Generic Name: Emgality for Migraine Prevention (galcanezumab)
"Please use with caution. I was hospitalized for acute hepatitis from this medication Emgality. Liver enzymes close to 2,000. My neurologist refused to believe my initial complaints of nausea, dizziness, and discolored urine were caused by Emgality because they were not reported side effects and referred me to a primary care doctor. Thankfully, she was proactive and ordered blood work that showed the dangerously high enzyme levels. I was put in the hospital for 2 days, and since nothing changed but using this new medication, it was concluded this was the cause. Take any side effects seriously, especially with this being new. I believe side effects are hugely underreported."
"Emgality was a new med for me. I had 2 doses injected. Within 24 hours, I was sick as anything - nauseated, sweating like I came out of the shower and hot constantly, tremors, difficulty breathing walking 8 feet, increased my blood pressure and pulse significantly, chest tightness, sore throat, sinuses stuffy then runny, body aches from my toes to my teeth, my toes and fingers go numb and cold, noted clinical weight gain of 5 lbs in 3 days and bloated in my stomach. In 24 hours to 4 days and still going. Neurologist noted my reactions as 'unusual'. Fill out medwatch form for FDA safety reporting. Changing my neurologist. The doctor was so nice till I complained. I know my horrific migraines=pain+bed. Migraines barely under control is now migraines with 10 other issues I did not have months before or never all at once. Tested me for COVID and I was negative. They dismiss my reactions to this new med and push me away. The doctors take no accountability. I feel someone will die from these reactions in time."
"I have been using it for 8 months. I am a super healthy 50-year-old who happens to suffer from migraines my whole adult life. Thought it was a wonder drug! Cut my migraines down by 90%. THEN I suddenly got terrible ringing in my ears and vertigo! Saw many doctors, including many tests, all said it’s not the shot. Please, if anyone has any results like these, share."
"Doctors, nurses, & paramedics did not know anything about this drug. They won't physically see anything wrong because this is a central nervous system drug for the brain nerves. 8 months and I'm still suffering from life-threatening adverse effects. You may experience more headaches after the 6 months have expired. Emgality, real name Galcanezumab-gnlm, is derived from CHO cells (Chinese Hamster Ovaries cells). Emgality has fetal cells in this migraine injection. This is 'recombinant DNA technology', look it up, and do your research. This is animal DNA technology medicine. They do not have anything to counteract this drug, and it stays in the body for ages. If you have side effects from it, they will treat you with prednisone steroids and antihistamines. I had several brain strokes. I had high elevated ALT Liver Enzymes in my blood. Stay away from these types of preventative injections."
"I took Emgality on February 1st. I took a single dose since I am very sensitive to medications. The very next morning, I suffered extreme anxiety, heart palpitations, and nausea. My nausea became so bad that I ended up dry heaving in the bathroom for about 30+ minutes. I am now on day 21 and have had terrible anxiety, more nightmares than usual, and burning in my hands and forearms. I continue to have heart palpitations that seem to get better and then worse. I also have daily bouts of crying and my body is in a constant fight-or-flight. The positive is that I have not had a full blown migraine in 21 days, just a lesser dull headache that that comes and goes and is often so subtle to be a non issue. However, for me, all of these side effects are not worth it. I would prefer to have the migraines. I would 100% not recommend this medication as the side effects are very intense and debilitating. If anyone has any helpful advice on how to navigate through this, I would appreciate and welcome any help."
"I have had chronic daily migraines for 15 years. I’m 59 years old. I’ve tried almost everything. Aimovig worked, but I could not take the side effects. I also started having cluster headaches every day for 2 months. I started on Emgality, did a double dose to start, and yes, the injection hurts and burns for about 5 minutes. I have not had a cluster headache since I took Emgality, and I’ve only had 5 migraines in January. I’ve been working through the side effects, it does make you feel depressed, itchy, and had some insomnia. I’ve been on it for 3 months, hoping the side effects will lessen. Hope this helps someone."
"I’ve suffered with migraines since I was 11. I'm now 35. I averaged 3-4 migraines a week, have been on multiple preventatives, was on topamax for years, recently was on nortriptyline, but I’ve tried them all. I’ve been on Emgality now for 4 months, I have no side effects, & average 1-2 migraines a month. This medication is a Godsend!"
"I was given Aimovig over a year ago and then had incredible, untreatable migraines and vertigo. My doctor acted like I was insane, and I suffered for a month. I just saw a different neurologist. He also said my symptoms couldn’t possibly be from Aimovig. Like an idiot, I believed him and allowed him to prescribe Emgality. Before I even got to my car, I was having severe palpitations and vertigo. I’ve now had an untreatable migraine for 2 days. This is too big a coincidence to not be these meds. I notified the FDA online. I know with 100% certainty that the neurologist again will say it’s not possible. What is going on? Why is it so inconceivable that something that acts on your brain would have zero side effects for everyone, what about long term? Please weigh your options, and if you do have side effects, please go online and notify the FDA, because these doctors are obviously not reporting the negative effects, and thus, it looks like there are none."
"My cousin received her 2nd Emgality injection on Friday, June 19, 2021, and was rushed to the ER on Sunday, June 20, 2021. They have determined that she has suffered a stroke to the speech part of her brain in connection to Emgality. She is now hospitalized for the remaining week to determine what further damage has been caused."
"I have had migraines for the past 18 years. My doctor has tried everything. When Aimovig came available, I tried that and of course, no more migraines. Due to insurance not approving, my doctor switched to Emgality. I experienced the same thing, no migraines. But now, after taking the shot for ages, my body is just falling apart. My knees and joints ache every day. I've gained weight and my eating habits have not changed! And of course, my doctor assured me no side effects. I disagree totally! I will no longer take the shot and deal with headaches. I just want my quality of life back."
