Disclaimer: I am a former Amgen and Novartis Spokesperson. This content reflects my own personal opinions and was not created or reviewed by Amgen and Novartis. I was not paid to write this article.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission.
What do Aimovig, Ajovy, and Emgality have in common? Migraine for one, but more importantly, they are a class of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting calcitonin gene-related peptides (CGRPs). What did I just say? Well, the National Headache Foundation wrote a very easy-to-understand article on CGRPs and monoclonal antibodies for your reading pleasure!
Some pretty smart people figured out that by blocking CGRPs in our bodies, just maybe they can also block attacks in people with chronic migraine. For me, personally, I started Aimovig back in June 2018. It’s been a great experience for me and I look forward to fewer migraine days ahead. It’s exciting and I’m so grateful to be able to utilize this medication. But it hasn’t been perfect and I still have attacks.
After 7 months on Aimovig, I realized that I was having more and more attacks around week 3 and into week 4 every month. I noticed that I had fewer attacks around the first two weeks of the injection and as the month wore on, the attacks increased in severity and duration. Together with my doctor, we decided to give Ajovy a shot to see if there was a positive difference. Maybe Ajovy would give me a longer duration of migraine-free days beyond the two weeks.
On February 1, 2019 I took my first injection of Ajovy. I opted for the monthly injection since that is what I’ve been used to with Aimovig. I did not want to try the Quarterly injections in case I had serious side effects, which I am known for with almost EVERY medication I’ve ever tried. Thankfully, with Aimovig I only have mild side effects of constipation (which I treat with magnesium) and sporadic fatigue.
When I took my first injection of Ajovy, I was already in the middle of a migraine attack that had held on a few days. Normally, when I’d be in an active attack and I’d taken Aimovig, it would be gone by the next day. This was not the case with Ajovy. The migraine attack still held on and it has continued to this day. I’ve also had daily fatigue that I cannot shake since Day 3 of Ajovy. I am sleepy all day long.
I’ve also noticed that my heart rate has increased and now goes between 90-105 bpm lying down and up to 135 bpm if I’m walking from my bed to the bathroom, which is only a few feet. If I’m cooking, watch out! I won’t finish and I’ll be sweaty and exhausted by the end.
I don’t know if it’s related or not, but I was in the ER this past Monday with very strong chest pain. It was horrible and I am still getting bouts of pain to this day. While in the ER I had a severe Hemiplegic Migraine that led to a seizure. I was given IV meds to stop the seizure and it really helped. But not one day while on Aimovig, did I ever visit the ER due to migraine. Another side effect I’ve encountered on Ajovy is overwhelming itching all over my body. I am taking a daily antihistamine to help.
Needless to say, this has not been a good experience. Ajovy is a wonderful medication for so many people, so I know it’s just not agreeable with my body.
What has your experience been on Aimovig, Emgality, or Ajovy? I want to hear the good and the bad. We’re all so different, so when you hear the horror stories out there, try not to let them lead you away. Keep in mind, most people who post online are those that have bad experiences. Those with good experiences don’t really have the need to seek out others online because they are living life and enjoying their time outside!! You will almost always see more negative posts online in support groups than you will positive and that’s because we’re scared and are looking for others to help us feel less alone. Try not to let these messages scare you into NOT trying something that just might be an amazing life changer!
Aimovig Updates
Want to read my experience on Aimovig from Months 1 – 4?
Disclaimer: I am a former Amgen and Novartis Spokesperson. This content reflects my own personal opinions and was not created or reviewed by Amgen and Novartis. I was not paid to write this article.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission.
30 Comments
I’m so sorry to hear you are experiencing such a drastic difference on Ajovy. I also had issues with my heart rate (and the itching!!) in my 4th month of Aimovig, along with sharp pains in my chest, electric shocks in my body, lots of nerve pains (in my back, feet and face). It’s been 7 weeks since my last injection and still experiencing these side effects but not as often or as intense. The itchiness has been the worst part of getting off Aimovig because nothing helps. I also started feeling bruise-like spots on random parts of my body. Hopeful that as it continues to leave my body I will just have to deal with migraine and all that comes with that.
Totally agree with you about the negative posts out there since most people who are having better days are hopefully living a full and happier life. Good luck switching back to Aimovig!! Sending you lots of healing vibes your way.
