Erenumab and Bloating: What Users Say

• 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."

• Bri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 24, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I took Aimovig once in July 2019. Afterward, I developed full-body neuropathy, severe musculoskeletal pain, tremors in my tongue, hands, and legs, joint pain, muscle weakness, extreme fatigue, ear ringing, cognitive dysfunction, heart palpitations, extreme swings in blood pressure, severe constipation, acid reflux, and bloating, and developed asthma out of nowhere. I've had MRIs, X-rays, an EMG, tons of blood work, and next, I'll be getting a small fiber biopsy. I now take a daily inhaler and two prescriptions for my nerve pain. This drug ruined my life."

• Boo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 20, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I used Aimovig for six months. It absolutely does reduce migraine days. I felt great, except I realized right away that it slowed my guts. Still, without constant migraine, I ran a couple of 5Ks and started training for a half marathon. Unfortunately, by Christmas, Aimovig entirely shut down my intestines. I’ve been off Aimovig for two months, and still I suffer constant pain, horrendous bloating, and the worst constipation. Absolutely nothing works. I went nine days without eating, hoping the swelling would go down a little. Went to the hospital for tests to find out I’m full of poop. I’m becoming depressed because I can only run 2-3 times a week, and I look five months pregnant. I wonder if my digestive system will ever heal. If there is a class action suit, I’ll be the first in line."

• Lag...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 14, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "The initial monthly 70 mg injections gave me relief. I went from daily migraines to weekly, to occasional within a couple of months. But by the 3rd injection, I began feeling off. It wasn't until this week, and I'd already taken my 9th injection, that we were able to figure out why. The constipation, bowel blockage, bloating, burning pain in my back, confusion, deep, horrible depression, dark thoughts, almost acting on dark thoughts more than once, stomach pains, vertigo, chills, night sweats, fatigue, joint pain, muscle aches, numbness in my face, headaches, sinus infections, high liver tests, being sent to an oncologist because my doctor thought I might have cancer, EGD, colonoscopy, MRIs, CTs, MRCP, X-rays, etc., are not worth the relief. This drug needs more research. We spent thousands of dollars thinking something else was wrong only to circle back to Aimovig. I couldn't believe there are several patients whose symptoms mirror mine on this site as well. Ugh."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 28, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Horrible stomach pain, bloating, and nausea. For those with similar symptoms after taking Aimovig, how long does this take to resolve? I am 3 months post injection. Never would have taken this if I had known about this side effect."

• 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."

• 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."

• CDa...
• June 30, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I’ve been on this medication less than a week. I take no other supplements or drugs other than a blood pressure medication for mild hypertension. I am a 54 yr old female in excellent health but have 12-16 migraines per month. I’m a TBI survivor. Even with Miralax and laxatives, I am having bowel problems, major stomach cramping, horrible bloating. I look 3 months pregnant. I’m nauseous, have vertigo, and my head is very fuzzy. I saw a neurologist for the first time last week, and he immediately placed me on the 140 mg dosage. My head hurts and is unlike a typical migraine for me. I’m dreading the next 3.5 weeks and will not inject a second time. All other trials of migraine preventers failed or had little efficacy. I would not recommend this medication to an acute or chronic migraineur. Side effects are a nightmare. I’ll take the migraines versus what this feels like. I’ve dealt with those for 24 years! THIS DRUG NEEDS MORE RESEARCH AND OBVIOUS IMPROVEMENT!"

• Pai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 15, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Side effects I’ve experienced since injecting Aimovig 70 mg 3 weeks ago. An * means the S.E. is ongoing. Injection site bleeding, dizziness (lasted the first week), “drunk” feeling, vertigo, *loss of appetite, lacy, red rash 1 day after injection, bruising at injection site, total loss of vision in left eye, *nausea, *heartburn, *daily left-sided facial tingling/numbness, *severe bloating, *stomach pain, *vomiting, *no urge to defecate, *can’t defecate without inducing diarrhea, *joint & muscle pain, *intense muscle spasms, *increased incidence & duration of tinnitus, *inner ear pain, left side, *excruciating jaw & facial pain with migraine (left side), *insomnia, *stuffy/runny nose, *sore throat, *cough, *pain behind left eye, *mood swings, *irritability, *crying over things I normally wouldn’t, *flushing."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I suffer from 25 migraines per month. I tried Aimovig on a trial basis for 4 months. I do have Raynaud's syndrome, so my feet and hands are always cold, however, the symptoms increased to finger numbness. I also had extreme mood swings, more so depression and elevated anxiety, for which I also take medication. The anxiety has been tremendous! Also, I had 2 rounds of antibiotics due to intestinal inflammation, 2 CT scans with radiation dye tests that were negative. I am so disappointed by this medication, as none of my symptoms were listed as side effects for this medication. I'd rather suffer migraine pain than have the severe hopelessness I've experienced, as well as severe bloating that was initially diagnosed as diverticulitis! I was hospitalized for a week and misdiagnosed! Does anyone know how long it takes for symptoms to go away once stopping Aimovig?"

• 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!"

• Juj...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 3, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "This was the worst thing I’ve ever done. I started Aimovig a year and a half ago. About a week after taking it, I started with the worst abdominal pain and constipation. It just got worse and worse. Now, a year and a half later, I’m stuck taking Linzess every night. If I don’t take it, I am left with awful abdominal pains, bloating, and constipation. When this drug first came out, it said it may cause “mild constipation.” Now the ad says it “may cause severe constipation.” I had no idea it would ruin my gut forever. DO NOT TAKE THIS. The side effects are horrid. I want to sue them."

• 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."

• 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."

• Ach...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 15, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "Side effects have been very bad: lower back pain, cramps, bloating, constipation, fatigue. About a week after taking the injection, I had one of the most severe migraines I've ever experienced. Previously they were cluster headaches, but this was intense pain all around my head, even at the base of my skull. I understand Aimovig has worked for some, but would advise trying all other options first. From what I've read here, many others have also had serious side effects."

• 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!"

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I have taken 2 doses (140 mg) each. My digestive system has almost shut down. Out of nowhere, I started having horrible stomach pains. I’m horribly constipated, and then I had diarrhea for 10 days. It was so bad that I couldn’t leave my house. I have lost my appetite, and am very bloated. My migraines were not reduced. I’m seeing a gastroenterologist. I’ve never felt this way before."

• Ren...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 11, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "Was on this medication for 4 months. Didn’t really help my migraines, and the side effects they don’t mention are awful! Stomach bloat, gained 10 lbs a month to the tune of 40 lbs!! Not acceptable at all. Been off it for a week and still having stomach problems and no weight leaving. I’m vegetarian, gluten-free, sugar-free, and dairy-free. How do you gain 40 pounds?? It became clear once I saw this site it was the Aimovig!!! Amgen is lying about severe side effects."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."