Aimovig and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Man...
• January 24, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "4 months/140mg Aimovig. Result-1/3 less migraines. Great, then side effects start. Constipation-serious problem. Extra script for 3X/day med, didn’t help. No previous issues. Gaining weight rapidly, not eating more. 1st time attributed to holidays. 2nd time, Dr. researched, said weight gain not a side effect & eat healthy grains. I am an intermittent faster and vegan! Gain is flabby belly and thighs; NEVER put weight on like this! Bought Peloton, missed 1 day in 7 weeks, 0 change. Weight gain stops after ending shots but freakish pounds stay. Had med Nov 2019 to February 2020, gained 20 lbs. They say it is out of the system in 5 months, but next month is 1 year since last shot. System is damaged & not repairing. Mentally and physically draining. Also heart palpitations, pressure in eyes & ringing in ears, not part of my life before. Have other issues, but these worry me most. Wish I never heard of Aimovig, never took it and pushed back harder when the side effects started."

• Pai...
• December 14, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "My experience with Aimovig after the first injection: I was very constipated and bloated, but after a week my migraines were reduced. I noticed my weight going up, which was strange as I was on a 1200 calorie diet and was exercising daily. In month 2, after the second injection, my migraines were shorter and fewer, but my weight increased. I was also bloated. I reduced to a 1000 calorie diet and daily exercise, and after a week, I gained more weight! My stomach was more bloated. I thought I was going nuts. I tried fasting, and my weight did not budge, and I felt so bloated and clogged up. I called the manufacturer. This was not a reported side effect. Well, this is my experience. Too bad I’m going off this drug, which takes months to eliminate, and I will continue to diet and exercise. Before going on Aimovig, I had never gained weight on 1200 calories a day, I had never felt so bloated and clogged up. I hate migraines, but these side effects are scary to me. So disappointed."

• mam...
• January 31, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I have taken six doses of Aimovig and am just so mad at myself that I didn't look into people's experiences and feedback of this med sooner. The first two months I saw a significant decrease in migraine days and was hopeful. In the third month, they were almost back to normal so my doctor put me on the 140mg. It took me a while to clue in to the side effects but they are now intolerable: severe muscle pain in neck and shoulders, gas, bloating, stomach cramping, constipation, and at least 10 pounds of weight gain. I am so mad at myself that I didn't clue in to all of this being about the drug! I feel like the only side effect told is constipation and irritation at the injection site. I will not be taking this again and I would love to know how long it took anyone else to see symptoms decrease."

• 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."

• TKa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 23, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Started this injection last month, and I can't wait for it to get out of my system. I was absolutely manic the first week: high energy, couldn't slow down, and insomnia! Also have had shortness of breath, chest pains, weight gain, stomach is bloated, SEVERE constipation (have been on stool softeners, laxatives with no results, and fiber, nothing helps), headaches are still there, swelling, and body aches. I have more side effects I'm sure, but I will NOT take this med again."

• Roc...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 30, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I am commenting as a bystander to what I have experienced with my partner taking this drug. She has fewer migraines but has stomach weight gain, weight gain, bloating, foggy thinking, memory loss, extreme irritability, mood swings, irrationality, sleep issues, and facial changes like you experience with steroids. The last few times, she has had almost steroid rage for several days after the injection. Refuses to talk to her doctor about the side effects. I have been there by her side, being supportive of her chronic migraines for over 10 years and have seen the effects and the side effects of meds, but Aimovig is not worth it. Save yourself and save your relationship and stay away from it."

• 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."

• JBS...
• January 26, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I was having several migraines monthly. My insurance company covered me for the Aimovig 70 mg, and I began the monthly injections. I noticed that it worked immediately, preventing my migraines, but I began to crave sugar and struggled to keep the weight off. Then, I needed to change insurance companies, and I was covered for the 140 mg, so my doctor switched me to the 140 mg. I used the 140 mg for a two-month period, and I began to feel exhausted, fatigued, achy, an increase in appetite, and sugar cravings. I am a dance teacher who teaches weekly, but I have gained 12 pounds since going on Aimovig. My doctor had originally told me the only side effect is constipation, but after reading others' experiences with this drug, I am relieved to know that I am not alone. I am going off Aimovig completely to get my weight and energy level back under control and will take my Imitrex when needed."

• Cee...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 7, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Side effects: burning in chest, pain in chest and throat, sore throat for months, constantly clearing my throat, spots on throat, spots on tongue, bloating and burping, extended stomach, painful sharp pains in throat and neck, pain in shoulders up the neck, pain in the chest when I breathe, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, weight gain, tired all the time, tender breast to the touch, flushed in face, hard to swallow, stomach pains, lower back pain when stomach hurts. All symptoms have been bad since April and are getting worse. Took it for 7 months. No migraines, but I just got an endoscopy and now I may have Barrett's esophagus and constant pain in my chest and shoulder. Burping and burning in my esophagus. I stopped in September. I'm hoping this will go away. Waiting on doc to tell me if I have cancer or not, or if I destroyed my esophagus from this medication. Never had acid reflux before."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 21, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I have been on Aimovig for approximately 10 months. Been a migraine sufferer for 35 years and have tried everything. Although it works for me, I have a severe migraine for the entire week after I give myself the injection. The other side effect I have had is weight gain, approximately 10 lbs in 8 months. I have also been sick twice in 8 months, once with bronchitis and once with pneumonia. Please take note if you have been more susceptible to catching colds, etc. My physician informed me that this drug could make your system weaker, therefore, you will get sick more. Not the drug for me, being I am in the medical field. I will have to go back on Topamax. Good luck, everyone!"

