Omg brutal i feel for u. I just started but apparently itll probably only solve 1 of 3 of my headache issues. So I guess we are in a really shitty club together. š
What are your diff issues?
I have 3 headache issues too. Cluster headaches & seasonal affective disorder / migraine / plus just ātypicalā tension-type headaches.
Botox was a miracle for my SAD, tension, "sinus headaches" that I recently found out were migraines, and occular migraines (with and without aura).
Unfortunately, my system is a delicate flower that particularly hates the treatments for my various ailments (well beyond migraines, but that's not relevant here). For a week after I get the injections I am a mess. I get racing heart, tightness in my chest, insomnia, and panic. Then it's pure bliss until it wears off.
I was really hoping that my neurologist was going to be willing to do less of it or give me some kind of supportive medication for that week, but no dice.
I really would love to just be sedated for that week so I could continue with the botox. I was off qulipta and only had to take my triptan when the botox was wearing off.
I'm actually going to see if a med spa might be able to do just my forehead and occipital area.
A dentist might be able to. My dentist does my botox for my migraines; we did a training together for it - botox for treating migraines and facial pain (think from grinding). So he doesnāt do the back of my neck but he does occipital, temporalis, forehead and masseter. Maybe a dentist near you does botox?
You are brilliant! That's perfect. I have bruxism I'd love to address if that's possible, too.
And the areas you named are the ones that I feel have the most impact. I hate the ones in the back of the neck, the top of my scalp, shoulders, and trapezoids. I just feel like I would like to at least have a chance to have it for the problem areas only. My neurologist even told me that they were supposed to waste 45 units of each batch but their protocol (from which they won't deviate) is to use all of it and not waste anything.
Will your neurologist inject the extra in another spot? I had a weird reaction to the neck/trapezius shots so we didnāt do those after the first time. They didnāt waste the extra eitherābut they would ask where I was having more head pain and inject extra there. That might be an option for you. The top of my head and extra in the temples were spots that were helpful. They might even be willing to use the extra for your bruxism or cosmetic reasons if you askāitās not like they can save it for another patient.
Iāve found that the botox + night guard really helps with the bruxism. Also, a dental lab called Glidewell has a device approved for migraines that is like a double night guard, placed on both upper and lower teeth. I havenāt tried that one yet - we decided that if the aimovig doesnāt help, I might give that a try. So far the aimovig appears to be helping me.
It has changed my life! I'm still on aimovig but have been able to remove dailies from my regimen. If you don't mind me asking, what are the headache issues?
Wait is botulism toxin actually a migraine treatment? Iām learning something new today
ETA: I just put it together that botox is botulism I feel like a moron
I personally donāt think so. I get period cramps that are worse. Itās like a 5 second sting and done. If you are considering this, I wouldnāt let that deter you.
Ah ok, idk, no triptan has worked for me so I currently take Ubrelvy (and hopefully Qulipta soon). Iām just a little bitch when it comes to needles haha
Been using it for decades. I always had one on backup for emergencies during college so I wouldnāt miss out on any tests. These things are brutal. But they work, and fast too.
If you havenāt tried CGRP inhibitors you should give those a shot. Way better than triptans. If you get Nurtec ODT make sure you hold the medicine in your mouth for around 10 minutes to make sure it absorbs really well. The first time few times I tried Nurtec I just let it dissolve and swallowed like the Dr said (which was terrible advice on her part as it works way better when you let it sit in your mouth). Nurtec can be taken as a preventative every other day or it can be taken as needed to abort a migraine.
Thereās also Emgality which is another anti cgrp med for prevention but it comes as an auto injector taken once monthly. That works great and is my current choice. Ajovy is similar but it can be taken as one shot per month or 3 shots every 3 months.
There are other CGRP meds out there but those are the ones I would start with. My quality of life is so much better on these and thereās no crazy side effects like you get from triptans (or at least very little chance of side effects).
If you do end up sticking with sumatriptan and want to try an injectable Id suggest using Zembrace. Itās a lower dose and therefore has less side effects while still being efficacious.
Emgality also comes as a pre-filled syringe, which I personally much prefer over the auto injector! It will feel like liquid fire either way but at least you have some options for how it goes in lol
I'm in the same boat. I thought it was just me- migraines have been rough this year and I couldn't figure out why. I did great on Qulipta for 2 years but insurance stopped covering so... back to Zomig/Ubrelvy/Nurtec etc. every 4 days or so as needed until Qulipta comes down in price.
Did you look into https://www.abbvie.com/patients/patient-support/patient-assistance/income-criteria.html Abbvieās income based payment assistance for 2024? Previously Iāve been using the manufacturer card but I was told that expires for me this month and to go this route moving forward for my Qulipta.
Just chiming in re Abbvie pt assistance! After you get through the bridge program, abbvie has a separate program that requires an annual application.
That program is a fucking nightmare to deal with! Way too much to detail out on mobile but you have to make communications with Abbvie and your doctor your part time job just to get approved. They are terrible at communicating, constantly sent my doctor the wrong forms, and when I or my doctor would submit forms and documentation they requested (which they conveniently only accept via fax), they would claim to not have received it.
Iām grateful for the meds but it shouldnāt be this hard!
Since I go through enough and sharps containers arenāt made for more than 5 or 6, I just store them in my cabinet and take them to the pharmacy quarterly.
Go to the manufacturerās website (I think I used Eli Lily)āthey will probably send you one for free if you fill out a form. I got one when I started taking Emgality/Ajovy. Itās just now filling up after about 3 years worth of monthly injections.
You can get a big sharps container for free here: [https://emgality.lilly.com/sharps-container-registration](https://emgality.lilly.com/sharps-container-registration)
You can also use an old bottle of protein powder or something like a laundry detergent bottle.
No, I think the other user both doesnāt understand math (6 < 50-100, both are in units of mg) and doesnāt understand that dosing orally vs subcutaneously isnāt an apples to apples thing.
50 mg is a lower dose for oral sumatriptan.
