Fremanezumab and Tiredness: What Users Say

• Ave...
• June 29, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I’ve been taking Ajovy for almost 2 years. I’m stopping because although it mostly got rid of my daily headaches (Hemicrania Continua), I’ve gained 17 pounds. I have circulation issues in my legs, knees, feet, and hands. Also, it causes more anxiety and exhaustion. So, I’ve decided to take myself off. I guess there’s always pros and cons to all medications, but these side effects are really upsetting. I'm sad because the shots really got rid of my headache. By the way, I’m a female in my 50s."

• Amy...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 13, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I've been suffering with migraines since the age of 10. I'm now 36. My first Ajovy injection was in November 2018. I feel like it has cut down my migraines a lot. But every time I inject Ajovy, I feel extremely tired and dizzy for a couple of weeks following the injection. Also, I feel like I'm losing hair and gaining a little weight. I haven't changed my physical activity or eating habits. Is anyone else experiencing this? I tried to tell my Neurologist, but he says there's no way Ajovy is causing this because these are not side effects listed by the company."

• diz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "The neurologist put me on a monthly Ajovy injection after many other meds failed. Was told the main side effects would be soreness at the injection site and a bit of nausea. The experience has been terrible for me. Made me extremely nauseous, dizzy, weak, exhausted, and I've been having tons of pain in my legs, they ache and hurt all the time, even when I'm doing nothing. Leg pain has been so bad it hurts just walking around my home. The doctor did a spine MRI to rule out MS and I'm being referred to a rheumatologist to check for fibro or arthritis. They downplay the side effects, but Ajovy has been awful for me. I'm discontinuing and pursuing Botox."

• Sle...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 30, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I started Ajovy about 9 months ago. This is my 3rd injection. The first 2 injections were kind of tolerable. I had about 85 percent less headaches with the first two injections, but with the 3rd injection, I've been so tired and sleepy, I can barely keep my eyes open. The back of my neck hurts. I'm dizzy and a little off balance. My head hurts more. Not sure what the problem is this time, but I think that the drug's side effects should be reviewed and retested."

• Pin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 25, 2023

For Migraine Prevention "I was given a sample of Ajovy on Wednesday by my doctor. Gave myself the injection Thursday morning. By Thursday afternoon, I was hit with a wave of absolute exhaustion and slight dizziness. Friday was mostly the same. Woke up this morning (Saturday) with horrible dizziness, which is making me nauseous. I take no other medication, and nothing else has changed. Definitely will not be continuing with this medication, no matter how it works for my migraines. This isn't safe or healthy. I can only hope it works its way out of my system quickly. Is there some way to flush this out?"

• Bir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 2, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "By the second month of injecting 225 mg, I have had a miracle response. No more migraines. And I was having them on a daily basis. Suddenly, after the third injection, I am lethargic, spacey, can’t recall simple words, and experiencing significant anxiety. My injection site is very red, inflamed, tender, and itchy. I am scheduling to be seen by my doctor because I am very worried about the sudden appearance of side effects. I will not be using Ajovy again."

• Lau...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 26, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "The most terrible medication I have ever had to take, as it didn’t improve migraines but also caused panic attacks, tiredness, increased heart rate, heart palpitations, and my hands and legs started shaking. Neurologist suggested to stop using this drug."

• All...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 27, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "49, migraines started at 12 years old and I tried lots of different drugs over the years. Topamax was the worst. I took the 1st Ajovy shot on 10-31-18 and had no migraines and no bad reactions. Then, on 12/18, I noticed weight gain and bruising under my skin on forearms and shins, but still migraine-free. Now fast forward to May 2019, and I had gained 28 pounds and was covered in red blotches. I saw a hematologist and took the last Ajovy shot on May 31, 2019, then I had a major migraine on July 6. I was switched to Emgality on July 12 per neurologist and had severe edema in legs and feet and a general feeling of exhaustion. I am having to take spironolactone to keep swelling at bay and have gained 5 more pounds, and the bruising has come back. I am being referred to MUSC. I have not had a migraine while on the Emgality, but several bad sinus-type headaches. I might be unable to tolerate this type of drug. The weight gain and bruising are depressing as the drugs did work on my migraines."

• KZa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "40-year-old female. I've been suffering from chronic cluster headaches for 20+ years. Just started getting migraines in the last 5 years. I take nortriptyline and Lamictal for prophylactics, and Maxalt and Cambia for rescue meds. Seems everything has stopped working. Had my 1st shot of Ajovy 2 days ago. I'm so exhausted and sore all over already. I don't know if I can do a 2nd dose. My 3 little boys destroyed my house 2 days in a row because I just... can't. Do these side effects get better? I haven't had a headache yet, but I guess I've gotten so used to them I can at least keep up with the boys. The fatigue is very worrisome."

• Gru...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 15, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "In Ajovy study for 6 months and tried Aimovig for 3 months. Ajovy was far superior, with significantly fewer side effects. No reduction in migraine days (20/month), but pain down 80%, migraine duration and intensity down 60%, and less photophobia and depression (Aimovig worked half as well and INCREASED depression and blood pressure). BUT: both drugs made me spacey and lethargic, and after 3 months on them, I was no longer safe to drive or think. Back to Botox. Emgality is supposed to be slightly better."

