
Precautions
Before taking this medicine. You should not use Emgality if you are allergic to galcanezumab. Emgality is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether galcanezumab will harm an unborn baby.
What should I know about Emgality before taking it?
Emgality is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether galcanezumab will harm an unborn baby. However, having migraine headaches during pregnancy may cause preeclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure that can lead to medical problems in both mother and baby).
Is Emgality safe for pregnant or breast-feeding women?
As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Emgality. It’s not known for sure how many people taking Emgality have an allergic reaction to the drug. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:
Can you have an allergic reaction to Emgality?
Avoid injecting into skin that is hard, red, bruised, or tender. Store this medicine in its original carton in the refrigerator, protected from light. Do not freeze or shake the medicine. You may briefly store Emgality at room temperature. Protect from light and use the medicine within 7 days. Do not put it back in the refrigerator.
What should I avoid while using Emgality?

Who should not use Emgality?
Do not use Emgality if you are allergic to galcanezumab-gnlm or any of the ingredients in Emgality. In a 3-month study, the number of people with 15 or more headache days per month who achieved ≥75% or 100% reduction in monthly migraine days did not differ from people taking placebo.
Does Emgality interact with any medications?
There are no listed drug interactions of Emgality.
What does Emgality do to the brain?
How does Emgality work? Emgality works by blocking the action of a protein in your body called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). CGRP can play a role in causing migraine and cluster headaches. By stopping CGRP from working, Emgality helps prevent migraine headaches and treat cluster headaches.
Does Emgality affect your immune system?
In clinical trials of both Emgality and Aimovig, a small percentage of people had an immune reaction in which they developed antibodies against the drugs. Antibodies are proteins in the immune system that fight foreign substances in your body as invaders.
Is weight gain a side effect of Emgality?
Yes, Emgality (galcanezumab) may cause weight gain in some people who take it to prevent migraines or to treat cluster headaches. A survey by Health Union reported 12% of people gained weight while being administered CGRP injections, such as Emgality.
How does Emgality make you feel?
Emgality is a solution that you give by subcutaneous injection (an injection under your skin). Some people may experience mild or temporary redness, swelling, itching, or pain at the injection site.
Does Emgality cause hair loss?
No, hair loss is not a reported side effect of Emgality. Hair loss has been reported with another migraine prevention medication called topiramate (Topamax, Trokendi XR).
What are the most common side effects of Emgality?
Redness, pain, itching, or swelling at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Does Emgality cause depression?
The most reported side effects with Emgality were: constipation, depression, and increased headache. No serious side effects were encountered with either medication.
How long does Emgality take to start working?
When Emgality is administered for the treatment of cluster headache, it starts working within one week of starting treatment, but it may take up to three weeks for the full effects to be seen.
What are the side effects of the Emgality shot?
Side EffectsDifficulty breathing.fast heartbeat.hives, itching, skin rash.hoarseness.irritation.joint pain, stiffness, or swelling.swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, hands, or feet.trouble with swallowing.
How long should you take Emgality?
Take one dose (three syringes) of Emgality at the beginning of your episodic cluster headache cycle. Continue to take Emgality once a month until your cycle ends.
Can Emgality cause heart problems?
Pooled analysis from 3 studies of more than 1000 patients with migraine suggest that galcanezumab (Emgality, Eli Lilly) has good cardiovascular safety and is not linked with vasoconstriction or an increase in cardiovascular adverse events.
When is the best time to take Emgality?
For the treatment of episodic cluster headache, Emgality is given as three 100mg doses, which are taken one after the other at the start of a cluster period and then every month until the end of the cluster period.
Does Emgality cause hair loss?
Is hair loss or constipation a side effect of Emgality? No. Hair loss and constipation were not reported as side effects in clinical studies of Emgality. However, other medications used for preventing or treating migraine may cause these side effects.
How long does it take for Emgality to work for migraines?
by Drugs.com When Emgality (galcanezumab) is administered to prevent migraine, it starts working within one month of initiation, but it may take up to five or six months for the full effects of Emgality to be seen.
Does Emgality cause weight gain?
Yes, Emgality (galcanezumab) may cause weight gain in some people. A survey by Health Union reported 12% of people gained weight while being admini...