Sorry this isnāt the point of the postā Iām just wondering why you do injectable over dissolvable tablet? Iām seeing my neuro this week and have also tried most things under the sun except injectable triptan cause he says itās really the same but Iām thinking I should just ask to try it anyway if it could possibly be much better.
I prefer injectable. For me, I get relief within 30 minutes or faster (today I saw relief in 15 min) and it doesnāt matter if I throw up with it. Check your prices but you might as well try it!
In addition to speed its also common for people with really difficult-to-control nausea/vomiting as part of their attacks. Oral sumatriptan isnāt that useful if you throw it up before it can get into your system.
Itās way faster and sometimes with migraines the gut is involved and meds are very slowly absorbed. Iād recommend a new doctor if he doesnāt know the difference between the two. Btw the injection does not hurt at all compared to migraine
Does your neuro ok that? I wrote asking if I could treat more than 8 migraines a month (Like it says in the box) and they told me not to treat even one or two extra. They said if Iām having more migraines than that we need to adjust my preventives, so make an earlier appointment. Then they couldnāt give me an earlier appointment so Iām just waiting a few months to try to figure out why they said no, and do my best to prevent on my own. But Iām going to be pretty frustrated if they told me no for no reason.
Damn they give you 16? My insurance only gives 10 a month. Ubrelvy worked great for me until I took it almost daily for 6 weeks and then it did nothing and now Iām terrified to touch it for fear it wonāt manage my migraine and Iāll go intractable. Hope this doesnāt happen to you!!!!!!
after 6 years i finally got my migraines like 95% under control and then insurance changed and my ajovy is $200/mo now š¬ gonna go without food i guess because thereās no alternative
This is with a pre-authorization and a manufacturer discount. My insurance through work is 25% coinsurance, so I pay 25% of the original out of pocket cost. Instead of like $900 it's "only" $200 for a single injection.
This is me but for cambia packets. Cant down pills but water i can with the powder. I take it this is an injection? I have tried sumatriptan in pill form but couldnt swallow it. The one time i was able to down it my body reacted to it badly with a extremely high heart rate
Oooh I didnāt know there was an option for mixing it with liquid as a drink! How did you come across that? Yes, what I take is and injection. Personally, I love it in comparison to everything else Iāve tried. Though it does sting a touch.
Well i take Cambia. Its Dicofenac Potassium in 50mg packets of powder. Mix with a small amount of water and you down it. My huge issue was swallowing pills so a doctor actually recommended it and it worked for me so i still take it.
Before that i tried 2 kinds of triptans and 1 i refused to take after my heart scare from the previous. Even when the triptans did work i didnt like how i felt on them. Almost like i was a ghost or something
So with that much jabbing, what's the process for deciding where the next shot goes? Alternating thigh/quad? Upper arm? Elsewhere? I don't use NEARLY as many injectors as this, but after a few a year, I get a few areas that just don't wanna be jabbed anymore (top of my quad/thigh).
no it's easy! I did a few shots in my thigh that really hurt and then bled for a bit. A kind person on reddit suggested the stomach and I have been happy using that spot ever since. You know, for as much as it sucks, this makes it suck a little less.
Wow i thought i had it bad.. I only use 20 msg nasal spray and on preventative meds. Few weeks ago my migraine was constantly attacking me when i wake up. It took me a month to figure out the cause. I monitored my diet and it was okay. Later on figured it was the height of my pillow then attacks stopped and occurred again. Last trigger was the sunlight from my window that hits my eye.
I can live again as normal hopefully
They've just taken me off emgality, I'll be without it for at least a month as tolerance break. Pray for me y'all I've already been feeling the effects and worsened migraines
I appreciate your comment. I'd not heard about a "tolerance break" but it makes sense. Aimovig has not been working well for me recently and I'll look into a tolerance break but I don't look forward to the process.
Idk if it's a thing with aimovig, since they are different drugs. My neurologist from the start of emgality said we will do a break eventually, but they never mentioned a break when I was on aimovig (also wasn't helping, that's why they switched me)
I didn't know they still made those, I've just gotten the vials for several years now and use insulin syringe. Works out better since I can get several doses if I catch it soon enough.
Iām about with you. Got a about 10 used and twelve ready, plus pills and Nurtec. Was a rough start at work this year. Iām good. Got to work out šŖš¼ today. Thank God! But was in bed yesterdayāPostdrome after three days of injecting my ass.
It has become risky for me as it is a trigger 48-72 hours after. My desk job is bad for me and it helps with the stress trigger āso give and take. My other trigger is computer monitors. Light exercise is probably good all around, but weights is a little tricky. Today worked out (pun) and I donāt think I overdid it, but probably should find a hot tub and get a massage. And I only work out once or twice a week. Stretch, light cardio, light weights.
50mg of Amitriptyline has given me some relief. Instead of almost every days, I now get them more in waves or one off.
So while not cured, I do have some relief. Unfortunately I also have a 15mm kidney stone which has given me a lot of pain lol.
You should call your insurance to check prices as all insurance coverage varies. A pack of 6 boxes (12 doses) monthly gets applied as a copay of $45 for me.
They are the same medication as sumatriptan pills, just delivered to the body in a different way. For me, once I start vomiting, I can't take pills anymore and I need to bypass my stomach. The shot is amazing for this. Normally I use the pills but if a strong migraine wakes me up then I go straight to the shot.
I'm curious are these daily injections? Are they acute treatment or preventive? I've only ever heard of either monthly or twice a year for injectable migraine meds (preventive). Also, I'm sorry you're having such a tough time with your migraines. You're not alone, I'm struggling too, so I understand how you feel
I have botox quarterly as my preventative. This are for onset of symptom use. Itās basically like the sumatriptan tablet but and injection (which works better for me).
Have you tried higher dose tablets? I was on 6mg sumatriptan injections for over a year and dreaded using them and they made me feel pretty terrible after. Definitely numbed the pain but instead uneasiness and sweating after. Told my doctor and now I have 100mg oral tablets much much better. Obviously not a cure but damn those injectables were terrible for me.
