Aimovig and Hair Loss: What Users Say

• Bab...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 6, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I have taken Aimovig injections for 8 months. I had 15 or more migraines each month. I am experiencing these side effects: Hair loss, Constipation, Stomach pain, Burning tingling all over, Enlarged and sore veins, Fatigue, Joint pain, Headache for three weeks, High heart rate then drops very low into the 40s, High blood pressure, Tremor, Weakness. Then dysautonomic nerve dysfunction was diagnosed after I started the drug. What is being done to alert people taking the injection about these very serious side effects? If I hadn’t been researching this drug’s side effects, I wouldn’t have known. I will follow up with a call to the FDA and file a complaint with Aimovig. There should be a warning on the box. Thank you, Sharon Kerr"

• Def...
• October 16, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "31 years old female. Took this for 6 months. Migraines were far fewer and less intense, however, the side effects were absolutely not worth it! Severe constipation, agitation, dizziness, fatigue, feeling like I had a full-blown flu with soreness everywhere, extreme hair loss!!! Heart pain, elevated heart rate, extreme shortness of breath, could hardly walk up a single flight of stairs, brain fog, vertigo. Aimovig was the only change in any medications. I even kept my diet and exercise routine the same during the trial. This is not worth the side effects. Also, who knows about the long-term effects?"

• Kri...
• September 18, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "Terrible! I have more migraines now on a level 10 pain scale than I had before. Every single day. The side effects are horrible. I’m not the only one experiencing these either. Losing hair, increased migraines and intensity, extreme fatigue but unable to sleep, severe constipation, joint pain, extreme photophobia (I had to buy special glasses to be able to go to work), and brain fog. There was ONE side effect listed but obviously someone lied. These are the same side effects I’m seeing all over Facebook, so I’m not the only one."

• Art...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I’ve been suffering migraines with aura since I am 13 years old. I injected Aimovig 2 times. 1st month got 3 migraines with aura. 2nd injection so far no migraines. The bad side: flu like symptoms, pain everywhere like I have rheumatoid arthritis, shortness of breath, severe constipation cannot go for 8-10 days, extreme hair loss, depression and anxiety, palpitations, extreme fatigue. I will never take this again. So sad it was stopping the migraine but it is intolerable. My interferon for my blood cancer is better tolerable than this drug it is awful and I am a tough person who do not complaints easily."

• cha...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 14, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I started Aimovig literally 2 days after the FDA approved it, and it started working within a week. I have chronic daily migraines and was shocked a medication finally worked, and I had no side effects. Was on it for a year and had to go off it because I lost my job. I started taking it again in Dec 2019 with great results again. At the end of Oct 2020, I started getting daily migraines again, with severe inflammation in my neck and lower half of my arms. Then my blood pressure, which was already high, was even higher, heart beating so fast, rapid weight gain, inflammation in my knees, half my hair fell out, tinnitus, and clogged ears. Did 2 rounds of steroids, which didn't help. About 2 weeks ago, the daily migraines stopped, but I still have all the other symptoms. I've read biologics can do this after using them this long. And Aimovig can cause lupus, which will eventually resolve after being off it for 5 months. It was good until it wasn't."

• Hor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 11, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Tried Aimovig samples for severe daily headaches as a result of a brain stem injury. For the first ten days, I was headache-free. However, after that, the headaches returned. I also experienced weight gain, bloating, nausea, scalp and eye itching, severe hair loss (literally lost half of my hair), muscle and joint aches and pains, chills, and fatigue above and beyond the chronic fatigue syndrome I already suffer from. I'll go back to my double dose of Botox, thank you. After reading the side effects experienced by so many relative to success, I too wonder how Aimovig ever received FDA approval."

• Geo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 21, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "Aimovig reduced the number of migraines, and for many months I thought it was life-changing. Unfortunately, I’ve been overwhelmed with side effects and have stopped taking it. Since taking Aimovig, I’ve been having chronic indigestion, severe constipation, hair loss, and depression. I hope that side effects reverse over time."