How funny is it that we have very similar side effects and relief from opposite meds! Goes to show just how different our bodies are. Healing vibes back at ya!!
I am only on month two of Aimovig and doing it with lots of Botox on top. I just wanted to thank you for your posts! So far last month was the best I’ve had in 2 years!!
I am so happy to hear how well you’re doing Jodene!! That’s so exciting and I know what it’s like to finally feel FREE!! Even if only for a few days at a time. Much Love and good luck!!
OMG I thought I was going crazy I’ve had these electric shocks in my body it stars in my head and it’s so scary I was afraid to go to sleep, my migraines have decreased some but I’d rather try Aimovig now hopefully it won’t have that same side affect. This started after my second month of Ajovy
Definitely, share this with your doc. It’s worth him noting. If you do switch, let me know how it goes!
My daughter had hair loss on Aimovig, severe itching on Ajovy and now her NP wants her to try Emgality. I am so worried about the itching again because it was so SEVERE, I missed work to take her to the ER twice!!! Ugh. She’s in the midst of a 10-day migraine that will not break, so I am tempted to try Emgality.
From what I understand Ajovy and Emgality are similar. I can understand your hesitation, I would be the same way. Definitely, have that conversation with your doctor and if you need to, talk to your Pharmacist.
I have migraine with brain stem aura and I too experience more migraines and low grade migraine days on Aimovig from day 15 to the end of the month. But…it is soooo much better than without. Botox and Aimovig seem to work together well for me, but is anyone else having a very reduced appetite and weight loss while on Aimovig? I have lost about 20 pounds since December 2018 when I started Aimovig
I haven’t had any weight loss myself, though I wouldn’t be upset if I did. I’ve actually gained weight since taking the injections, though I don’t believe it’s related. I have just been eating everything! I am able to lose when I try. I’m happy you’re getting some relief on Aimovig, that’s the goal!
Hi! I’m on my 2nd dose of Emgality. I have not had a migraine since I started it. My headache days have been cut down probably by half and they are very mild. Only need OTC meds & goes away. I haven’t had any negative side effects. So far, so good. I’m really happy I was approved to try this med. I’ve struggled with migraines for 35 years!
So excited for you!!! You will go through many emotions during this journey, I hope you find healthy ways of coping with the roller-coaster! It’s definitely a ride. I’m really happy for you!
I am so happy I found your website! I started with Aimovig. Like you I had trouble after a few weeks. When I would get a migraine it was VERY intense. My doctor switched me to Ajovy after about two 6 months. It is working better for me. The day I do the injection and the next day I am pretty stiff all over. I am struggling to find a rescue med that works for me when I get one. Nothing seems to touch the migraines.
I’m so glad to hear that the Ajovy is working better for you. Hopefully, you’ll find an additional abortive that will help you with the attacks you’re still getting. Treating Migraine disease requires a whole-body approach, from top to bottom and both mentally and physically. Gentle hugs!
Thanks for the great write up. I am on my 7th month of Emgality. I was suffering from on average 4 migraines per month and the frequency was getting faster. Some months was 6 some fewer but they were devastating to me as I am sure all of you are aware. I was on an abortive (Maxalt) and Topamax for years when my doctor suggested Emgality. Emgality is a game changer with no side effects for me. I now average one migraine a month and it is so light compared to before. I have also had two months with no migraines at all!!!!! I feel like I got my life back. My wife gets migraines too and I just picked up her Emgality pens for the first dose. I hope she has the same results.
That’s awesome!!! Has your wife had the same results as yours? Our bodies are so different. I cannot tolerate Topamax WHATSOEVER…but my daughter does great with it! Goes to show that even though we share DNA, we can still respond drastically different to the same medications.
My response to Ajovy was less severe headaches and able to get through day.I have daily migrain es.
I started Emgality and it made my headaches worse and flu like symptoms with nerve pain..I am now in day 4 and still having severe headaches and flu symptoms. Cannot get out of this cycle of daily migraines.
Oh no! Have you been able to get back to Ajovy since getting off Emgality?
Hi! I am on my 2nd dose of Emgality. I have noticed one less migraine day a week and the migraine days are easily managed by prescriptions (which I was not responding to lately). But, I am exhausted all the time. No energy to cook or clean. Just want to sleep. I was so happy to see this article and read others’ experiences. Thanks!