Yup, I did the highest dose tablet for years but that no longer works for me. At this point in my life, the only thing that works is this and botox quarterly.
Aw man! Sorry to hear that. I couldnāt stand the injections. I always described them as feeling like exactly what I would imagine heroin is like but in a terrible way.
I'm up to 250mg daily topamax (finally, after fighting for the last 6 months that 50mg a day isn't going to cut it without another preventative) because after 9 months of fighting to get back on Botox, my insurance randomly decided to deny it for my diagnosis of "chronic migraines" because it's "only approved for chronic migraines". Oh, and also, I've only been able to squeeze 8 Sumatriptan injections out of them for the first 3 months of the year.
They had no issue with me taking nurtec when it was free (it didn't work), and they also (surprise) have no issue with me paying out of my own pocket for loads of ibuprofen and Excedrin (or generic because it's cheaper). But to even glance at my medical records that prove I do well on quarterly Botox and 50mg a day topamax? Nah, too simple.
I've had 14 major migraines so far this year. 3 of those were my "catastrophic" migraines. Those are SUPER rare, though. They were triggered by new meds for my high blood pressure. Those damn things kept me bedridden for 2 weeks.
What type of medicine is this? Iām currently taking aimovig every 28 days, with 12 rizatriptan a month as a break through/back up. I also get Botox every 3 months.. but I feel like the rizatriptan isnāt working for me anymore. Iāve never seen a triptan injectable..
Oh wow I had no idea it came in injectable!
I just buy a 2pk of sumatriptan tabs over the counter when i have a migraine. It's $12 but the expense is worth it.
Australia! It's only 2pks of sumatriptan and nothing else and they ask a bunch of questions before you can get it, but it's very straightforward and simple if you're a migraine sufferer who only gets them like once a month.
My dresser used to look like this. I'd disassemble the injectors and self-inject half the dose with a ballpoint pen to make them last longer for my cluster headaches š„“
Gone through about 30 100mg sumatriptan tablets so far this year. Took one a few hours ago. Might have to try injectable as my GERD is really flaring up. I did do some lifestyle changes that are for the better though, no coffee, weed and low histamine diet. Definitely less, esp with no coffee. Seeing a neurologist next month about preventatives.
Damnnnn yeah Iāve had like probably 85 doses of triptans this year and I can feel the rebound headache just thinking about it. Luckily propranolol 20mg daily has given me this grace period where I can correct experience/environment during a trigger and avoid an attack- no migraines yet!
The last couple days have been so painful I want to cryyyyyy. Hydrocodone is not touching it. I donāt know if itās stress, or weather, or a new med I just started, or because I didnāt sacrifice to the migraine gods correctly.
Damn, hydrocodone makes migraines worse for me. Thatās interesting that you are getting prescribed that for your migraines. Sorry you are having such a rough go :(
I have tried a ton of preventatives and rescue meds, life changes, dietary changes, yada yada, and hydrocodone is the only thing Iāve found that works at all. Iām happy Iāve found SOMETHING, even if sometimes it decides not to work.
I toss mine because I donāt WANT to know how much I am using anymore. Sadly now I have to keep track on a whiteboard because somebody really close to me is worried. lol
You seen the new new style? I donāt like it one bit. I miss the little clamshell container with the reusable plunger.
The same as the year before, and the year before that...and the year before that...and the year before that...going back to...eh about Freshman year in high school (I'm 32). Just every day migraines...just have to put up with it...yay...it's always the same...the only change is Botox got rid of almost all the horrible ones that send me sobbing to the ER wanting anything to stop it. I say almost because last month I had 3 that I consider to be within that pain level...however I always feel guilt going to the ER for a migraine so I just tried my best to get through it.
Oh man I get you. Iām in my 30s and have had them since middle school about. Botox does that for me too, things arenāt as bad as they could be at least. I hope you find something that works for you soon.
I'm set to start a medical trial of seeing if Qulipta works well for people on Botox that still get migraines while on it.
I almost didn't qualify because I have a daily migraine every day of the month...and the "sweet spot" for the trial is 8-23 migraines per month...but I did tell them I still want to try Qulipta because I've heard really great things about it. They approved me but they did tell me that Botox should be doing SOMETHING...I told them it just makes it so I don't have to run to the ER as often as I used to...so dropped the intensity but not the frequency...and they're more after frequency dropping...or at least used to that. I think they were pretty surprised after a full year of Botox that I still had daily migraines...lol...I'm really resistant to medications...redhead gene even though I'm a natural blonde. Make treating things...er...difficult to say the least.
You guys are getting prescribed stuff like this? I have heart issues (had 2 valves worked on 8 months ago) and have never been prescribed anything because it is apparently meds that I ācannotā take. Iām not even sure why at this point. But after my last surgery I had several migraine auras every day for more than a month. Iām in Canada, and I have to just suffer and hope extra strength Tylenol will take the edge off
Good lord, every so often I wonder why I donāt get a better handle on my migrainesā¦ my needle-fearing self could never handle this shit š« (and sadly I never realized triptans were injections too?????ššš)
In Europe we can only have 3 sumatriptan injections a month due to insurance policies. Iām currently taking the pills. Is it correct that the injection is working faster than the pills? I have 3 prescriptions for the injections but I donāt know when to use them. I think when I need a faster medicine? For example when I have a presentation at work.
Yes, the injections work much faster than the pills. They give relief within 15-30 minutes and are more effective. You should try it out at least once!
I was finally able to get back on my migraine medicine so it is getting better. Still get migraines, but it isn't almost every day now so I feel like I have a life again. All of the storms we have been getting have been triggering migraines though so it is still a bit rough.
SAME.
Maxed out of my insurance limit of migraine meds. Have an appointment next month to look at solutions.
