Allergic to Ajovy: A Migraine Treatment Update Post

 I saw my neurologist last month and she finally changed my medication.  I was on Emgality for migraines, but it just was not effective, so she prescribed me Ajovy.  I picked it up last week and did my first injection Saturday evening.  It went fine.  It was actually easier than Emgality and it did not hurt at all, whereas Emgality would burn and sting so bad that I would cry.  I stayed on that medication for a year before the doctor finally listened to me and changed it.  I thought this medication would be a good one, but I was terribly wrong.

A few hours after I woke up this morning, my bottom lip started to swell, but only on the left side, which I thought was strange.  I made some phone calls to my medical team and the pharmacy that just filled the Ajovy for me.  All medical personnel directed me to seek immediate medical attention.  The main suspicion was that it's an allergic reaction to Ajovy, although it is strange that it took 4 days for the allergic reaction to show.  The pharmacist said that a delayed allergic reaction is possible, so I went to the Urgent Care center in Spokane today.  

By the time I left for the Urgent Care center, my anxiety was through the roof.  I never go to doctor's appointments without my husband, but he had to work today.  He wanted to take the day off to go be with me, but I would not allow it.  I don't want him to get into any more trouble at work, so I assured him that I would be fine to go without him.  My son, Avery, volunteered to escort me there and back.  I was most grateful for his company today.

By the time I got to the Urgent Care center, I was a mess.  I still carried on, though.  I can do hard things scared, as long as I still do them.  There is no shame in being scared, especially in a medical situation.  The medical team got me into a room quickly and checked me out just as fast as they could.  I was not having any trouble breathing or swallowing, so that was a good sign.  I was not in anaphylactic shock, either, so the prognosis and treatment were better.  

The doctor prescribed me a steroid pack that I will take over the next 6 days.  He told me to continue to take my antihistamine drugs, which I take daily, as they would also help fight this allergic reaction.  The doctor sent the prescription to the pharmacy in the same building so that I could pick it up while I was already there.  The pharmacy had the medication filled and ready to go within 5 minutes.  In fact, it was ready before I was done ordering my coffee after my appointment.  I took the breakfast and lunchtime dose together, as advised by the doctor.  Within one hour, the lip swelling was considerably reduced.  

I am so grateful that the Urgent Care gave me quick treatment and did not make me wait all day long to be seen.  I am also grateful that my son went with me today.  This was a truly terrifying situation for me, mainly due to my medical anxiety and past trauma.  The medication working quickly to help me was a huge relief as well.  There were just so many different aspects of this whole adventure that I was grateful for.  Allergic reactions can be life-threatening, so I had a valid reason for freaking out.  I am also grateful that Michael made phone calls and helped me figure out what to do, before he left for work.  He also checked on me throughout the whole process, too.  I don't feel loved often lately, but I certainly felt it today.  Now, it's time to get in bed and let my poor little body get some rest.  

Until next time...