• Aus...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 7, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "Firstly, thank you everyone for your feedback, it has helped me enormously where doctors have not. It's criminal how they and the drug companies dole out these medicines without proper testing or disclosure. I took my first dose 3 days ago. First day: lots of anxiety, crying, horrible tension headache, hunger, and extreme fatigue. Second day: worsening by the hour to near suicidal thoughts (I suffer from depression, but it was under control and actually really good lately). Third day: starting to feel better, but swollen lump under my left eye, bloating, heartburn, hunger, and tiredness still here. I hope it won't take several weeks to get this out of my system. I also will NOT be taking any further doses!"

• Ban...
• February 22, 2023

For Migraine Prevention "I have suffered from strong migraines for 14 years. I have tried multiple medications including OxyContin and Aimovig that did not work. Recently, I was prescribed Ajovy, and within five days, I was feeling better. I have been taking Ajovy for 6 weeks now, and the migraines have reduced by about 95 percent. The medication does make me tired, but I am taking a stimulant to manage the tiredness. Any headaches I get can now be managed with aspirin. I highly recommend Ajovy."

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 21, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "I'm very surprised to read all the negative comments regarding this drug. Please don't let them scare you from trying it! I have been using it for a year now. It has reduced my 15+ migraines down to about 5 a month, plus I am never bed-bound with them now, have never even felt sick, and I used to vomit for up to 3 days. Yes, I gained weight and told my husband it was the new drug, lol, but I was also in lockdown and was enjoying eating and drinking what I wanted for the first time in 30+ years. I have just dieted for 12 weeks and lost all the weight. Yes, I feel a bit tired, but I'm up at 5:45 a.m. and nonstop until bed at 11 p.m. Yes, sometimes the injection site is a bit sore, but I've been injecting triptans for years and had constant bruises on my thighs anyway. I haven't had a single day off work this last year since starting Ajovy, that has not happened in all my working life. I can organize days out/nights out and know I will definitely be there now. Do not be put off from trying it."

• Lou...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 1, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "So I've had migraines of all types. Especially hemiplegic, cluster, and trigeminal neuralgia. I've suffered for over ten years. Tried everything going: meds, procedures, etc. I was told this injection is the new miracle with no side effects. Well, let me tell you I've had a terrible time. Injection site purple, raised, and itchy. The itching is constant all over my body, in between my toes, fingers, ears, everywhere. Migraines have gotten worse. Visual disturbances have been awful. Extreme tiredness to the point I physically can't move. Nausea, irregular periods (every 2 weeks), terrible stomach cramping after eating. I know this works for some, but this drug has now been in my body for 55 days. Absolute nightmare."

• Ajo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "In the first few days after taking, I had a very stiff lower back and neck. Then I was just so completely tired all the time. Had to take daily naps. I’ve had depression, bloating, and a little weight gain (less than 5 pounds). Yes, it made my headaches less frequent, but I will never take this stuff again. I only took one shot, which was a month supply. I’m at about the 35-day mark, and I can tell it's still in my system. Can’t wait for it to get out of my body."

• Kee...
• July 24, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "Helped reduce headaches, but I have no energy. Napping daily. I also have more pain and stiffness in lower back and neck. I bloat very easily now. I won’t take another one-month shot. Too bad. But I’d rather have my energy back and a few more headaches."

• Hea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I started getting this injection in April 2021. Thought it was making my migraines better, but it was probably the Emgality injection still in my system, because all of a sudden they have become worse! I have been reading the reviews on here and realized I too am having dizziness, heart palpitations, vertigo, elevated BP, always feeling exhausted. I haven’t gained any weight, but I sure don’t want to start! Just wrote my neurologist to say I’m done with this! I wish I would’ve seen these reviews before my injection yesterday, it definitely would have made a difference."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 21, 2023

For Migraine Prevention "I have taken 2 injections of Ajovy - still had 10+ migraines a month (I’ve had them for 20+ years after a head injury). Was on Botox and Zomig and was managing, but insurance forced me to try this drug. It makes me extremely tired and constipated. So tired, sleeping 14 hours a day, so constipated, feeling like I’m going to vomit while having a bowel movement. I will not take this drug again, it’s not worth it, and the long-term effects are still not known. I’d rather suffer a couple of days of migraine pain than a month of being exhausted, constipated, sickly, and not being able to move."

• Mag...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 30, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I took my first injection today. About half an hour later, I started experiencing pain in both arms. I am feeling very tired, and my chest is feeling tight. My head feels so heavy to hold up. Is this normal? I am highly sensitive to medications, so far I am not liking this medication."

• Sor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 24, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I have taken Ajovy for 3 months now. Migraines have decreased 90% (just have had 1 or 2 that responded quickly to the Maxalt max). Side effects (from worst to least) - Intense rash on the point of injection with a big red spot and a lump, also itchiness in the rest of the body. - Major bloating on my stomach, day and night. Seems every food I eat makes it worse (I'm trying fasting and natural remedies to cope with it). - Tiredness and not able to push myself to exercise as I usually do. - One episode of strong dizziness that went away in a couple of hours. - I've noticed a slight increase in my weight (I've been only on Ajovy for 3 months). I will definitely stop the treatment as I would rather deal with my painful monthly migraines - as I've been doing for years - than with the side effects that may increase if I keep taking it. I'm very relieved that I found this page as it has helped me a lot, and I hope my feedback on Ajovy somehow can help you too."

• Kba...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "It has changed my life, other than being tired the first 24 hours and mild hair loss, this drug has given me my life back. Headaches seem to be 'wanna be migraines' but just can't break through."