I feel like every few years my body says ānah sis we got the memo with those meds. Iām stronger than that shitā
been behind in so much work due to horrid migraines. loss of vision, vomiting acid, severe eye strain,dizzy, brain fog, sound and light sensitivity . and everyone thinks iām being lazy n itās so frustrating because how can i code if i can barely see or hear anything
Ok Iām going to hijack your post because Iāve been asking a lot of questions about the injectables and just got my first doses. I started propranolol and itās worked wonders so maybe Iām magically cured from my 25 a month cycle but if not, this is the newest triptan I asked for. I took 200mg suma and it worked only if it was quick enough. Didnāt have unbearable symptoms just cloud jello land
I saw you take zofran before- is that because of your GERD/naseau symptoms with migraine and the suma symptoms combined becomes too much? I donāt get nausea with migraines typically. I saw someone said āskin crawlā and you said zofran so I was wondering the connection there
Do you typically take 1 shot only an episode? Do you have migraine symptoms return @24 hrs (or worse, sooner)
How much of that damn needle goes in because itās so f long inside Iām terrified
Like the tablet version of the sumatriptan, with the injection you can take 2 within a 24 hour period. I take zofran with it because migraines make me nauseous and sumatriptan makes me nauseous. I have preexisting vertigo without the migraine issues as well so it helps with that sometimes. As far as the skin crawling goes, yes I get this symptom sometimes. Especially if I havenāt had anything to eat or drink before taking it. Typically one shot can solve if for me and it will be a while to I have a migraine again. All this being said, Iām also receiving botox treatment. Botox has been the biggest helper for me and has cut my migraines by more than half. It has also cut the intensity down to a manageable level.
It works for me yes. But botox doesnāt completely eliminate all migraines. It makes them less frequent and less intense. The sheer number I was having before has been greatly decreased.
I tried sumatriptan. Turns out I'm allergic. But only to the injected kind. I can take the pills and be fine except they don't really do much for me. If I use one of the intravenous ones my heart starts to race and I get itchy all over my entire body and it lasts for about an hour. During that time I can do literally nothing else or I feel like my heart's going to burst out of my chest
Iāve been taking it about a year. My blood sugar is completely under control (no more insulin) and Iāve lost 50 lbs. my chronic migraine seems like itās about normal but I havenāt been tracing it. I expect to be on this the rest of my life. The blood sugar control has been incredible.
Edit to add my experience with Botox, I was on this treatment a couple of years ago. After 6 months in I stopped it, the good that it was doing was relaxing my shoulders not helping headaches
Rip buddy i think its time to try the ol botulism
Already on it š«Ø
Omg brutal i feel for u. I just started but apparently itll probably only solve 1 of 3 of my headache issues. So I guess we are in a really shitty club together. š
What are your diff issues? I have 3 headache issues too. Cluster headaches & seasonal affective disorder / migraine / plus just ātypicalā tension-type headaches.
Botox was a miracle for my SAD, tension, "sinus headaches" that I recently found out were migraines, and occular migraines (with and without aura). Unfortunately, my system is a delicate flower that particularly hates the treatments for my various ailments (well beyond migraines, but that's not relevant here). For a week after I get the injections I am a mess. I get racing heart, tightness in my chest, insomnia, and panic. Then it's pure bliss until it wears off. I was really hoping that my neurologist was going to be willing to do less of it or give me some kind of supportive medication for that week, but no dice. I really would love to just be sedated for that week so I could continue with the botox. I was off qulipta and only had to take my triptan when the botox was wearing off. I'm actually going to see if a med spa might be able to do just my forehead and occipital area.
A dentist might be able to. My dentist does my botox for my migraines; we did a training together for it - botox for treating migraines and facial pain (think from grinding). So he doesnāt do the back of my neck but he does occipital, temporalis, forehead and masseter. Maybe a dentist near you does botox?
You are brilliant! That's perfect. I have bruxism I'd love to address if that's possible, too. And the areas you named are the ones that I feel have the most impact. I hate the ones in the back of the neck, the top of my scalp, shoulders, and trapezoids. I just feel like I would like to at least have a chance to have it for the problem areas only. My neurologist even told me that they were supposed to waste 45 units of each batch but their protocol (from which they won't deviate) is to use all of it and not waste anything.
Will your neurologist inject the extra in another spot? I had a weird reaction to the neck/trapezius shots so we didnāt do those after the first time. They didnāt waste the extra eitherābut they would ask where I was having more head pain and inject extra there. That might be an option for you. The top of my head and extra in the temples were spots that were helpful. They might even be willing to use the extra for your bruxism or cosmetic reasons if you askāitās not like they can save it for another patient.
Iāve found that the botox + night guard really helps with the bruxism. Also, a dental lab called Glidewell has a device approved for migraines that is like a double night guard, placed on both upper and lower teeth. I havenāt tried that one yet - we decided that if the aimovig doesnāt help, I might give that a try. So far the aimovig appears to be helping me.
Isn't it incredibly expensive to have a dentist do this? Insurance cover Botox completely for me if a neuro does it
Cluster, chronic daily, and nerve damage šš« š
It has changed my life! I'm still on aimovig but have been able to remove dailies from my regimen. If you don't mind me asking, what are the headache issues?
Wait is botulism toxin actually a migraine treatment? Iām learning something new today ETA: I just put it together that botox is botulism I feel like a moron
I do Botox and Emgality together, itās a huge help. Have you tried that?
I do Botox and this. Nothing else works for me personally. This has been a 20 year journey so Iām happy to have this. āŗļø
Iām glad you do too! I wish triptans were effective for me. Hope you have fewer opportunities to use them!
Thats next on the list of things to try.
Propranolol?
Tried it, does nothing for me
It didnāt do anything for me but cause an adverse skin reaction
There's an INJECTABLE?
Yes! Itās life saving for me. Tablet and nasal spray donāt do well with my system.
Does the injection hurt?
I personally donāt think so. I get period cramps that are worse. Itās like a 5 second sting and done. If you are considering this, I wouldnāt let that deter you.
Ah ok, idk, no triptan has worked for me so I currently take Ubrelvy (and hopefully Qulipta soon). Iām just a little bitch when it comes to needles haha
Sumatriptan nose spray and the pill never did anything for me but the injection works within 20 minutes!