• Mic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 13, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I thought Aimovig was going to be amazing! I had tried so many other medicines. This was my last-ditch attempt. Injection was fine, but a week after, I started getting carsick every time I drove, then when I stayed on my computer too long, then when I was working, or watching my kids move. IT WAS AWFUL. I am taking Zofran daily to prevent the dizziness. I cannot wait for this drug to leave my system. Not to mention the hair loss. I do not even want to brush my hair anymore, the loss is so extreme. I take no other medications that would cause this. This has been my only change in medicine, and the dizziness is the WORST. Please consider reading these posts before you commit to the Rx (learn from my mistake)."

• Sar...
• October 4, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I have had migraines for over 30 years. I thought finally a miracle drug that will help me live a normal life. I am sad to say that it has taken an emotional toll, I have lost my hair on my right side and bald spots on the left. This was not mentioned as a warning that loss of hair would happen. I also know of another person that lost her hair. Sad, very sad."

• Lou...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 13, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I am a migraine sufferer for 25 years. I have tried multiple preventative treatments with variable responses! I have been on Aimovig for 7 months with very minimal response! I have been suffering side effects of extreme fatigue, brain fog, significant hair loss, and abdominal bloating. I am stopping it and never recommend it to anyone!"

• Ama...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 29, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I have used Aimovig 70 mg for one year. My side effect symptoms or problems have progressively worsened over the last six months. Terrible bloating, constipation, nausea, pain behind my eyes with blurred vision, hair loss, and overall feelings of yuck! Initially thought it was a wonder drug because my migraines have stopped completely, but the side effects are miserable and not worth it."

• ade...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 18, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "Aimovig has been a nightmare for me. Side effects (of which I was not warned) started within 10 days of the first injection and have continued (it's now 6 months since my last injection). Significant joint pain, hot flashes, itching, hair loss, weight gain. Joint pain makes it difficult to sleep as well as get out of bed in the morning. Getting out of a chair is very difficult without help. This drug has significantly changed my life for the worse. And it did nothing for my HA. Buyer beware!"

• NTa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 2, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "The good, the bad, and the ugly after 5 months of trial 70 mg. The good: literally took 99 percent of migraines away. I had been having migraines repeatedly for years, using tons of Imitrex, and Aimovig does take away migraines. The bad: constipation, body rash after one of the injections, weight and appetite loss, and hair loss. The ugly!! Severe unexplainable tremors, jerking shock-like movements, anxiety, muscle pain, back pain, tingling, numbness, flu-like symptoms, spinal pain! Never taking again. I am hoping the side effects wear off. No medical explanation for my symptoms, all happened after injections. Thought I was dying. I finally figured out what’s changed: the Aimovig. Would rather suffer with migraines!"

• Zoe...
• March 4, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Been doing 140 mg monthly since May or June 2018. I’m having major side effects. It lumps up like a bubbling pot of water at the injection site, it itches so bad I left bruises on my thighs scratching at it through my pants. Later on in the month, perfectly circular hives pop up at the injection site, driving me nuts. Hair loss so significant my parents noticed the amount of hair in the shower, clogging my drain every week. Muscle aches, muscle spasms. Worse migraines. Much worse. Last one had me screaming my head off. I’ve had migraines for 21 years now. Constipation, weight gain, bloating, depression. I really feel like it’s making me worse. I always end up in a series of migraines during the first week after injections. I’m done. I tried. I know when something isn’t working. I’m an RN, so I know when I have problems with medicine and I’m much more alert to my health and meds than most. This was written during a migraine, so if it doesn’t make sense, sorry."

• Dee...
• January 10, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I got this medication, Aimovig, on August 9th, 2019, after I had a CT scan and an MRI, and the only thing they found was on my left side some white area that is linked to migraines. So I can say that it did stop the migraines, but the fatigue, muscle ache, and constant vertigo were not worth it! Worst of all, YOUR HAIR WILL FALL! If I was allowed to post photos here, I would show you in August I started losing it, September even more, October, and November I lost so much hair I became very depressed and it's slowed down by December and January of 2020. It's still going, but not as bad. The problem with this medication is that it stopped a lot of blood flow to the scalp so it started falling, and when I say my hair was falling, it was falling by the roots! A lot of research has to be done about this medication. Yes, it works, but the side effects are way too much, they need to work on it a little more."

