Ajovy and Bloating: What Users Say

• Les...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 20, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "So I’ve only been taking Ajovy for 2 months. Since taking Ajovy, I have experienced the following: Migraine relief BUT constant bloating, stomach problems such as it’s been hard like a rock and swollen like a man's belly after being a beer drinker for years. My ankles are swollen severely, and my knees, ankles, and leg muscles are achy and sore like I’ve been on a treadmill non-stop for a week. I will not be taking any more injections - I think I would rather deal with a migraine than all the side effects of these medications. I have Imitrex, sulindac, and toradol to help as needed with migraines. I hope my review helps someone else think they are not crazy if they are experiencing these same issues. Have a great day."

• Opa...
• August 25, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "This medication should only be taken by those willing to risk losing 6 months of their lives being homebound. In March 2020, I was prescribed Ajovy. I was told the major concerns were constipation and injection site reaction, which the manufacturer's website stated as well. I took the Ajovy in April & May 2020. In June 2020, I started to experience GI problems, such as bloating, extreme constipation, nausea, heart palpitations, sense of unease, and panic, vertigo, joint pain, and extreme fatigue. Workup with my PCP in August 2020 showed a 20lb weight gain, elevated LFTs, and increased heart rate from my usual baseline. The only change made in lifestyle or meds in 2020 was the Ajovy... I am now suffering 3 months after my last dose and would not wish this on anyone. I started with very high hopes with this medication. However, this medication is MUCH WORSE than the migraines."

• nae...
• May 16, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I was told by my neurologist this drug had no side effects. The injection did not hurt, and it did take away the pain and pressure in my head. I didn’t realize until after the 3rd injection that I was having an allergic reaction. After the first one, I had some dark redness on the skin by my eye. I didn’t realize it was from the injection. After the second injection, the redness was worse, but I still didn’t put it together. After the 3rd injection, it was red all around my eyes, swollen underneath my left eye, and my chest and shoulders were red. I thought it was from the COVID vaccine. But then I put it together from the other 2 injections. Then I found the user reviews on here. And I all of a sudden realized... weight gain, bloating badly in the stomach, anxiety, fatigue, dizziness, and more were side effects symptoms from Ajovy, and I was thinking those things were caused by something else because I was TOLD BY A NEUROLOGIST THIS DRUG HAD NO SIDE EFFECTS! I am very grateful I had that allergic reaction and had to stop the injections."

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 15, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I have suffered from chronic migraines for 35+ years! My first injection of Ajovy was on May 30, 2019. Initially, other than site pain/bruising, I was thrilled...thought I was a winner! Unfortunately, my 5th dose on September 30th will be my last! My struggle with a weight gain of 17 pounds is unacceptable, when I know that my diet and exercise regimen has been even better than before I started. I am uncomfortably bloated and/or constipated due to the decreased gastric motility that I KNOW is caused by the Ajovy! I pray that my fellow migraineurs who are using it pay attention to your body...monitor closely."

• Rus...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 12, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I have been taking Ajovy for 8 months now and it’s a mixed bag of results. I have had daily headaches since I was a teen, along with migraines 2-3 times a month. I tried Botox but it had no effect. I was on Topamax for ages but still woke up daily with a headache. The first Ajovy injection was like a miracle! My daily headaches were 90% gone. And zero breakthrough migraines. About 3 months in, I started having bloating and noticed a steady increase in my weight even though my diet and exercise hadn’t changed. I felt so bad that I went to my GYN and was checked for ovarian cancer. Thank goodness that was negative. The bloating has since resolved, but not the weight gain. I’ve now gained 20 pounds and I’m done with Ajovy. I will go back to Topamax and work on losing these pounds."

• Poo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 19, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I was diagnosed with vestibular migraine in 2018. Mostly dizziness, vertigo, mild headaches, etc. I had a bad episode in August 2020, along with a migraine. In September, my neuro gave me a sample injection of Ajovy, which broke the VM cycle and migraine. I was so happy. After a few weeks of being on cloud nine, the following symptoms started: severe back pain, neck pain, bloating, constipation, racing heart and palpitation, agitation, anxiety and panic, joint and muscle pain, fatigue (more than normal with VM), chest pain, difficulty breathing. It takes about 5 months for your body to clear one dose. I have 2 more months. My back still hurts around my kidney area. Adding fuel to the fire, I got Covid-19 at the end of October 2020, which made all the symptoms worse. I'm happy and thankful to God that I'm feeling better. Overall, if you suffer from chronic VM or migraine, I think it is worth a go, no pun intended. It may be very successful for you."