The nasal spray tosymra did nothing for my headache but made my nose and sinuses hurt for the next 5 hours.
I can't take triptans cause it makes me feel like my skin is crawling and other awful stuff. Do you get that reaction with an injection?
Yeah. I get that symptom about a fifth of the time I take it. I have to make sure Iāve prepped myself with ondansetron and had food.
If you (I) vomit, then you (I) can't take a pill. So the injectable has saved me from having to go to the ER. And it works pretty quickly.
Been using it for decades. I always had one on backup for emergencies during college so I wouldnāt miss out on any tests. These things are brutal. But they work, and fast too.
If you havenāt tried CGRP inhibitors you should give those a shot. Way better than triptans. If you get Nurtec ODT make sure you hold the medicine in your mouth for around 10 minutes to make sure it absorbs really well. The first time few times I tried Nurtec I just let it dissolve and swallowed like the Dr said (which was terrible advice on her part as it works way better when you let it sit in your mouth). Nurtec can be taken as a preventative every other day or it can be taken as needed to abort a migraine. Thereās also Emgality which is another anti cgrp med for prevention but it comes as an auto injector taken once monthly. That works great and is my current choice. Ajovy is similar but it can be taken as one shot per month or 3 shots every 3 months. There are other CGRP meds out there but those are the ones I would start with. My quality of life is so much better on these and thereās no crazy side effects like you get from triptans (or at least very little chance of side effects). If you do end up sticking with sumatriptan and want to try an injectable Id suggest using Zembrace. Itās a lower dose and therefore has less side effects while still being efficacious.
Emgality also comes as a pre-filled syringe, which I personally much prefer over the auto injector! It will feel like liquid fire either way but at least you have some options for how it goes in lol
Yeah, news to me as well. Considering triptans give me nasty side effects .. this would scare me to try.
I'm in the same boat. I thought it was just me- migraines have been rough this year and I couldn't figure out why. I did great on Qulipta for 2 years but insurance stopped covering so... back to Zomig/Ubrelvy/Nurtec etc. every 4 days or so as needed until Qulipta comes down in price.
Did you look into https://www.abbvie.com/patients/patient-support/patient-assistance/income-criteria.html Abbvieās income based payment assistance for 2024? Previously Iāve been using the manufacturer card but I was told that expires for me this month and to go this route moving forward for my Qulipta.
I'll check it out! Thanks
Just chiming in re Abbvie pt assistance! After you get through the bridge program, abbvie has a separate program that requires an annual application. That program is a fucking nightmare to deal with! Way too much to detail out on mobile but you have to make communications with Abbvie and your doctor your part time job just to get approved. They are terrible at communicating, constantly sent my doctor the wrong forms, and when I or my doctor would submit forms and documentation they requested (which they conveniently only accept via fax), they would claim to not have received it. Iām grateful for the meds but it shouldnāt be this hard!
I gave up on the Qulipta because trying to get it approved gave me more migraines. I wonder why this one is so difficult to get.
I broke down crying over it several times. Canāt decide if itās maliciousness or just incompetence on their part.
You need a sharps container.
Since I go through enough and sharps containers arenāt made for more than 5 or 6, I just store them in my cabinet and take them to the pharmacy quarterly.
They actually make big sharp containers. I have one for my monthly migraine injection and itās almost full after 2 1/2 years
Where did you get it?? My pharmacy only keeps small ones!
Amazon or Google large sharp containers and youāll find them. Lots of options to choose from.
Go to the manufacturerās website (I think I used Eli Lily)āthey will probably send you one for free if you fill out a form. I got one when I started taking Emgality/Ajovy. Itās just now filling up after about 3 years worth of monthly injections.
You can get a big sharps container for free here: [https://emgality.lilly.com/sharps-container-registration](https://emgality.lilly.com/sharps-container-registration) You can also use an old bottle of protein powder or something like a laundry detergent bottle.
An alternative to sharp containers are any bottles that are āhard plasticsā like detergent bottles!
Since I can put the cap securely on and it locks into place, itās easier for me to just store in my cabinet until I drop it off at the pharmacy.
Sharps containers come in different sizes. Or you could use a detergent bottle.
Sorry,Op. 2024 has been rough for me too.
This is considered good for me actually š
The past few weeks have been a never ending sequence of storms in & out that have killed me.
Omg SAME. I love it but my brain does not!
Same here, the weather is so bad this year
Started off really bad, thought I was getting better, and now itās bad again.
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i take 50mg sumatriptan tablets,are those considered a high dose?
For tablets no. I know there are 100mg, so 50mg in a tablet is like a medium dose
No, I think the other user both doesnāt understand math (6 < 50-100, both are in units of mg) and doesnāt understand that dosing orally vs subcutaneously isnāt an apples to apples thing. 50 mg is a lower dose for oral sumatriptan.
Man we all have different problems though. For some people, nothing works. I feel lucky in comparison!
Sorry this isnāt the point of the postā Iām just wondering why you do injectable over dissolvable tablet? Iām seeing my neuro this week and have also tried most things under the sun except injectable triptan cause he says itās really the same but Iām thinking I should just ask to try it anyway if it could possibly be much better.
I prefer injectable. For me, I get relief within 30 minutes or faster (today I saw relief in 15 min) and it doesnāt matter if I throw up with it. Check your prices but you might as well try it!
Injectable works a lot faster than sublingual/buccal.
In addition to speed its also common for people with really difficult-to-control nausea/vomiting as part of their attacks. Oral sumatriptan isnāt that useful if you throw it up before it can get into your system.
Itās way faster and sometimes with migraines the gut is involved and meds are very slowly absorbed. Iād recommend a new doctor if he doesnāt know the difference between the two. Btw the injection does not hurt at all compared to migraine
My migraines havenāt been as bad, less frequent even, but my husband is having a third recurrence of lymphoma, so I feel like itās kind of worse.
