Ajovy and Fatigue: What Users Say

• 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."

• Mim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "Prescribed Ajovy for my chronic migraines. Have had 4 injections now, with the last one on 29/09/2022. Ajovy has been life-changing for my migraines and I went from 20+ a month to under 10. However, it has not been without significant side effects. The neurologist told me side effects could include injection site pain and/or constipation. Since I started Ajovy, I have experienced extreme fatigue, ongoing nausea, hair loss, weight gain, depression (with suicidal ideation), anxiety, brain fog, and a general feeling of restlessness. I am now almost 7 weeks post-injection, and finally some of the symptoms have eased, and I am beginning to feel somewhat normal again. Throughout my experience, I doubted myself many times and thought I was going crazy as none of these symptoms were listed as side effects. However, I can now clearly see the connection. I'm sharing my experience for anyone else that is experiencing similar side effects and also doubting their experience."

• Jer...
• February 9, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "Ajovy was my miracle drug. Chronic Migraine and Cluster Headache days went from 15-20 down to 2-3 and much milder if they did occur. After that first 12 months, (Insurance) I was switched to Aimovig, which had very little effect, and after trying for 2 months, I gave up. Ubrelvy, unfortunately, failed as well. After appealing insurance, Ajovy was approved. Once again back on it, and now my headaches are stabilized for 9 months, which is awesome. But I have since noticed an unexplained weight gain of 15 pounds (I follow a strict ketogenic diet) which I brushed off due to pandemic stress over the last year. I'm also now experiencing chronic fatigue, head pressure, dizziness, restless leg syndrome, panic attacks, and chronic insomnia. I can't help but wonder if it's the Ajovy (CGRP use)? I'm stopping it for a while to see if any of these possible side effects resolve. 15-pound weight gain is one thing, not sleeping at all, and being physically exhausted on a daily basis is another."

• Car...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 2, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I have suffered from chronic migraines since I was a teenager and I am 41. I have tried every medication, almost 5 years of Botox, and nerve decompression surgery in NYC over 2 years ago. Migraines have always come back. My neurologist has put me on Ajovy. I have taken 1 dose 3 weeks ago, no change in my headaches, but I have never felt more fatigued in my life! I can easily sleep 14 hours and still take a nap if it’s my day off. I also feel dizzy, constipated, and my hands and feet feel numb and sore at times. I will not be taking the 2nd dose. I normally work out a few times per week but haven’t had any energy to do so. Also, with a busy nursing career I cannot afford to feel so sluggish or dizzy. I really wanted this to work. I am disappointed again. My neurologist was optimistic and also told me the only adverse reaction was at the injection site, very misleading if you ask me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 28, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "Does anyone here want to start a class action lawsuit against Ajovy? This drug has not been studied enough for side effects. After 2 injections, I refuse to take any more. Like others on this forum, I am so fatigued, I sleep all day. Extremely nauseous so it’s hard to eat anything that’s not bland. I’ve gained 5 pounds. I am very constipated, dizzy, fear I will collapse when I try to go out. I have type 2 bipolar depression and after not having suicidal thoughts for years, I had very serious suicidal thoughts and plans that I managed to talk myself out of. There is a known link between mood disorders and migraines, so I think they should take this more seriously and do more research before treating people like guinea pigs."

• 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."

• JSP...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 5, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I started Ajovy 225mg in January. The first month I noticed no help with migraines, actually, it was a little worse. Also started getting lightheaded and lacked appetite. The second shot in February, my symptoms became worse: bad taste in my mouth, feeling spacey, no appetite, still no reduction in migraines. Also, experiencing constipation, insomnia, and low energy. The 3rd shot and last brought chills and flushing, heart palpitations, irritability, trouble concentrating, major panic attacks. Numbness in legs and arms, confusion, my wife called 911 thinking I was having a heart attack. No one can tell me how long this will last. I was told by Teva, the maker of Ajovy, that it has a 31-day half-life, which means it will take 155 days for the Ajovy to be out of my system. My neurologist has no answers. The doctors at the ER said it was a severe panic attack, and I was dehydrated. I hope this helps. Sorry, I am not thinking very well. No changes in my medication except Ajovy."

• Gur...
• February 18, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "39-year-old female with 22 years of chronic migraines, tried almost every preventative on the market, including Botox, with no success. Abortives stopped working. In the last 2 years, I started getting daily chronic headaches that turned into migraines, which sometimes would last a week, nothing killed it. I did my first Ajovy shot on January 17th, 2019, and 5 days later, the chronic insomnia and chronic severe IBS-D I have had for years stopped completely. I love being able to sleep at night, but holy cow-I am exhausted all the time now. All I want to do is sleep. Before Ajovy, I was super regimented about my caffeine intake, but now I'm chugging a pot of coffee a day just to make it to 8 PM. I have mixed feelings about Ajovy because, while my headaches have 85% disappeared about 3 weeks after doing the first shot, I am beyond exhausted and am actually having to take magnesium to make my bowels move. If this drug slows gut motility and causes fatigue, what else does it do that they failed to list as a side effect?"