• 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!"

• 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."

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

For Migraine Prevention "After 2 months on Aimovig, I’ve sadly decided to discontinue this medication. The drug worked amazingly well in preventing migraines, from which I’ve suffered since age 17. However, by the second month of administration, I realized my side effects of extreme lack of energy, lightheadedness, constipation, bloating, and weight gain are attributed to this medication. I definitely think more post-marketing research needs to be done by the company. It’s truly a shame because Aimovig worked perfectly in preventing my migraines, but the side effects definitely outweigh the benefits."

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

For Migraine Prevention "After taking for 9 months, I have decided to stop the Aimovig due to severe constipation, weight gain, bloated abdomen, and these awful body spasms. I am not on any meds but my migraine pills, so the Aimovig is to blame."

• 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."

• Jul...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 13, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I started Aimovig in May. It was really cutting down on my migraines, but the other side effects were terrible. When I first started, the only side effect listed was constipation. I have been to the doctor and had several tests ran checking my thyroid, rheumatoid factor, hemoglobin, but everything seemed to be OK. I had severe fatigue, joint pain in my hands and knees, brain fog, weight gain, depression, you name it. I thought something was seriously wrong with me. I was due to take it nine days ago again, but I held off to do more research. I have been reading that other people have been having similar symptoms. I think I will go back to having migraines several times a month. It has got to be better than what I am experiencing now. Today is the first day I actually had a little bit of energy and was able to look up some of the other people's side effects. I would not recommend this drug."

• 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!"

• 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."

• Don...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 19, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "The neurologist did a loading dose with Emgality in June 2019, which my insurance would not cover, so now I'm on Aimovig. The first month, I was more stressed and depressed, maybe saw a 15% decrease in my migraines. After the second shot, I started having more neuropathy pain in my arms specifically while sleeping and waking every hour or two. The doctor put me on diclofenac. Also, the worst depression, very bad irritability, and fatigue throughout the day that was more than my usual. The doctor put me on amitriptyline. Since I began these injections three months ago, I have now added two other pharmaceuticals to my life, do not have a very good reduction of migraines, gained 20 lbs, and feel annoyed and sad about everything. Of course, the doctor doesn't think any of this is because of the injections. They never want to blame the medicine they give you."

• ImA...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 26, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Yes, this medication got rid of my migraines. Since taking Aimovig, I have gained weight uncontrollably. I have also been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, even though previous tests showed no thyroid issues. I have severe fatigue that comes on within 3 days of getting the shot. Leg cramps start almost immediately and continue daily."

• Sco...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 8, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I’ve had migraines for nearly 35 years. Have tried several meds, both preventative and in acute migraine meds. I developed additional shooting nerve pains unresolved by Topamax. The first shot of Aimovig was a game changer. I could see the life come back to my eyes, shooting nerve pain subsided, and free of all but 1-2 migraines per month. I’m now going on month 4 and have not experienced the side effects described by others, though I am sorry you all have had them. I’ve maybe gained 5 pounds from eating too many sweets. I’d call this medication a game changer for my quality of life, and I really hope it continues."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I have been on Aimovig for 4 months now, taking the 140 mg dosage. The migraines have just now stopped completely. I went from having 14-19 migraines a month to having only one. Although Aimovig has worked greatly for the migraines, I’ve noticed that many side effects came into action. I’m constantly fatigued to the point it’s hard to get out of bed. Daily routines are difficult to perform. My body aches all the time. I have gained 5 pounds so far. My brain feels foggy. I have a hard time concentrating. Also, I’ve been sleeping for 8-10 hours, and when I wake up, it feels like I haven’t slept enough. I don’t have constipation, but my body weakens every day. I’m not sure what I’m going to do just yet, but I’m definitely considering stopping the injections."

• 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."

• She...
• March 11, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Been suffering from migraines for years. Misdiagnosed as MS due to my brain scan, then they decided the lesions were due to migraines. Generally, I have left-sided head pain daily. Been on this for 6 months. 3 months did nothing. Was told to add Botox back in as a second therapy, as this works best with a second therapy. Went off Trokendi. This is what I have: 1) Worst heartburn ever, or... I am having the longest heart attack in history 2) Ringing in my ears 24/7 that is as loud as if I went to a rock concert and was front row. 3) Weight gain, probably associated with constipation and water retention. 4) Fatigue. I am done with this medication. It does work, it did reduce my migraines in half. But honestly, the side effects freak me out (medical term meaning too many system-wide effects and makes me think I am losing it). Therefore, I am done."

• 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."