• Jul...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 19, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I started Aimovig injections in August 2018. I took 3 doses (2 shots each) monthly. I believe it made a dent in the migraines (I suffered from 4-5 migraines a week). I had issues with pain at the injection site, felt like I had a mild flu and constipation. My doctor started me on Ajovy, and the injections were better, but I was very constipated, bloated, and gained a couple of pounds without a diet change. I did not take my Feb. 28th inject last month. I have had horrible headaches--like I've never had--and I have extreme heart palpitations two or three times daily since last week (approximately two weeks after I should have had an injection). I haven't changed anything else in my meds, diet, or stress conditions. My gut is that I am going through a type of withdrawal from this drug. Would love to know if anyone else has experienced something similar. These palpitations are very disturbing."

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

For Migraine Prevention "Injection #1 slight nausea/fatigue 24-48 hrs then amazing results. No help with visual disturbances. Did lessen seizure episodes 80%. Injection #2 bad nausea/fatigue lasting 3/4 days. Depression, anxiety got bad, had to go on meds/see therapist. Last week was only time having any migraine like it was wearing off. Started having Alice in Wonderland syndrome. Injection #3 horrible - felt like I had the flu for a week. Constant fatigue/3.5 wks. The worst seizure, migraine pain, and tremors. Week 1. Bloating (look prego), turns out is fluid in abdominal cavity due to the problems it has caused my liver and kidney functions. Memory issues gotten worse. Please ask for a liver function panel from your PCP after injection 2/3. Medications can be hard on your liver. This proved to be too much for mine and the primary cause of fatigue. Also had a small area of skin cancer that should not have spread but is now spreading rapidly. If you can tolerate Ajovy without serious side effects, it really is a migraine miracle, and I wish I was able to keep using."

• Mir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 28, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I used this drug for two months. The first month, I had two migraine-free weeks, but I had immense bloating and constipation, triggering horrible acid reflux. Despite this, I carried on, thinking the pain was manageable. The next month, the side effects hit way harder, making my acid reflux so bad that I couldn't speak for weeks. I do NOT recommend this drug for anyone who uses their voice frequently or suffers from acid reflux."

• Sli...
• December 2, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I’ve had four injections for Ajovy so far. I’m really unsure about this injection. It has definitely helped my migraines. But the side effects are horrible-bloating, rash at the injection site, extreme fatigue, brain fog, pain in hand joints, and palpitations. Ajovy nurse has told me to stop as I’m at risk of anaphylactic shock, so it’s back to neurologist for me. Make sure you research this drug before taking it and consider pros and cons."

• JCL...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 17, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I've suffered from migraines for 50 years and have tried most everything out there, including Botox. I started Ajovy 15 months ago, and it worked wonders. On Ajovy, I average 3 migraines a month, which for me is a miracle. After about ten months, I started to get vertigo (which I had checked to rule out any medical causes), and the past two months I've been suffering from bloating and constipation as well - all out of the ordinary. I am going to stop the Ajovy to see if this all clears up. I love not suffering with the migraines for the first time in 50 years, but I need to know for sure if Ajovy is causing what I believe to be these side effects."

• AMY...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 7, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "After reading others' comments, I feel relieved and not alone. I had been struck in the head by an airbag three years ago. This caused reoccurring headaches. I was prescribed Ajovy with a promise of only soreness at the injection site. The day after the injection, my muscles cramped, and I couldn’t move my fingers in both hands without severe pain. Then came deep bone aches, joint pain, muscle twitching and spasms, vertigo, crashing fatigue, bloating, anxiety, confusion, and memory problems, making it difficult to work and join activities. I assumed these were due to the J&J vaccine, both within days of each other. Prior to this, I hadn’t been to a doctor in 8 years. I wound up in the hospital when my balance was bad, and I was having trouble getting my words out clearly. I went through a battery of blood tests and MRIs to rule out disorders like MS, ALS, RA, and lupus - negative. I only took the one shot, and it took me 7 months to feel better! Frustrated that this drug is being prescribed without more study."

• 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!"

• Bee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 2, 2023

For Migraine Prevention "I’ve been on about 6 months, and it has drastically reduced my chronic migraines to less than half what they were before. However, there is a price to pay. It began as bloating, swollen ankles, flatulence, I can deal with that. However, after 5 months on it, I had emergency appendicitis last week and needed my appendix removed. Today, I found my spleen is enlarged and tender when I went to the doctor. A coincidence? I don’t think so. There is a lot of research out there on this drug, how it produced colitis and bowel impaction in humans and animal subjects by reducing the mucous membranes within the gut. It makes sense to me now, I always look pregnant the first two weeks after my injection despite eating clean. I take psyllium now every day, but I’m questioning if it is worth it staying on this drug. I will go off it soon as I’m worried what will happen next."