• sun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 16, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I took Ajovy monthly for 3 months. I've had chronic migraine (inherited) for 35 years, with 25 migraines/month when I'm not on a preventive, 15-17 with a preventive (current preventive is duloxetine). Ajovy and duloxetine interacted to cause quite a few SEs, which seemed to be duloxetine SEs amplified/potentiated. The deal breaker SE was such extreme fatigue-nearly impossible to wake up after 8 hrs sleep. Sleep was so deep it was actually scary. Almost passed out (back into sleep) daily in the shower, etc. No improvement in severity, duration, or frequency of migraines. Quit Ajovy and SEs went away. Just keep in mind: many long-term SEs of this drug and interactions with other drugs are still unknown. Just keep in mind: CGRP affects many processes in the body, and inhibiting it may not be wise."

• 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."

• 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."

• Bea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 23, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "After 20 years of suffering almost daily headaches and migraines, I was so damn excited to be told by my neurologist that an injection was now covered under the PBS in Australia! I picked up Ajovy straight after my appointment and injected myself later that day… Two days post-injection, I broke out in hives. The rash was mostly on my legs, but I was itching from head to toe. I was prescribed a short dose of corticosteroids, which settled the rash and helped with the itching, but that was only the beginning. One week post-injection, I woke up with severe pain in my wrist and knee. This pain has moved around to different areas of my body, but it’s mostly in my joints. It started in my wrists and knees, then moved to my jaw, and now arms and hips. It’s absolute agony, worse at night, and I’m struggling to get out of bed in the morning. I am so fatigued and also filled with anxiety about how long this pain will go on for. No migraines or headaches - but at what cost?"

• Sup...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 6, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I am a 59-year-old male and have been on Ajovy for 6 months now, and here's my experience. It works great for 2 weeks after the injection, then on day 13, 14, or 15, the migraines are back and severe. I have been suffering from severe fatigue and must rest/nap after 9 or 10 hours awake since my 2nd dose of Ajovy. Now at 6 months, I am starting to suffer from vertigo if I stand or move too quickly. Although I have fewer migraine days per month, I am not nearly satisfied with the results and side effects. I will be looking into other options."

• 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."

• Hop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 22, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "Migraines for 6 years intensely, occasional ones before that. Tried everything except the injections. Had my 1st Ajovy beginning of August. No side effects and not a single migraine since. 2nd Ajovy had 48 hours of mild nausea, fatigue and took half a Maxalt. 3rd Ajovy and I'm a mess. Severe nausea, vertigo, fatigue, severe anxiety. Never know when the nausea is going to hit me. I’ve got two new jobs that I’ve had to cancel days already because of the nausea. I’ve got severe constipation too. After thinking I could finally enjoy life again, do things I hadn’t done in years, I even booked an overseas holiday for 2023, I’m now shaking on my couch waiting for the next ondansetron to kick in. I’d rather have the migraines than this, and it makes me panic even more that I have weeks of this left before it’s out of my system. I don’t feel like I have any hope left!"

• Mon...
• November 21, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I started taking Ajovy 6 months ago! This drug had reduced my episodes of migraines by 40-50%, and I’m happy with that. However, I have experienced 7 lbs weight gain since I started, as well as chronic nausea, fatigue, vertigo, and now I’m noticing that this medication is acting as a blood thinner. I cut my finger cutting some vegetables, and I started bleeding a lot, which is abnormal for me! I cleaned the cut and applied Neosporin and a Band-Aid and sat down to watch a movie that lasted close to an hour and a half. As I went to the bathroom and washed my hands, I took the Band-Aid off, and immediately I started to bleed a lot again, like if I just got cut. I’m pretty scared and concerned about the side effects of this drug. I wonder about the long-term effects on your overall health."

• dus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 24, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "It's been 3 days. 1st day, 30 minutes after the shot, fatigue and confusion. I couldn't drive home after giving myself the shot. Then had a stomachache, several bowel movements, then diarrhea. Tension migraine headache, took 2 Benadryl to help me try to sleep. I felt like crap. Next day, woke up at 2 AM with a pounding, sharp migraine. Day 2, called out of work. I left 2 messages with my neurologist, crying in pain, no call back. None of my emergency migraine meds helped! These migraine headaches remind me of a COVID headache that won't go away! Body aches, stiff neck, feeling confused, and these awful tension migraines suck! I'm afraid of losing my job because I'm probably going to call out again, and my head won't stop hurting. I feel extremely irritable, and I just want to feel normal again. I regret taking this shot. I just want to flush these awful meds out of my body. I feel worse than before."