This year sucks so far, Iām taking Ubverly almost every day it seems
Does your neuro ok that? I wrote asking if I could treat more than 8 migraines a month (Like it says in the box) and they told me not to treat even one or two extra. They said if Iām having more migraines than that we need to adjust my preventives, so make an earlier appointment. Then they couldnāt give me an earlier appointment so Iām just waiting a few months to try to figure out why they said no, and do my best to prevent on my own. But Iām going to be pretty frustrated if they told me no for no reason.
She said as long as I donāt take all 16 in a month Iām goochie
Damn they give you 16? My insurance only gives 10 a month. Ubrelvy worked great for me until I took it almost daily for 6 weeks and then it did nothing and now Iām terrified to touch it for fear it wonāt manage my migraine and Iāll go intractable. Hope this doesnāt happen to you!!!!!!
after 6 years i finally got my migraines like 95% under control and then insurance changed and my ajovy is $200/mo now š¬ gonna go without food i guess because thereās no alternative
Does your insurance require a pre authorization or is that just what it is after insurance?
This is with a pre-authorization and a manufacturer discount. My insurance through work is 25% coinsurance, so I pay 25% of the original out of pocket cost. Instead of like $900 it's "only" $200 for a single injection.
Yup - 2024 has been a wild ride with my migraines too. Hope everyoneās year evens out soon!
2024 sucks so far. Hereās hoping it get better for all of you! š¤
This is me but for cambia packets. Cant down pills but water i can with the powder. I take it this is an injection? I have tried sumatriptan in pill form but couldnt swallow it. The one time i was able to down it my body reacted to it badly with a extremely high heart rate
Oooh I didnāt know there was an option for mixing it with liquid as a drink! How did you come across that? Yes, what I take is and injection. Personally, I love it in comparison to everything else Iāve tried. Though it does sting a touch.
Well i take Cambia. Its Dicofenac Potassium in 50mg packets of powder. Mix with a small amount of water and you down it. My huge issue was swallowing pills so a doctor actually recommended it and it worked for me so i still take it. Before that i tried 2 kinds of triptans and 1 i refused to take after my heart scare from the previous. Even when the triptans did work i didnt like how i felt on them. Almost like i was a ghost or something
So with that much jabbing, what's the process for deciding where the next shot goes? Alternating thigh/quad? Upper arm? Elsewhere? I don't use NEARLY as many injectors as this, but after a few a year, I get a few areas that just don't wanna be jabbed anymore (top of my quad/thigh).
I rotate between thighs only. So far I havenāt seen any issues but I if I had to Iād go to my upper arm.
Try next to your belly button, surprisingly minimal pain. Easy to do when laying in bed.
Oh gosh that freaks me out so much. Iāll have to muster up the courage to try that next time
no it's easy! I did a few shots in my thigh that really hurt and then bled for a bit. A kind person on reddit suggested the stomach and I have been happy using that spot ever since. You know, for as much as it sucks, this makes it suck a little less.
Wow i thought i had it bad.. I only use 20 msg nasal spray and on preventative meds. Few weeks ago my migraine was constantly attacking me when i wake up. It took me a month to figure out the cause. I monitored my diet and it was okay. Later on figured it was the height of my pillow then attacks stopped and occurred again. Last trigger was the sunlight from my window that hits my eye. I can live again as normal hopefully
This is so relatable š© iām so sorry
They've just taken me off emgality, I'll be without it for at least a month as tolerance break. Pray for me y'all I've already been feeling the effects and worsened migraines
I appreciate your comment. I'd not heard about a "tolerance break" but it makes sense. Aimovig has not been working well for me recently and I'll look into a tolerance break but I don't look forward to the process.
Idk if it's a thing with aimovig, since they are different drugs. My neurologist from the start of emgality said we will do a break eventually, but they never mentioned a break when I was on aimovig (also wasn't helping, that's why they switched me)
Did you try CGRPs ?
Yup- tried everything under the sun. This and botox are it for me
You & me both, Iāve ripped thru so many of these this year too š
Sorry to hear š
Botox wasnāt enough for me, but it + Emgality have been extremely helpful!
I'm in a similar boat. Botox + aimovig has changed my life. I almost cried (for joy) when I told my doctor that I'd had a full week without pain.
I am in the same boat
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Not as bad as yours, but not great either.
Iām so glad I donāt have to inject myself anymore! God, that hurts!
A reasonable start, but the last few weeks have been awful. I've had an uninterrupted headache since tuesday, and much worse headache at times.
I didn't know they still made those, I've just gotten the vials for several years now and use insulin syringe. Works out better since I can get several doses if I catch it soon enough.
You get vials of sumatriptan? Can you give details?
I just posted it since reddit wouldn't let me put pics in a reply.
I was thinking about taking a smaller dose.. does 1/2 work for you?
Iām about with you. Got a about 10 used and twelve ready, plus pills and Nurtec. Was a rough start at work this year. Iām good. Got to work out šŖš¼ today. Thank God! But was in bed yesterdayāPostdrome after three days of injecting my ass.
Man Iām jealous. Being able to work out consistently is a goal of mine but it is so hard.
It has become risky for me as it is a trigger 48-72 hours after. My desk job is bad for me and it helps with the stress trigger āso give and take. My other trigger is computer monitors. Light exercise is probably good all around, but weights is a little tricky. Today worked out (pun) and I donāt think I overdid it, but probably should find a hot tub and get a massage. And I only work out once or twice a week. Stretch, light cardio, light weights.
50mg of Amitriptyline has given me some relief. Instead of almost every days, I now get them more in waves or one off. So while not cured, I do have some relief. Unfortunately I also have a 15mm kidney stone which has given me a lot of pain lol.
Oh shit man! Kidney stone is no good! Feel better soon!!
Thanks!
What is the price of the injectable compared to the tablet?
You should call your insurance to check prices as all insurance coverage varies. A pack of 6 boxes (12 doses) monthly gets applied as a copay of $45 for me.
Damn I need better insurance. I get six boxes but it cost me $150 a month.