• Mav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 10, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "Have had 3 doses of 70 mg. Migraines decreased a little in severity and maybe 10 a month vs. 14. Was getting Botox every three months. My hair has been having major shedding now for 2 1/2 months. Very noticeable thinning now. Shedding continues. Will not be taking my 4th dose. Praying the hair loss stops and regrows. Also of note: my arthritis pain in my hands and feet has increased so much it was keeping me awake last night. This has to be from the Aimovig! Beware!!"

• Nik...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 5, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I've been taking Aimovig since August 2019. I started with 6 months at 70 mg, then moved up to 140 mg (taken once and due for my next dose in a couple of days). I have gone from 20-25 migraines a month down to about 4-6. I am even able to enjoy things that used to trigger my migraines -- drinking a small amount of alcohol, staying out in the sun, eating chocolate, etc. I have experienced the side effect of constipation, but easily remedied with MiraLAX until my system adjusted. I did experience some hair loss, but that also went back to normal hair loss at 6 months, and I even have a lot of regrowth now (was checked by a dermatologist to be sure). I feel badly for those for whom this medication did not work, but I've had great success with it."

• 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."

• Red...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 10, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "At first, a wonder drug. The next dose, a week after the injection, dizziness and severe fatigue. I’m on my 8th injection and now headaches worse than before, although not as many. Also, extreme hair loss and weight gain of 15 pounds! Sad to say, this will be my last injection."

• Din...
• December 9, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I have severe, painful ocular sensitivity to light, which causes nausea and migraine. It is diagnosed as a migraine situation. It began suddenly three years ago and was severely disabling, fluctuating in severity over the three years. No findings on brain MRI or sophisticated eye testing. Cannot read or watch movies without pain, thus constant migraine. Botox worked for six months, then slowly stopped. Started Aimovig 70 mg on August 14th, 2019. I was doubtful as to what was going on when I immediately noticed increased eye sensitivity and pain, worsened and more diverse migraine, leaden fatigue, and a feeling of depression. I looked online and was shocked to read those exact reactions from others. Hair loss? I thought I got away without that side effect and may have for the most part, but it is now starting to shed, which it does not do. It is now going on four months. I have virtually no life. My nervous system has gone whacky, so I can tolerate little outside stimulation."

• MJa...
• July 29, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "It’s been 9 weeks since my first and only 70 mg injection. Though my awful side effects have really subsided, I’m still dealing with certain issues that I had never experienced before Aimovig. I experienced a complete halt in my digestive system. I couldn’t use the restroom without laxatives. It wasn’t constipation, as I know what constipation is like, and fiber fixes it. This digestive issue was something completely different. Food just sat in my stomach. I threw up if I ate anything solid. Even with a liquid/soft diet of less than 700 calories a day, I gained 8 pounds. Finally, now my digestive system works again, but I’m still losing hair. I wake up with excruciating jaw pain. Tinnitus has worsened. I could go on. Not enough space to detail all of the problems from this drug."

• 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!"

• 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."

• Kar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 25, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "12 months on 70 mg. Helps tremendously with migraines, without constipation as others have experienced, but I have had excessive hair loss: I can see bald patches that I'm covering with those hair fibers by Topix. My pre-approval expires in another 6 months, so I will likely go back to Botox then since it's nearly as effective, without the insurance hassle and hair loss. The problem for migraineurs is that so many different drugs, foods, scents, temperatures, etc., trigger different problems for us, so it's really hard to say if my side effects will be the same for others. I would recommend giving it a try if you have intractable migraines, then find out if any side effects impact you."

• Kka...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 9, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I have been on 140 mg for seven months now. I noticed that I am losing a lot of hair. I have fine, thin hair, and my hair is long, but I find my brush is full of hair after brushing it in the morning. My shirt has hair on it when I change into my morning clothing. I find that when I wash it, a lot of hair comes out. Now I’m on pills that seem to work great, and I hope it still does. Just watch hair loss, and even with the high dose, I still got 10 to 14 headaches a month, so no more shots for me in my tummy."