Powered By
CALCITONIN GENE-RELATED PEPTIDE RECEPTOR (CGRP-R) ANTAGONIST
Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults.
These insights are based on 1,483 comments about Emgality from MyMigraineTeam members. These are the experiences of a small number of individuals and are not meant to be medical advice.
Benefits:
Considerations:
Emgality is a type of medication called a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist. It works by blocking CGRP, a protein linked to pain signaling in the body. This may help reduce signals involved in migraine pain.
Doctors prescribe Emgality when adults need preventive treatment for migraine attacks. By targeting this pathway, Emgality may help manage migraine activity.
Emgality is given as an injection under the skin, typically once at the start and then once monthly. It can be given at home with proper training. Emgality is available in prefilled injection pens or prefilled syringes.
Injections may be given under the skin of the buttocks, abdomen, thighs, or back of the upper arms.
The recommended starting dose of Emgality for migraine is 240 milligrams once, given as two consecutive injections of 120 milligrams each. After that, the maintenance dose is 120 milligrams injected under the skin once monthly.
This information is based on the prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
These insights are based on 1,483 comments about Emgality from MyMigraineTeam members.
Members who use Emgality often say that consistency, patience, and good communication with a neurologist matter as much as the medication itself. Many also share practical tips for making injections easier, watching for side effects, and planning ahead for insurance or cost issues.
Be patient.
Improvement takes more time for some than others. “It took about three months, but I very rarely have a migraine or any headache anymore.”
Keep to a regular monthly dosing schedule.
“I can tell that if I take the shot at the beginning and end of the month, about 28 days, my migraines have lessened in intensity.”
Keep track of side effects and tell your doctor.
“I have started Emgality shots. My migraines have decreased from 14-15 a month to 4-5. But now developing a red area after the shot and it’s getting worse each month.”
Let the injection come to room temperature first.
“Just make sure it is at room temperature and then give it as directed.”
Ask about cost help and insurance options early.
“My doctor gave me a sample of Emgality a week ago. Told me if I couldn’t afford it then I could use a coupon and get it for free for a year.”
Connect with others who understand life with migraine. Join MyMigraineTeam for free.
In clinical trials of Emgality for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults, the most common side effect occurred in about 18 percent of people:
Emgality can cause serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
Lilly USA, the manufacturer of Emgality, offers the Emgality Savings Card Program. Eligible people with commercial insurance may pay as little as $35 for a one-month prescription fill of Emgality, or as little as $0 for the first one-month prescription fill if their commercial drug insurance does not cover Emgality.
Governmental beneficiaries are excluded, and eligibility requirements, terms, and conditions apply.
To learn more, visit the Emgality Savings & Support page or call 866-923-1953.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to galcanezumab-gnlm or any ingredients in Emgality. Do not take Emgality if you have had a serious allergic reaction to galcanezumab-gnlm or any of its ingredients.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements.
Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure or circulation problems in your fingers and toes.
Emgality is also FDA-approved to treat episodic cluster headache.
If you miss a dose of Emgality, take it as soon as possible. After that, take your next dose one month from the date of your last dose.
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to Emgality during pregnancy. To learn more, visit the Migraine Pregnancy Registry or call 833-464-4724.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Emgality, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Emgality?
In studies of adults with migraine, Emgality significantly reduced the number of monthly migraine headache days over three months and over six months compared with placebo (an inactive treatment).
How long does Emgality take to work for migraine?
Study results were measured at three months and at six months of treatment. The exact time when Emgality starts working is not known.
What serious risks should I know about with Emgality for migraine?
Serious allergic reactions can happen with Emgality. These may include swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat, and severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis. Reactions may happen days after a dose and may last a long time.
High blood pressure and Raynaud’s phenomenon, a condition that affects blood flow to fingers and toes, have also been reported. Tell your healthcare provider if you have signs of high blood pressure or changes in circulation in your fingers or toes.
On MyMigraineTeam, people share their experiences with migraine, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Learn more about Emgality and migraine care:
More resources from MyMigraineTeam that mention Emgality
Become a member to get even more
Join
Your Privacy Choices
