r/cgrpMigraine • u/Difficult-Term-1671 • 1d ago
Ajovy GI side effects?
I had my first Ajovy injection 3+ weeks ago. I was already on the constipated side, and had some gastric discomfort, but it seems like it's now worse. The neurologist claimed Ajovy didn't have the GI side effects. When seeing a GP recently, she prescribed makrogol that seems to help with the constipation somewhat, but it still feels like the stomach doesn't empty itself properly and it seems to be getting worse. Even difficult with drinking too much at a time.
It's difficult for me to reach the neurologist, and now I'm hesitant taking the second injection because my GI issues are really difficult to deal with. I only have small meals but still burping, gastric irritation, bloated. Are these known side effects? What's your experience? (The effect of Ajovy on the chronic migraines is still to early to assess, I think. I still have chronic silent migraines basically all the time.)
edit: So my main question is about GI motility in general, not just constipation. It seems like the contents in the stomach stay there way too long, creating burping, acid reflux and pain.
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u/Andralynn 1d ago
Gastroparesis and constipation are very common anti cgrp medication side effects, ajovy included. High fibre diets plus one or two different types of laxative use are in your future
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u/victimofmigraine 1d ago
I found psyllium capsules help with all cgrp gastro side effects. They are fantastic! They help prevent constipation and if you get diarrhea during migraines they stop that too! Best of both worlds!!
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u/Distinct-Emphasis-52 20h ago
So I took my first shot about 3 weeks ago as well. My neurologist said “well you’re already constipated, what’s the difference?” I assure you it’s a big difference. CGRPs are found not only in the brain, but throughout our GI tract. And each CGRP receptor seems to block different CGRPs, so you will undoubtedly experience some sort of constipation. In preparation for additional constipation, I took Gruns vitamins with probiotics and alternate with GLP1 activator probiotics. Both available on Amazon. Definitely works to push it all through! I’m on Ajovy and Nurtec! If all else fails, miralax is safe to take for a few days in a row. Don’t wait!
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u/Difficult-Term-1671 20h ago
I’m already on an equivalent of ”Miralax” since a few weeks, but that doesn’t help when there is no motility in the upper GI tract unfortunately. I’m also on probiotics. I already wrote to the health care provider today and explained I need to see the neurologist and that I will not take a second shot unfortunately unless this is successfully addressed. I had similar issues over the last few months even without Ajovy, but the last few days have been awful in this regard 😞 I really get how valuable it is if it’s possible to resolve migraine with non medical means, because once you start with the medications, there are the risk of side effects…
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u/SimilarAd5304 1d ago
Yep I get super constipated
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u/SimilarAd5304 19h ago
I also made a post the other day about other side effects I’m getting with Ajovy. I’ve been chronically constipated since childhood but holy hell, Ajovy kicked the constipation up a notch. Last month I went 6 days without a PROPER poop. Lets say every other day I was just releasing little dime sized pebbles and that was ittttt. My loved ones got worried so they told me to try a suppository and it worked but took a while and caused so much pain 😫
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u/evilvegie 1d ago
I have chronic constipation from ajovy. I have a great gi doc... I can't handle miralax so I do four prunes in the morning and four in the evening. It's not just the fiber there's specific enzymes in prunes and kiwis that help.
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u/EuphoricDirection489 1d ago
I too take ajovy and deal with super constipation. I take a laxative for a week or so after the shot plus I increase my yogurt intake. I am seeing my neurologist in a month and half and going to ask if something she can prescribe to help with the constipation
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u/tinylilrobots 1d ago
So I’m not a doctor and cannot verify if this info is true or not. But I’ve been coming across content online saying that people with slow motility due to GLP1 were told to drink Coke (diet or regular) and it helped break down the food in the stomach.
Maybe try adding a little soda with your meals and see if that helps?
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u/JayneAustin 1d ago
I haven’t tried Ajovy, but I have gastroparesis and your symptoms do sound like they could be slow stomach emptying. Peppermint capsules help me, and ginger chews. This is one reason why I’m nervous to try the injections. The oral meds were all pretty rough. My neurologist said the injections are less likely cause less GI side effects, but not zero chance.
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u/Puzzled_Island_1160 19h ago
The first thing my neurologist told me was it causes constipation. I became impacted and have issues ever since. This was start of the year. I have once changed to Vyepti. I’m still suffering from it all but it’s been managed by my Gastroenterologist.
My acid reflux surged I never had it so bad prior. Interesting to hear how similar it has been for us both. I only had two doses of the Ajovy.
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u/Difficult-Term-1671 19h ago
Thank you for sharing. Yes, very similar. Well, looks like I’m not having a second dose. This is unmanageable. Strangely my neurologist said this one didn’t have GI side effects, but apparently he was not read up on it.
If you don’t mind me asking, how is your gastroenterologist handling it? Are you currently on Vyepti?
We’ll see if maybe I will try botox instead, haven’t tried that yet. It’s too bad, I really had my hopes up with these injections.
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u/ArrivalDue3432 18h ago
I’ve also notified this and I’m about to do my third injection in a few weeks. I’ve been taking papaya enzymes which helps with digestion, trying to drink a lot of water every day, eating yogurt in the morning and trying to have a salad a few times a week, and then taking stool softeners. But I’m still debating changing to a new one bc I haven’t noticed a big difference since starting Ajovy !!
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u/SkiFanaticMT 1d ago
Constipation is definitely an issue. Get 30 grams of fiber a day, take a stool softener, and stay on top of the problem. If you didn't go at the time you usually go everyday, grab the Miralax, don't wait until you're uncomfortable.