6 Common Misconceptions About Migraine

Sponsored by AJOVY^® (fremanezumab-vfrm) injection, a prescription medicine used for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults.¹

Do not use AJOVY if you are allergic to AJOVY or any of the ingredients in AJOVY.¹ For continued Important Safety Information, please see below.

We’ve all heard of migraine, and most of us probably know at least one person who suffers from it. But when it comes to understanding migraine, the majority of us probably don’t truly understand it and the challenges that come along with living with migraine. Here at Scary Mommy, we’re here to debunk these myths.

1. Migraine is just a bad headache.

A migraine attack can include an intense headache, but it is much more than just that. It is a neurological disease, and those who suffer from it must live with it constantly.

2. Migraine is your fault.

For those who suffer from migraine, learning the potential triggers is a great way to help, but regardless of what causes a migraine attack, migraine is not your fault. The disease can be hereditary,² so blame your parents. (Just kidding, it’s not their fault either.)

3. There’s nothing that can help migraine attacks.

There are some things that those who suffer can do to help prevent migraine. Knowing your triggers is a great start, as is getting adequate rest and adopting a healthy lifestyle. Medications like AJOVY^® (fremanezumab-vfrm) injection are another option. AJOVY is a preventive treatment for migraine in adults that may reduce migraine days and can be taken quarterly or monthly.*¹ AJOVY may cause allergic reactions, including itching, rash, and hives that can happen within hours and up to 1 month after receiving AJOVY. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical help right away if you have any symptoms of an allergic reaction: swelling of your face, mouth, tongue, throat, or if you have trouble breathing. Talk to your doctor about stopping AJOVY if you have an allergic reaction.¹

*Quarterly dosing is three 225 mg subcutaneous injections given on one day every 3 months; monthly dosing is one 225 mg subcutaneous injection each month.

4. It’s not a migraine headache unless you experience an aura.

Nope! An aura is a sensory experience that can occur before a migraine. Most people who experience aura notice visual disturbances, but they can vary from person to person. While some migraine sufferers experience aura, not all do – it is only experienced by 25 – 30 percent of people with migraine.³

5. There’s a diet that can cure migraine.

Some foods like cheese, gluten, monosodium glutamate, chocolate, and alcohol are thought to trigger migraine attacks,⁴ but everyone has different triggers. While eliminating some of your triggers may help ease some symptoms of migraine, there is no “migraine cure” diet.

6. There are no medications to help prevent migraine.

When you’re a migraine sufferer there are moments that leave you feeling scared and helpless. Fortunately, there are medications like AJOVY that may help prevent migraine.

It’s important to remember that migraine is different for everyone. If you or someone you know suffers from migraine, it’s important to talk to a doctor about symptoms. Ask your doctor if AJOVY may help you prevent migraine.

AJOVY is prescription medicine used for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults.¹ To learn more, talk to your doctor and visit AJOVY.com

Important Safety Information

Do not use AJOVY if you are allergic to AJOVY or any of the ingredients in AJOVY.

AJOVY may cause allergic reactions, including itching, rash, and hives that can happen within hours and up to 1 month after receiving AJOVY. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical help right away if you have any symptoms of an allergic reaction: swelling of your face, mouth, tongue, throat, or if you have trouble breathing. Talk to your doctor about stopping AJOVY if you have an allergic reaction.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, and if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Common side effects of AJOVY include injection site reactions.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of AJOVY. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

For more information about AJOVY, including the Patient Information Leaflet within the full Prescribing Information, please click here.

References

1. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. AJOVY^® (fremanezumab-vfrm) injection Current Prescribing Information. North Wales, PA.
2. American Migraine Foundation. The Genetics of Migraine. https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/understanding-migrainethe-genetics-of-migraine/. Accessed October 2019.
3. American Migraine Foundation. Understanding Migraine with Aura. https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/understanding-migraine-aura/. Accessed October 2019.
4. American Migraine Foundation. Top 10 Migraine Myths. https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/understanding-migrainetop-10-migraine-myths/. Accessed October 2019.