How long does it take for Emgality to work?
When Emgality (galcanezumab) is administered to prevent migraine, it starts working within one month of initiation, but it may take up to five or s...
Do Emgality injections hurt?
Yes, Emgality injections may hurt. Pain at the injection site is one of the most common side effects reported with Emgality, with 18% of people exp...
How does Emgality work?
Emgality (galcanezumab) works by blocking the effect of a protein, called CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) which is involved in pain transmis...
Does injecting Emgality cause a reaction?
Injection site reactions are the most common side effect of Emgality, affecting around 18% of people. People have reported feeling pain or itching...
Is weight loss a side effect of Emgality?
No, Emgality shouldn’t cause weight loss. This side effect wasn’t seen in studies of the drug. If you have unexplained weight loss while using Emga...
Does the Emgality injection cause side effects?
Possibly. Reactions at the injection site are the most common side effects of Emgality. Emgality comes as a solution that you give by subcutaneous...
Can Emgality cause anxiety?
No, anxiety isn’t a side effect of Emgality. Anxiety wasn’t reported in studies of the drug. However, migraine is common in people with anxiety dis...
Can constipation be a side effect of Emgality?
Emgality does not typically cause constipation. This side effect was seen infrequently in studies of the drug and did not cause any patients to dis...
Can fatigue be caused by Emgality?
No. Fatigue (lack of energy) isn’t a side effect of Emgality. Fatigue wasn’t reported in studies of the drug. But if you have frequent migraine att...
What is Emgality?
Emgality ( galcanezumab) is a calcitonin-gene related peptide antagonist.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What other drugs will affect Emgality?
Other drugs may interact with galcanezumab, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
How many injections of emgality are given?
For treatment of a cluster headache episodes: Emgality is usually given as 3 injections at the start of the cluster period, followed by 1 injection once per month until the end of the cluster period.
How long does it take for emgality to work?
When Emgality (galcanezumab) is administered to prevent migraine, it starts working within one month of initiation, but it may take up to five or six months for the full effects of Emgality to be seen. When Emgality is administered for the treatment of cluster headache, it starts working within one week of starting treatment, but it may take up to three weeks for the full effects to be seen. Continue reading
How old do you have to be to use emgality?
Emgality is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
Where is emgality injected?
Emgality is injected under the skin. A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
How many doses of emgality are there?
For the treatment of episodic cluster headache, Emgality is given as three 100mg doses, which are taken one after the other at the start of a cluster period and then every month until the end of the cluster period.
How much emgality is given?
Emgality is given monthly when administered to prevent migraines. Initially, it is given as a 240mg dose (two consecutive subcutaneous injections of 120 mg each) followed by a monthly dose of 120 mg. Emgality is injected subcutaneously (under the skin).
What is the Emgality brand?
How it works. Emgality is a brand (trade) name for galcanezumab which may be given to prevent migraine headaches in adults or to treat episodic cluster headache in adults. Galcanezumab may also be called galcanezumab-gnlm.
Why is emgality given subcutaneously?
Emgality needs to be given by injection subcutaneously (under the skin), to avoid degradation by the stomach.
How long can you keep emgality in the refrigerator?
Emgality should not be shaken and it needs to be protected from sunlight. Emgality may be stored at room temperature for up to 30°C (86°F) for up to 7 days, but should not be placed back in the refrigerator after this time and if unused, it should be discarded.
What should you refer to the prescribing information for Emgality for?
You should refer to the prescribing information for Emgality for any updates or newly noted interactions.
Why does emgality take longer to work?
Because it is a large molecule, Emgality takes longer to start working, and works in the lining of the brain rather than in the brain itself.
Conditions
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What are the serious side effects of Emgality?
Emgality may cause rare but serious side effects. Talk with your doctor about your risk while using Emgality.
What is the best medicine for migraines?
If you have migraine or cluster headaches, your doctor may prescribe Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) for you.
What does it mean when you get a rash from Emgality?