Neeju it’s awesome you’re getting relief from Emgality!! I was getting bad fatigue for a little while with Aimovig, but now that I’ve been on it over a year I don’t really see that as much anymore. Give it some time and hopefully it will all even out over the next few months. Good luck!!
I am about to do my second injection of Aimovig in 6 days 70mg. So far this month sine the injection I’ve had only mild migraines, like I know they want to break out but they don’t. Past 4 days has been severe weather in my area and today I’ve had my first real migraine, but nothing like the ER migraines I’ve had in the past. I am a disabled veteran with traumatic brain injuries and this is the first preventative that has ever done anything. I have gotten nauseous on a handful of days when I would normally get a migraine due to triggers present. Have you noticed this as well? I keep reading horror stories of hair loss and neurological symptoms and pray they don’t happen to me.
Hi Ryan! A lot of people who take Aimovig and do not get crazy side effects are having great results. But I can only speak for myself. I’ve been on Aimovig since July 2018 and the difference it has made in my life is fantastic! I do not have any of those worrying side effects like you mentioned, which is amazing since I tend to get scary side effects for almost all of the medications I’ve tried. I feel very, very blessed in that aspect. Now that you’ve probably already taken your 3rd injection, how are you feeling?
I am on month 4 of Emgality and I have not had 1 migraine in 2 months now. The only side effect is sleepiness. But it could also be from depression that I want to sleep and not Emgality. I am going to see a Dr tomorrow and find out if I need an SSRI. I think you should also consider not being a paid spokesperson for a pharma company. That looses your credibility when writing. I know they give great incentives for speaking for them but in the end you have sold yourself out. I know, I worked for big pharma for years.
Hi Josh, somehow your comment got lost in the shuffle of spam and I’m just now seeing it. It’s been a few months and I’m curious to know how you’re doing. Also, I haven’t updated the site yet, but my contract with them has expired. I am considered a former spokesperson now 😉 But I do still take Aimovig and unfortunately, it is beginning to loose effect. It’s been happening slowly over the last few months. While I’m pretty bummed about that, I know that I’d be much worse off it completely. So there’s that. I also started Botox and am due for my next round in April. But we’ll see if that happens with Corona ruling the world right now. Hope you’re doing well!
Hi Erica! I just started AJOVY in October. I’ve had to shots so far. While my migraines have pretty much disappeared, my daughter discovered that I have a huge bald spot on the back of my head! My hair had fallen out in a roughly 4” diameter patch. My pharmacist said AJOVY has been known to cause Alopecia, according to her records, but nothing was in any of the material given to me. My doctor even seemed unaware of it. Has anyone else experienced this? My doctor wants to know f I want to try the other meds, but they may seem to have the same side effects.
Oh no, I’m sorry you’ve had hair falling out! I haven’t had that experience myself, but I can only really speak to Aimovig. I was only on Ajovy for one month. In online groups I have read of people who had some hair falling out and I’ve had the same with other meds, though not with Aimovig. I can say that I have none of the side effects I had with Ajovy when taking Aimovig. Hugs!!
I have been on Emgality for 5 months. It has been wonderful for my migraines. I have been averaging about one a month and it is such a relief. However, I think my hair is starting to thin. Has this been a problem for others? Also, what is the itching others have mentioned? Is it localized? I have suffered with migraines for over 40 years and have been on many preventatives. I hate to give up something that is working so well.
When I had itchiness mine was full body and severe. Benadryl was my best friend for a month. I’m so happy Emgality is helping you!!
I’ve only had experience with ajovy. It took some time for my insurance to cover it, so I was on and off for about 6 months. But now I’m on month 4 of taking it. I’ve noticed my migraines have improved, but tend to flare up again about a week before my next dose. I’ve taken many medications over the years and so far this has done the most good. I have experienced occasional dizziness but other than that no noticeable side effects. I went from 5 to 15 migraine days a month to just 2 to 4. My Neurologist said weight gain and high blood pressure could be possible side effects but I haven’t noticed that personally. Hopefully these medications can help others as well!
That’s so exciting to hear!! I am so happy for you 🙂 I have the same experience with Aimovig as you do with Ajovy. About a week to a week and a half before my next dose it seems to wear off some. I’ve been taking it for over two years now. I have found that an abortive, like Nurtec or Ubrelvy, also help me. Something to consider for that in-between time. Good luck!!
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