Erenumab and Fatigue: What Users Say

• Gre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I started 1 dose of Aimovig 70 mg in April 2020. My neuro suggested that I should start a higher dose (140 mg) in July 2020. 3 more months after taking this awful stuff, the side effects hit full force! I literally felt like I was going to die. I was so WEAK. Recovery from this drug has been a nightmare. My side effects were brain zaps, anxiety, new panic attacks, paranoia, heart palpitations, numbness, tingling all over my body, weird electrical head sensations, head pressure. My migraines came back 4 months after being off this drug, more debilitating. I also felt like my heart was skipping beats. I experienced shortness of breath, fatigue, neck pain, weakness, burning sensations, weight loss, diarrhea, and vomiting that has lasted for months. Additionally, I experienced ringing in the ears, muscle spasms, and cramps. I want my life back. It has been like this for 5 months, and the drug is supposed to be out of your system in 6 months. Beware and run if anyone offers this! It stopped my headaches, but at what cost? Extreme life-threatening measures?!"

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I was told Aimovig had few side effects. I had six shots and migraines worsened! They kept saying give it time so I did, but it never helped. I got health problems I never had before the shots too! I’m 31 and average weight, and the only health issue I had was migraines! Now my chest hurts, I have weird severe fatigue, high blood pressure, and spikes in heart rate, constipation that became blockage and had surgery, depression, diabetes, and can’t digest food right. It’s a suffering I can’t explain really it’s so bad. I’m scared I’ll be like this the rest of my life. I don’t trust doctors anymore and don’t plan to ever go back. They’re either lying to us or don’t know what they’re doing. Never again!"

• 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?"

• Wor...
• October 11, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "This medication has ruined my family’s life for the last month. My son tried Aimovig after years of unsuccessful migraine treatments. The first month wasn’t too bad. He had a significant reduction in migraines (from 4-5/week down to 1-2). The constipation was severe, but he thought he could get a handle on it, so when it was time, he wanted to do his second injection. That second injection flipped our world upside down. Several days after the injection he was struck with crippling fatigue, and the scariest symptom of all, he began hallucinating, then fainted. We rushed him to the ER. After a thorough exam, bloodwork, and EEG, the doctor came to the conclusion that it was most likely triggered by the Aimovig. The last month has been horrible. He can hardly stay awake, and when he’s exhausted, he hallucinates. He’s 18, and we can’t leave him alone. Watching him suffer with this is absolutely heartbreaking. We hate this med and what it’s done to his life."

• 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."

• 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."

• Mim...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 8, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I started taking Aimovig 70 mg in July 2018 and continued until May 2019. I believe it has reduced my migraine episodes to fewer migraine days, but it also has numerous side effects that have not been reported. I believe this medication has caused me to have significant cognitive dysfunction/impairment, along with significant fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, brain fog, confusion, loss of appetite, depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, neck, and shoulder pain. I feel as if I’m in a constant dream-like, more like nightmare-like state all the time. I will see my neurologist soon, but I cannot continue to take this medication. I pray it has not caused permanent damage. I’m happy for those of you who have had success, but I caution you to be aware of your symptoms. At first, I thought this was a lifesaver. Now I’m wondering if I’ll make it through to the next day. Consult your doctors as soon as possible should you experience anything similar or FDA. They all need to hear from us."

• 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."

• Lit...
• February 20, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I just had Aimovig on 2/12/20 and didn’t notice much until a few days ago when I realized I had not had my usual two bowel movements each day. Then I noticed I was very gassy and felt an extreme urge to pee. The migraine started as a much broader area and much, much, much more intense, sharp, unbearable pain. I’ve had migraines since I was 10, I’m 33, female. I’ve used Zomig, Fiorinal, sumatriptans, tramadol, Zofran, Phenergan, and nothing is even touching the pain. I’ve struggled with chronic yeast infections in the past but have had them managed and now have terrible flares again. I’m very dizzy, especially when I lay down. My heart races to 220. I cannot sleep, though I’m very fatigued. I’m afraid I’ll have to go to the hospital, which insurance won’t cover. After only one week, I can’t bear it. Reading these stories is horrid, and being told there are no side effects just makes me want to scream."