A rash or hives could also be signs of a more serious allergic reaction to Emgality. Some people may experience a severe rash or hives, or a rash or hives along with trouble breathing or swelling in the face or throat. If this happens, call 911 or your local emergency number, or otherwise seek emergency medical care. (See “Severe allergic reaction” under the “Side effects explained” section for more details.)
How long after an injection can you get an allergic reaction?
Keep in mind that an allergic reaction may not occur until days after an injection. It’s important to continue watching for symptoms on the days between injections.
What to do if you have trouble giving yourself emgality?
If you have trouble giving yourself Emgality injections, or if you have side effects after injecting the drug, talk with your doctor. They can help train you or your caregiver to administer the drug. Your doctor may also suggest ways to manage any side effects.
Can you take emgality if you have an allergic reaction?
You shouldn’t use Emgality if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to this drug or any of its ingredients — even if your symptoms were mild. And tell your doctor if you or a family member has experienced angioedema.
What to do if you can't pass stools on emgality?
If you’re unable to pass stools or are having other bowel problems while taking Emgality, call your doctor .
How does Emgality compare with Aimovig?
Both Emgality and Aimovig are injections used to help prevent migraine headaches in adults. Emgality can also be prescribed to treat episodic cluster headaches. But Aimovig isn’t used for this purpose.
How does Emgality work?
Emgality works by blocking the action of a protein in your body called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). CGRP can play a role in causing migraine and cluster headaches.
What is the best medicine for headaches?
If you have certain types of headaches, your doctor may recommend Emgality for you. Emgality is a prescription drug. It’s used in adults to: treat episodic cluster headaches. prevent migraine headaches.
How long does it take for emgality to go away?
These can include: pain. redness. itchy skin. Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How long does a migraine last?
These other symptoms may include nausea and sensitivity to sound or light. Migraine episodes can last for several hours to several days.
What to do if you have emgality?
If you have serious side effects from Emgality, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number . Serious side effects of Emgality can include allergic reaction, which is explained below in “Side effect focus.”.
How long does a cluster headache last?
Treating episodic cluster headaches. With cluster headaches, you have cycles of sudden, painful headaches followed by periods with no headache. With episodic cluster headaches, your headache cycles happen regularly for up to 1 year. Then, your headache-free period lasts for up to 1 year before your headache cycle starts again.
What is emgality used for?
Emgality is basically used for treating migraines and headaches. Both chronic and episodic migraines can be avoided with help of these medicines. It also treats recurrent cluster headaches.
How many injections of a headache med for cluster headache?
The usual dose for treating episodic cluster headache is three injections, one right after the other, at the start of the cluster period. Use this medication on a monthly basis while the cluster period lasts.
How hot should a medicine be?
The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach. Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF.
Is emgality safe for children?
It is a prescription medication used to treat adult migraine headaches. Emgality is also used to treat adult cluster headaches.It is unknown whether Emgal ity is both safe and effective in children.
Can you overdose on Berberine?
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed berberine tablets there is a chance of getting harmful effects on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Can you change the dosage of a medication without consulting your doctor?
Maintain a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medications without first consulting your doctor.
Is Emgality a triptan?
No, Emgality isn’t a triptan. Triptans, such as sumatriptan (Imitrex), are a class of medications that are used to treat migraine headaches or cluster headaches when they occur. Emgality is used to prevent migraine headaches from happening. Emgality and triptans work in different ways to affect migraine headaches or cluster headaches.
Is Emgality the same as Aimovig?
No. Emgality (galcane zumab) and Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) are both medications used to prevent migraine, and they both belong to a new class of drugs called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists. However, Emgality is also approved to treat cluster headaches. These drugs work in slightly different ways in your body.
How is Emgality different from other migraine drugs?
Emgality is different from most other migraine drugs because it’s one of the first drugs developed specifically to prevent migraine headaches. It belongs to a new class of drugs called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists.
Does Emgality cure migraine?
No, Emgality doesn’t cure migraine. There are no medications available at this time that can cure migraine.
What is emgality used for?
Emgality comes as a prefilled pen or syringe that you’ll use to give yourself a monthly injection. Emgality contains the drug galcanezumab, which is a monoclonal antibody. A monoclonal antibody is a type of drug developed from immune system cells in a lab. It blocks the activity of certain proteins in your body.