• BAR...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 28, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I suffer from daily migraines. First two doses were rough. Fatigue and nausea for 3-4 days after injection. Fatigue and nausea not as acute with 3rd dose. Hang in there and have since had 3 more doses. Fatigue only lasts about a day and no more nausea. Now to the headaches: dose one and two, very little improvement. Dose 3, some improvement. But after dose 4, huge improvement. I sometimes go three consecutive weeks without a headache. It's been a miracle drug for me. I'm very happy I hung in there until the 4th and consecutive doses."

• KZa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "40-year-old female. I've been suffering from chronic cluster headaches for 20+ years. Just started getting migraines in the last 5 years. I take nortriptyline and Lamictal for prophylactics, and Maxalt and Cambia for rescue meds. Seems everything has stopped working. Had my 1st shot of Ajovy 2 days ago. I'm so exhausted and sore all over already. I don't know if I can do a 2nd dose. My 3 little boys destroyed my house 2 days in a row because I just... can't. Do these side effects get better? I haven't had a headache yet, but I guess I've gotten so used to them I can at least keep up with the boys. The fatigue is very worrisome."

• Jea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 9, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "Like someone else has commented...nightmares. It's so strange. After one dose of this, I'm unable to have a good night's sleep. I now have these high anxiety nightmares. I wake feeling emotionally drained, anxious, and worn out. Also, I experienced an increase in my PVCs. I'm really upset that this is in my system for a month. I'm still getting headaches. I wish I never got it."

• 19y...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 8, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "I was put on Ajovy when my insurance would no longer cover Emgality. I had no issues with Emgality besides a small rash around the injection site. I was on Emgality for 4 months and on Ajovy for 2 months. The first Ajovy injection went fine-some fatigue, but I was already used to that. Around two hours after my second Ajovy injection, I started feeling awful. I felt weak, my joints around my neck and upper back were stiff and painful. I then got a migraine-worse than any other migraine I’ve ever experienced. My rescue med, rizatriptan, which always settles my migraines at least a bit, did not touch this migraine. For a few days straight and then on and off still (it’s been over 2 weeks), I’ve had awful headaches keeping me from being able to get out of bed. My eyesight became incredibly blurry for 5 days, and I couldn’t read my screen. I can't stay awake during the day and can’t sleep at night. I will never do another Ajovy injection."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 4, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "The side effects of Ajovy were far worse than my migraines. This medication got rid of my migraines, but I suffered two weeks of serious medical issues from the shot — intense fatigue, confusion, headache, muscle soreness, inability to concentrate, difficulty verbalizing, emotional instability, inability to read, watch TV, or work on a computer for more than a short time. I've had to recover from a concussion before, and this felt similar to those neurological difficulties, but more pronounced. My mother flew out to care for me for a week. And I had to get a brain MRI to ensure there wasn't a tumor or some other cause for my sudden symptoms. This medication worked — it was the first time in over a decade I went four weeks without a migraine. But the cost was immense. I would not use this drug again, and I hope others are warned of the unlisted side effects found in these reviews."

• Cat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "I took 2 injections 4 weeks apart. Within 5 days, I had extreme anxiety, fatigue, lack of concentration, felt utterly depressed, and daily headaches. My neurologist said Ajovy has no side effects, so I believed it was a coincidence. I took the 2nd injection 4 weeks later and have since had a few panic attacks, one of which happened in the hospital while waiting to see the neurologist. They advised I stop using it, and it should take 5 months to get out of my system. I have been signed off work for the first time ever. Please think long and hard about using this, once it is injected, there is no going back."

• 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!"

• Sas...
• January 24, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "The first month I took this, I had chronic insomnia, nightmares, fatigue, muscle pain, low mood, anxiety, anger outbursts, canker sores, constipation. I said never again, but in the third week, the side effects wore off, so I took it again. The same happened again, but not as bad, and I started to have pain-free days, so I tried a third injection, which worked really well, but I still had the insomnia, low mood, anxiety, etc. On the fourth injection, my mood has hit rock bottom, constantly crying over nothing (I never cry), not wanting to leave the house due to the anxiety. I'm actually sitting here thinking what's the point, so I've just emptied my injections in the bin. I've got a few days left until the side effects start to wear off, but I'm never taking this drug again. The worrying thing is that my neurologist told me no side effects. I've reported my side effects to the yellow card scheme, I think we should all do the same."