• 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."

• Ais...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 14, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I’m 35 years old. I have taken only 1 Aimovig shot so far of the 70 mg dose. It worked slightly to reduce the number of migraines, but I have to deal with side effects of loss of balance, pain in the ears, constant pressure in the ears, feeling that I will fall at any given moment, loss of energy, chest tightness, chest pain, and feeling of nausea is also terrible. A couple of times I felt like I was going to die from the side effects this has caused. No more Aimovig for me. I will stick with my pills. I just wish this would flush out of my system quickly so I don’t have to deal with all these extra and scary side effects. Aimovig needs more research in my opinion."

• 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."

• Mik...
• October 29, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "Took my first 70-shot three days ago. Headaches have changed in characteristics but occur more frequently and are harder to abort. General feeling of low energy, but so far no body aches or other flu-like symptoms. Also, no relief. Unfortunately, once it’s in you, it’s in you for a month, so I’ll have to ride it out. Unless something miraculous happens between now and the second dose, I’ll take a pass."

• Blo...
• August 7, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I’ve had migraines for over 9 years - 30 days a month. After Botox, they decreased to 15 days a month. I began Aimovig 1 year ago. After dose #1 (70 mg), the headaches stopped, but I had severe constipation and fatigue requiring treatment. After dose #2, I had muscle cramps and spasms 24/7. At 6 months, I started 140 mg doses. Three days after my first 140 mg dose, I had a severe rash with hives, blisters/skin sloughing, severe joint pain, stiff fingers, wrists, feet, muscle cramping/spasms worsened, constipation, abdominal pain and cramping, nausea, excessive bruising, neck pain and jaw stiffness, insomnia, and swelling of hands, face, lips, and extremities began within 1 week of the 140 mg dose. I was given steroids, antihistamines, NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, and pain meds with minimal improvement. With a misdiagnosis of 'poison ivy', I continued the Aimovig. Symptoms got worse. A timeline revealed the symptoms correlated to the doses. I have been unable to work. I'm off Aimovig, but symptoms may last 5 months until it clears from my system."

• DCa...
• September 21, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "Took my first dose on August 13th. I average 18-20 migraine days per month, so I was really hoping for this to be a miracle treatment, and I think it actually is reducing the number of headaches per month, but I do not think I can handle the trade-off. For the first month, I experienced extreme constipation for two weeks, so I called my physician who recommended taking Miralax three times a day. I did that for a few days, and then my system turned, and I started experiencing extreme diarrhea to the point that I thought I had a stomach virus or flu, aching, bloating, very sick. I had one week of a relatively normal gastrointestinal system before my second dose arrived. Second dose on September 13th. I never had the constipation, skipped directly to stomach virus/flu-like symptoms, and have been in that state for six days. I am maintaining a dull headache typically associated with something like the flu, not a migraine, along with body aches and general fatigue."

• Tam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 16, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "Please beware! I'm on my 3rd week from 1st Aimovig injection. This drug has already cut my migraines in half, however, the side effects are unbearable! 1. Horrible ringing in the ears that doesn't go away. 2. When I do get a migraine, it is the worst I've ever had, feels like I'm going to stroke out. My Imitrex/sumatriptan does nothing... no longer works for some reason, and I've been on it for 20 years with no problem. 3. Joint pain, legs feel like jello when I walk. 4. Extreme fatigue! 5. Constipation (that was the only thing listed). I am told it takes 5 months for this drug to leave your body."

• 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!"

