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Migraine Help

For 5 years I have been taking Aimovig 70mg for my debilitating migraines. It has eliminated my headaches. I was getting the medication free through the drug company’s savings plan. Unfortunately, the income criteria has changed and I no longer qualify for the savings program. This medication will cost me over $700 per month and I will not be able to pay that. I am afraid of what happens when I stop the Aimovig in a few months.
Has anyone on this forum stopped taking Aimovig? Were there any side effects other than a return of migraines for you?

  1. Hi
    I'm so sorry to hear you no longer qualify for the savings program - that's extremely frustrating. I've not taken Aimovig and don't have any words of wisdom on that front other than please don't lose hope for migraine prevention. There are over 100 medications, supplements, devices, complementary therapies and lifestyle modifications that can be used to manage migraine disease and most of us are on a combination of these. https://migraine.com/blog/migraine-preventives-start.
    I'm sure others will be along shortly to share their experiences with you and I'm sending you wishes for a low pain day, Nancy Harris Bonk, Patient Leader/Moderator (team member)

    1. Hi ,

      Just a similar situation. I was covered under my insurance for Botox, then let go from my job a couple of years before retirement. No Botox on any Heathcare.gov plans. Each treatment is $5000. To qualify for reinbursement through Abbvie, you have to have insurance pay some portion. So, there went the Botox. I hate to say this, but it is awful. I always wondered if it was just me or was the Botox really working, and...learned the hard way that it did/was. However, it made me explore other avenues of natural remedies (feverfew, etc), that offer some relief - I had to do my homework and I am ultra-concious of my triggers. Good luck and let us know how it goes. I will be thinking of you.

      -Lisa

      1. I'm sorry to hear that lack of insurance in standing in the way of you getting the botox that has brought you relief. It's a real challenge with insurance as a whole but certainly with migraine care specifically. That said, I really admire your perspective and being so resilient to them seek out other alternatives. I have used feverfew in the past, based on the recommendation of my headache specialist and found it to be incredibly helpful. I'm glad to hear that it - and other methods - are bringing you some relief as well. Wishing you the best!
        Best
        Alene (team member)

    2. Thank you - this forum has been a Godsend. Ten years ago I felt so alone, like this is only something that happens to me, I must cause it, etc. Oh boy was I wrong! Just reminding myself that "its not just me", and there are other people out there that are (unfortunately) suffering today, with this and worse problems, brings a sense of practicality to the situation. So easy to let your mind wander when you are laying in bed with a pounding head! I have picked up so much information, support, tips and tricks, and being able to vent, on this forum. Thank you and the team! -Lisa

      1. Lisa- we are so pleased to have you with us. So many of us, like you, are living with migraine. So we also find much comfort and resonance in connecting with others in this community. As you said, migraine can be isolating by its very nature. The way it makes us draw the curtains and curl up alone in the dark for hours/days waiting for severe pain to pass - often leaves us isolated. And, unfortunately, it's difficult for others to truly understand the challenges that come with migraine if they've never had one. So, try as hard as they might, our friends and family members frequently don't "get" what we're up against. This community can bring great relief in helping us relate to others who have "been there" and who understand the demands that come with a life with migraine. We learn a great deal from the community members - and I've learned a lot from you! I hope you'll keep your earned wisdom coming. So glad you're with us! Warmly - Holly (team member)

      2. thanks so much for taking the time to share this, it means so much to hear the sense of connection, validation and relief that this forum has brought to you. And your story and comments are helping to do the same for others too, so thank YOU! While we never want anyone else to be experiencing migraine like we do, it does feel good to connect with others who just "get it" without having to explain or justify our experience. This sense of connection truly is priceless. Thank you for being part of it!
        Best
        Alene (team member)

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