How many migraine days a month is emgality?
According to the International Headache Society, people with chronic migraine have 15 or more migraine days per month. People with episodic migraine have fewer than 15 migraine days per month.
How long do episodic migraines last?
People with episodic migraine have fewer than 15 migraine days per month. Treat episodic cluster headaches. According to the International Headache Society, people with episodic cluster headaches have headaches that occur in clusters (close to each other in timing). The clusters last anywhere from 1 week to 1 year.

How It Works
This medication is used to help prevent migraine. It is also used to treat a certain type of headache (episodic cluster headache).
May Treat: Episodic cluster headache · Migraine
Drug Class: Agents to Treat Episodic Cluster Headaches · Migraine Therapy - CGRP Ligand Blocker, Monoclonal Antibody
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
May Treat: Episodic cluster headache · Migraine
Drug Class: Agents to Treat Episodic Cluster Headaches · Migraine Therapy - CGRP Ligand Blocker, Monoclonal Antibody
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
Alcohol: Limit intake while taking this medication
Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution
Manufacturer: ELI LILLY & CO.
Upsides
Downsides
Bottom Line
Tips
- Emgality is a brand (trade) name for galcanezumab which may be given to prevent migraine headaches in adults or to treat episodic cluster headaches in adults. Galcanezumab may also be called galcan...
- Galcanezumab works by blocking the effect of a protein, called CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) which is involved in pain transmission. Emgality binds to CGRP and prevents it from …
- Emgality is a brand (trade) name for galcanezumab which may be given to prevent migraine headaches in adults or to treat episodic cluster headaches in adults. Galcanezumab may also be called galcan...
- Galcanezumab works by blocking the effect of a protein, called CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) which is involved in pain transmission. Emgality binds to CGRP and prevents it from interacting...
- Emgality belongs to the class of medicines called CGRP inhibitors. Emgality may also be called a monoclonal antibody, which is a collection of identical proteins that have been developed to only ta...
Response and Effectiveness
- Emgality may be administered to prevent migraine headaches in adults or to treat episodic cluster headaches in adults.
- People can easily be taught how to self-administer Emgality. Emgality is given monthly when administered to prevent migraines. Initially, it is given as a 240mg dose (two consecutive subcutaneous i...
- Emgality may be administered to prevent migraine headaches in adults or to treat episodic cluster headaches in adults.
- People can easily be taught how to self-administer Emgality. Emgality is given monthly when administered to prevent migraines. Initially, it is given as a 240mg dose (two consecutive subcutaneous i...
- For the treatment of episodic cluster headache, Emgality is given as three 100mg doses, which are taken one after the other at the start of a cluster period and then every month until the end of th...
- Emgality is available as a single-dose prefilled pen and syringe (120 mg/mL) and a 100 mg/mL single-dose prefilled syringe. Both the prefilled pen and prefilled syringe are one-time use onl…
Interactions
- If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. Injection site reactions, including pain, redness, swelling, or itching around the injection site, are the most common side effect of Emgality, reported in 18% of people. Other side effects reported in 1% to 10% of people …
References
- Emgality is an injectable medication that can be self-administered subcutaneously (under the skin) once monthly for the prevention of migraine in adults or during a cluster headache period when used to treat cluster headaches. Injection site reactions are the most commonly reported side effect and it has no documented drug interactions.
Further Information
- Emgality injections may hurt. Pain at the injection site is one of the most common side effects reported with Emgality injections and is reported in 18% of people. Other injection site reactions, s...
- Helpful tips to make Emgality injections less painful include taking Emgality out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before administering, to allow it to warm up to room temperature; pla…
- Emgality injections may hurt. Pain at the injection site is one of the most common side effects reported with Emgality injections and is reported in 18% of people. Other injection site reactions, s...
- Helpful tips to make Emgality injections less painful include taking Emgality out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before administering, to allow it to warm up to room temperature; placing an ice bag...
- Each Emgality Pen is for one-time use only. Do not share or reuse your Emgality Pen.
- Your doctor will show you how to self-administer Emgality. You will need 2 pens for your first dose (1-time loading dose) and 1 pen for your monthly dose. Leave the base cap on until you are ready...