• Emm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 27, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "2nd dose. The first dose I wasn’t sure if it was a relapse of my MS that was making me dizzy, fatigue, short of breath, heart palpitations, space out, and my gut was giving me a little trouble. I’m usually constipated, so it was a change. I didn’t refill the medication until my headaches got unbearable, and I finally bent and retried the Aimovig to see if it was the medication or a flare I was going through. It was definitely the Aimovig. This time, the side effects were much worse. My stomach feels like it’s gnawing on itself, and my brain symptoms are magnified x100. If you have neurological issues, you’ll know what I’m talking about. I’m going to have to file a complaint with the FDA."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 14, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I am so sad I didn’t read these reviews before taking my 2nd shot. After the first, I felt miserable for about 3 weeks. I felt nauseous, dizziness, fatigue, muscle weakness, upset stomach, foggy headed, couldn't focus or follow a conversation, panic attacks, and depression for the first time in my entire life. It subsided, and I was blaming how I was feeling on a different med. I felt better after three weeks from my first injection, at 1 month, I took my second. The next day, EVERYTHING came back! I’m so, so upset. It absolutely took my migraines away, but I would gladly take a migraine over this feeling. I feel like we are all lab rats they’re testing this out on."

• Nig...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 9, 2023

For Migraine Prevention "I am a 79-year-old female who has suffered from migraine headaches for over 35 years and tried everything that neurologists had to offer. One month ago, a neurologist suggested Aimovig and gave me a 140 mg sample. I took the injection the next day; two days later, my blood pressure zoomed to 201/110. I was ambulanced to an ER and treated. After multiple urgent care and doctor visits for help, I remain non-functional. I continue to suffer from debilitating migraines, constipation, nausea, vertigo, hypersensitivity, fatigue, etc. I called the national Amgen number for help and learned that Aimovig would be at its lowest in my system in 5 1/2 months. When asked when it would be out of my system altogether, the response was that that factor was unknown. How frightening! Why hasn't the FDA pulled Aimovig off the market? All Aimovig sufferers should form a class action lawsuit against this life-threatening drug. Count me a charter member!"

• JJa...
• September 15, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I had a headache, and my doctor gave me the shot, and it subsided after the shot. But immediately I had nausea. Then I felt like I was on an elevator. Two weeks after the shot, and I have had severe side effects from this medicine. I ended up in the hospital, where they tested me for everything to make sure it wasn’t something else. The doctor told me that it was the Aimovig that was causing my debilitating side effects. Here are the side effects I have dealt with: nausea and vomiting, severe fatigue and drowsiness, brain fog and concentration issues, headaches, tremors and hands shaking, chest pain, but might be related to muscle spasms, extreme exhaustion, I can barely get out of bed. I have been having trouble breathing and just getting a full breath. I normally exercise every day, but can barely get through any routine with these side effects. I have severe vertigo that won’t let up. I also have a bloated stomach that makes it hard to eat sometimes. I also have joint pain."

• JJa...
• September 15, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I had a headache, and my doctor gave me the shot, and it subsided after the shot. But immediately I had nausea. Then I felt like I was on an elevator. Two weeks after the shot, and I have had severe side effects from this medicine. I ended up in the hospital, where they tested me for everything to make sure it wasn’t something else. The doctor told me that it was the Aimovig that was causing my debilitating side effects. Here are the side effects I have dealt with: nausea and vomiting, severe fatigue and drowsiness, brain fog and concentration issues, headaches, tremors and hands shaking, chest pain, but might be related to muscle spasms, extreme exhaustion, I can barely get out of bed. I have been having trouble breathing and just getting a full breath. I normally exercise every day, but can barely get through any routine with these side effects. I have severe vertigo that won’t let up. I also have a bloated stomach that makes it hard to eat sometimes. I also have joint pain."

• Sun...
• October 18, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I received the first Aimovig injection 10 days ago. Within the first week, I had fatigue and chest pains, which turned into palpitations. I got 3 eye styes in the matter of a week, which is very bizarre. I also ended up having multiple mouth ulcers 3 days ago. Yesterday, I started to experience vertigo, which I've never had in my life. I have not had a migraine, though. However, these side effects aren't listed, and yet they happened. I've read many people end up having side effects that get much worse by the second dose, and I'm just not willing to take that risk. I called Amgen, reported the side effects, which they will report to the FDA. This medication is pretty new to the market, so remember that when trying it. There may be other possible side effects that you are not expecting. I think if your migraines are bad enough, then I would at least give Aimovig a chance because everyone is different, but be aware of unexpected side effects."