• LAX...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2023

For Migraine Prevention "Ajovy got rid of my migraines completely. Unfortunately, the other side effects included severe constipation and bloating, hair loss, weight gain, brain fog, surging high blood pressure, irregular menstrual cycle, and hormones. What a nightmare! I was so desperate to get rid of my severe migraines that I took a big risk. Not worth it."

• Bee...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 28, 2023

For Migraine Prevention "I’ve been on it for 6 months. I used to get 10 migraines a month, now I get about 4 a month, and those are managed well with triptans. Ajovy stops the intensity of the migraine as well. The only side effects are bloating and weight gain of about 5 kg, but it’s still worth it as I can live my life now. The injection is quick and unpleasant, but doesn’t hurt too much. I have noticed my short-term memory is not good, but I’m not sure if that’s the Ajovy or the last 10 years of chronic migraine doing damage."

• kkm...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 7, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I never would have known what was going on if I had not found these comments from users. I have gained 15 lbs since I started injections. Migraines decreased at first; I thought it was a miracle, but they crept back after time. The migraine relief is not worth the weight gain. I have high cholesterol now, which I have never had in my life. My feet hurt so bad in the morning it is difficult to walk. One person on here said she was 50-something and felt 90; that is exactly how it feels. It has been 7 weeks since my last injection, and I am already sleeping better after months of misery. I have not seen significant improvement in the stomach bloating/weight gain, but I will report back. I have not had any more headaches than usual coming off Ajovy."

• Ida...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 30, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "I must say that when I began taking Ajovy 4 months ago, my migraines have significantly reduced, however, again, like some of the people have said on here, I began having symptoms of fibromyalgia, also bloated and constipated for days. Then, out of nowhere, in the 1st month of using Ajovy, I began noticing more and more hair falling out. I didn't attribute it at first to Ajovy, but now that I have been taking it for 5 months, my hair has gotten significantly thinner. As I was reading through a lot of other people's testimonies, a lot of folks said that they have experienced hair loss. I had a lot of hair, very full, and now it is so thin, so even though this really works, I just can't lose my hair. I'm going to stop taking it for now and see what happens. I hope I didn't do too much damage to my hair and I get some of it back."

• Mig...
• March 6, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I have had migraines for 13 years, usually 3-4 a week. I had chronic migraine. I went to too many doctors. Tried every type of medication and had no luck. Then I tried Ajovy. Since the first injection of Ajovy, I had great relief. I am now on my 3rd month of taking it. It has been a lifesaver for me and my family. I still take abortive medicines for when I get a migraine, but it actually works quickly. Before, abortive medication did not help very much. Also, when I get a migraine, it is more like a slight headache. The day I get the injection, I do feel a little tired, and the week before my next injection, I get a little more headaches. The only side effect I have had is a little itching around the injection site on occasion. Also, my digestion has changed, and I do feel a little bloated or stuffed. But it is very minor in comparison to the great benefits. Like I said, I still get headaches, but they are minor. I encourage anyone to try it."

• 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."

• JJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 30, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "Miracle for my migraines. Experienced 10+ months prior to taking Ajovy. It's been 5 weeks, and I've only had 1 migraine. Side effects are not worth it, though. I'm constantly bloated and have had diarrhea most days. I'm so bummed about the side effects."

• pla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 18, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "On my second month of Ajovy autoinject, and suddenly started experiencing severe flatulence and bloating. I am taking no other medications or anything over the counter to explain these unusual side effects. Not sure if it’s working to reduce my migraines as of yet."

• Abb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 20, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I started Ajovy 3 months ago. The first month was fine. I still experienced a few migraines, but they weren’t as bad as before I had started it. The 2nd month was great. I didn’t get a single migraine until week 4. The 3rd month, however, was terrible. I have gained 10 pounds since I started the Ajovy, and my eating habits/workout habits didn’t change. If anything, they got better. I have gotten a migraine every day this month, it feels like. My stomach feels swollen all the time, and I’m extremely bloated. My legs feel swollen too. I will not be continuing the Ajovy. It doesn’t seem to be helping now."

• LLT...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 9, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I suffered with multiple migraines a week since childhood. Ajovy has been a life changer. I have not had a single severe migraine since my first dose, and I have had less than 5 mild migraines over the past year. However, I have noticed a huge increase in bloating, and I gained 20 pounds as well. However, to me, it is worth it to not be in pain."