still have really bad headaches, but I knew the medicine wouldn't work this soon. After I researched this drug, I saw my symptoms seem to be a common pattern. I had an emergency appointment with my doctor about the Aimovig, she had to put me on pain meds, referred me to a pain doctor/neurologist to discuss possibly trying Botox. I can't wait for this awful injection to work itself out of my body!!! I don't recommend this to anyone!!!!"

• Cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 26, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "Took first dose on 7/3/18... 140 mg. Has definitely helped my migraines. Side effects I've experienced include constipation, hot flashes, and night sweats. Still hopeful that this medication will give me my life back."