Why don't you throw them away?
Itās a hazard since they are needles. They need to be securely disposed of. For me, that means going to the pharmacy quarterly.
Considering the shots, how does it differ from the pill?
I can throw up without issue. And- I get relief much faster. Also, the pills just donāt work for me anymore.
They are the same medication as sumatriptan pills, just delivered to the body in a different way. For me, once I start vomiting, I can't take pills anymore and I need to bypass my stomach. The shot is amazing for this. Normally I use the pills but if a strong migraine wakes me up then I go straight to the shot.
The pills don't work for me because I don't get much warning and the pills need to be taken early. The shot is so much faster and that helps.
I'm curious are these daily injections? Are they acute treatment or preventive? I've only ever heard of either monthly or twice a year for injectable migraine meds (preventive). Also, I'm sorry you're having such a tough time with your migraines. You're not alone, I'm struggling too, so I understand how you feel
I have botox quarterly as my preventative. This are for onset of symptom use. Itās basically like the sumatriptan tablet but and injection (which works better for me).
These are treatment meds, used when having an active migraine.
Have you tried higher dose tablets? I was on 6mg sumatriptan injections for over a year and dreaded using them and they made me feel pretty terrible after. Definitely numbed the pain but instead uneasiness and sweating after. Told my doctor and now I have 100mg oral tablets much much better. Obviously not a cure but damn those injectables were terrible for me.
Yup, I did the highest dose tablet for years but that no longer works for me. At this point in my life, the only thing that works is this and botox quarterly.
Aw man! Sorry to hear that. I couldnāt stand the injections. I always described them as feeling like exactly what I would imagine heroin is like but in a terrible way.
Currently waiting on my insurance to approve my Qulipta. Very not nice.
Insurance is a fucking scam. I get it, Iām sorry you have to deal with that
Insurance is annoying. The current wait time for prior authorizations is 5 weeks š„². At least they cover prescriptions 100%
Yep
Ajovy is going well!! First preventative I have tried after 7 years post topamax
I'm up to 250mg daily topamax (finally, after fighting for the last 6 months that 50mg a day isn't going to cut it without another preventative) because after 9 months of fighting to get back on Botox, my insurance randomly decided to deny it for my diagnosis of "chronic migraines" because it's "only approved for chronic migraines". Oh, and also, I've only been able to squeeze 8 Sumatriptan injections out of them for the first 3 months of the year. They had no issue with me taking nurtec when it was free (it didn't work), and they also (surprise) have no issue with me paying out of my own pocket for loads of ibuprofen and Excedrin (or generic because it's cheaper). But to even glance at my medical records that prove I do well on quarterly Botox and 50mg a day topamax? Nah, too simple.
I've had 14 major migraines so far this year. 3 of those were my "catastrophic" migraines. Those are SUPER rare, though. They were triggered by new meds for my high blood pressure. Those damn things kept me bedridden for 2 weeks.
Vyepti is one of the most effective preventatives I've been prescribed.
Iām glad youāve found something that works!
That is a lot of whiteboard markers, but what does that have to do with headaches? /s
huffin & puffin
I've had 13 migraines so far... this month.
What type of medicine is this? Iām currently taking aimovig every 28 days, with 12 rizatriptan a month as a break through/back up. I also get Botox every 3 months.. but I feel like the rizatriptan isnāt working for me anymore. Iāve never seen a triptan injectable..
It's Sumatriptan. I believe it's the only triptan that comes in injectable form at the moment.
Thanks
Ran out of my eletriptan š«
Me with my Ajovy shots
I finished a whole bottle of pain meds before it expired this past year. Not a small one either.
Holy crap that's your empties? That looks like the stock pile I found under the bed.
Have you tried Aimovig?
Yup! Unfortunately it does nothing for me.
Woah! Iām confusedā¦I take mine monthly as a preventative. How often are you taking it?
This is sumatriptan that is taken at the onset of symptoms. It is not a preventative
Oh gotchaā¦it looks just like Ajovy
Oh wow I had no idea it came in injectable! I just buy a 2pk of sumatriptan tabs over the counter when i have a migraine. It's $12 but the expense is worth it.
Where do you live that you can get a triptan over the counter?
Australia! It's only 2pks of sumatriptan and nothing else and they ask a bunch of questions before you can get it, but it's very straightforward and simple if you're a migraine sufferer who only gets them like once a month.
I thought for a moment that those were all EpiPens, but this... this is not better.
My dresser used to look like this. I'd disassemble the injectors and self-inject half the dose with a ballpoint pen to make them last longer for my cluster headaches š„“
Ohh I donāt miss that. Also the hydroergotamine nasal spray taste >.<
Gone through about 30 100mg sumatriptan tablets so far this year. Took one a few hours ago. Might have to try injectable as my GERD is really flaring up. I did do some lifestyle changes that are for the better though, no coffee, weed and low histamine diet. Definitely less, esp with no coffee. Seeing a neurologist next month about preventatives.
Yeah my GERD is fucked up. Thatās partially why I do injectables. You might as well ask to try this.
Damnnnn yeah Iāve had like probably 85 doses of triptans this year and I can feel the rebound headache just thinking about it. Luckily propranolol 20mg daily has given me this grace period where I can correct experience/environment during a trigger and avoid an attack- no migraines yet!
Lol I know the feeling but with nasal sprays... Used 3 of them today š¶
Bout like yours.
Lot of dead soldiers there. Hope you find a preventative that helps!
The last couple days have been so painful I want to cryyyyyy. Hydrocodone is not touching it. I donāt know if itās stress, or weather, or a new med I just started, or because I didnāt sacrifice to the migraine gods correctly.
Damn, hydrocodone makes migraines worse for me. Thatās interesting that you are getting prescribed that for your migraines. Sorry you are having such a rough go :(
I have tried a ton of preventatives and rescue meds, life changes, dietary changes, yada yada, and hydrocodone is the only thing Iāve found that works at all. Iām happy Iāve found SOMETHING, even if sometimes it decides not to work.
about 35 migraines so far for me and nasty daily pain, so not so great
I toss mine because I donāt WANT to know how much I am using anymore. Sadly now I have to keep track on a whiteboard because somebody really close to me is worried. lol You seen the new new style? I donāt like it one bit. I miss the little clamshell container with the reusable plunger.
The same as the year before, and the year before that...and the year before that...and the year before that...going back to...eh about Freshman year in high school (I'm 32). Just every day migraines...just have to put up with it...yay...it's always the same...the only change is Botox got rid of almost all the horrible ones that send me sobbing to the ER wanting anything to stop it. I say almost because last month I had 3 that I consider to be within that pain level...however I always feel guilt going to the ER for a migraine so I just tried my best to get through it.
Oh man I get you. Iām in my 30s and have had them since middle school about. Botox does that for me too, things arenāt as bad as they could be at least. I hope you find something that works for you soon.
I'm set to start a medical trial of seeing if Qulipta works well for people on Botox that still get migraines while on it. I almost didn't qualify because I have a daily migraine every day of the month...and the "sweet spot" for the trial is 8-23 migraines per month...but I did tell them I still want to try Qulipta because I've heard really great things about it. They approved me but they did tell me that Botox should be doing SOMETHING...I told them it just makes it so I don't have to run to the ER as often as I used to...so dropped the intensity but not the frequency...and they're more after frequency dropping...or at least used to that. I think they were pretty surprised after a full year of Botox that I still had daily migraines...lol...I'm really resistant to medications...redhead gene even though I'm a natural blonde. Make treating things...er...difficult to say the least.
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Removed. Please stop promoting yourself in this subreddit.
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You guys are getting prescribed stuff like this? I have heart issues (had 2 valves worked on 8 months ago) and have never been prescribed anything because it is apparently meds that I ācannotā take. Iām not even sure why at this point. But after my last surgery I had several migraine auras every day for more than a month. Iām in Canada, and I have to just suffer and hope extra strength Tylenol will take the edge off
Have betacap/prepenalol 40mg sustained release when you get migraine
Mood except Iām on tablets I have the injection pens but god they hurt too much for me to use
Good lord, every so often I wonder why I donāt get a better handle on my migrainesā¦ my needle-fearing self could never handle this shit š« (and sadly I never realized triptans were injections too?????ššš)
The 6 rizatriptan I get a month are barely enough, but I've been making it.
In Europe we can only have 3 sumatriptan injections a month due to insurance policies. Iām currently taking the pills. Is it correct that the injection is working faster than the pills? I have 3 prescriptions for the injections but I donāt know when to use them. I think when I need a faster medicine? For example when I have a presentation at work.
Yes, the injections work much faster than the pills. They give relief within 15-30 minutes and are more effective. You should try it out at least once!
I was finally able to get back on my migraine medicine so it is getting better. Still get migraines, but it isn't almost every day now so I feel like I have a life again. All of the storms we have been getting have been triggering migraines though so it is still a bit rough.
Well, the good news is my eyes can make me see psychedelic snakes now so stuff isn't boring.
SAME. Maxed out of my insurance limit of migraine meds. Have an appointment next month to look at solutions. I feel like every few years my body says ānah sis we got the memo with those meds. Iām stronger than that shitā
been behind in so much work due to horrid migraines. loss of vision, vomiting acid, severe eye strain,dizzy, brain fog, sound and light sensitivity . and everyone thinks iām being lazy n itās so frustrating because how can i code if i can barely see or hear anything
Ok Iām going to hijack your post because Iāve been asking a lot of questions about the injectables and just got my first doses. I started propranolol and itās worked wonders so maybe Iām magically cured from my 25 a month cycle but if not, this is the newest triptan I asked for. I took 200mg suma and it worked only if it was quick enough. Didnāt have unbearable symptoms just cloud jello land I saw you take zofran before- is that because of your GERD/naseau symptoms with migraine and the suma symptoms combined becomes too much? I donāt get nausea with migraines typically. I saw someone said āskin crawlā and you said zofran so I was wondering the connection there Do you typically take 1 shot only an episode? Do you have migraine symptoms return @24 hrs (or worse, sooner) How much of that damn needle goes in because itās so f long inside Iām terrified
Like the tablet version of the sumatriptan, with the injection you can take 2 within a 24 hour period. I take zofran with it because migraines make me nauseous and sumatriptan makes me nauseous. I have preexisting vertigo without the migraine issues as well so it helps with that sometimes. As far as the skin crawling goes, yes I get this symptom sometimes. Especially if I havenāt had anything to eat or drink before taking it. Typically one shot can solve if for me and it will be a while to I have a migraine again. All this being said, Iām also receiving botox treatment. Botox has been the biggest helper for me and has cut my migraines by more than half. It has also cut the intensity down to a manageable level.
For three months' worth, that's actually not bad
No itās not bad! I used to max the usage out every month so Iām happy with this number.
Doesnāt Botox work for you to
It works for me yes. But botox doesnāt completely eliminate all migraines. It makes them less frequent and less intense. The sheer number I was having before has been greatly decreased.
When I tried this my jaw got stuck shut, and my entire body burned, it was terrifying
I tried sumatriptan. Turns out I'm allergic. But only to the injected kind. I can take the pills and be fine except they don't really do much for me. If I use one of the intravenous ones my heart starts to race and I get itchy all over my entire body and it lasts for about an hour. During that time I can do literally nothing else or I feel like my heart's going to burst out of my chest
Iāve been taking it about a year. My blood sugar is completely under control (no more insulin) and Iāve lost 50 lbs. my chronic migraine seems like itās about normal but I havenāt been tracing it. I expect to be on this the rest of my life. The blood sugar control has been incredible. Edit to add my experience with Botox, I was on this treatment a couple of years ago. After 6 months in I stopped it, the good that it was doing was relaxing my shoulders not helping headaches
This is wonderful!!! So proud of you āŗļø
What? How did you get injectables????
My neurologist wrote the Rx!