"I started Emgality 6 months ago. It was a miracle. I went from having 2-3 migraines a week to nearly none! After trying nearly every drug on the market for this condition, I finally found one that worked! Well, fast forward a few months and I've noticed some not so great changes. I'm severely constipated. I've had to add probiotics and laxatives to my daily life pretty much. Pretty sure my body literally can't go to the bathroom for itself at the moment. I have gained crazy weight and fast! I am very petite. Only 5 ft, been about 100-105 lbs my whole life. Suddenly within the last few months, I gained about 20 pounds with no explanation. If anything, my habits have improved! I've been eating healthier, working out a lot more, but can't for the life of me figure out how I'm gaining weight! Literally this is the only thing that has changed lately. I'm not taking the drug anymore. Not worth becoming unhealthy over. I'll just keep trying others."
"I received the loading dose of 2 shots of Emgality on 1/28/2020. One week later I started having horrible anxiety and depression. I've read this from several reviewers. Should have done my homework better. This drug doesn't clear one's system for about 5 months. I've got a long way to go."
"Was reluctant to start Emgality as I've tried so many methods that didn't work for years. My migraines started at the age of 9. I'm 65 and have become stronger through the years tolerating the pain. But why should I? This is why. 1st injection was awesome. First time in years I could get things done without pain. 2nd injection worked 75% but still elated I could function. 3rd injection was 50% and I was disappointed as my headaches/migraines returned. I hesitated to take the 4th one but did anyway, hoping it would work. Within a few hours of injecting, I had an instant headache on my left side. I'm on my 21st straight day of a severe headache/migraine with no relief. I went to ER, and they ruled out a mass or fluid. So, here I am, suffering worse than before I started the injections. I truly hope it starts getting better before the 30 days are up. If so, then it was the Emgality. I'll keep you posted."
"I never get online to complain or report bad reactions to medications, but I had to discuss Emgality, which was prescribed for chronic migraines. My neurologist told me no side effects. I should have known better than to believe that. After taking the second injection (which will be my last), I feel awful. I've never had a bad reaction like this from any medication ever. First off, my migraines are much worse! I have severe bouts of itching all over, severe insomnia, severe anxiety, irritability, panic attacks, depression, crippling fatigue, and even some paranoia! I've also had bouts of sudden bloating with constipation and severe gas pains followed by diarrhea. I also have hypertension (160/95) and feel like I have arthritis with just aches and pains all over. My body feels beaten up and frail, and I'm an otherwise healthy young man in my early 30s. If you're considering Emgality, remember just one injection means you're committing to one month of it, good or bad. Be cautious and report any bad reactions to the FDA."
"I started Emgality in January, and while it has helped with my migraine frequency, I am left with dizzying tinnitus and constipation. I have also been experiencing infrequent, short bursts of panic, but didn't make the connection that it was related to the drug until reading everyone's feedback. My neurologist assured me that Emaglity is completely without side effects (with the exception of injection site irritation), and I am really upset that I am now stuck experiencing these additional ailments along with my chronic daily headaches that Emgality wasn't able to help. :("
"In reply to a comment from demellj who wrote this: 'Taken for 1 to 6 months, February 12, 2020, for Migraine Prevention.' 'Has anyone else experienced side pain like near your right side hip or back pain?' YES! My whole right side; shoulder, hip, side, and back! I thought it was just me."
"After trying almost every migraine prevention method over the past decade, while damaging my kidneys in the process, I finally found relief with Emgality. Also, I haven’t had to pay anything out of pocket with Cofinity insurance. I’m going on 14 months and have had less than a dozen migraines. I do occasionally have headaches, but they don’t progress. I used to suffer daily. My only complaints are that I have gained about 10-15 pounds and cannot seem to lose it. Also, the nerves in my teeth constantly ache, but my bite guard and secondary medicine Sumatriptan usually help with that. The week prior to my injection date, I do start to feel icky, like my body knows it’s due for more. I can’t imagine not taking this medicine. Prior to this, I could barely function in society. I have two college degrees and could barely hold a job because of my attendance. I’m in my early 30s and have been suffering since my late teens. I can honestly say Emgality has saved my."
"I have only taken the initial/loading dose (2 injections of 120 mg/ml), but I will NOT be taking any more. There has been no change in my migraines. I am now having severe joint pain (level 9) in places I've never experienced pain before. I have been severely constipated since about a week after the first dose, and nothing is helping. I have had some nausea and dizzy spells, and hot flashes! Extremely dry skin on my hands and feet, to the point of my knuckles and my heels cracking open and bleeding. Very painful! For others who are having these and other undocumented side effects, PLEASE fill out a consumer complaint with the FDA. Google 'MedWatch forms for patients and consumers'. Print a copy for your records!"
"I was vaccinated with Emgality a week ago. Right after the injections, I started feeling nauseous and weak. I came home and had to lie down. I thought I was starting to get really sick. The doctor told me it did not seem to be related because it has no side effects. The next day, I started itching and tingling in the body. After two days, I woke up with a terrible headache with nausea, and my migraine pill Naramig did not help at all. The terrible headache persisted for 4 days with terrible weakness and nausea. Nine days have passed since the injection. Headaches, weakness, and nausea do not go away. Doctors say Emgality has no side effects! I'm sure all these symptoms are from the drug. I'm already waiting for it to leave my body. I prefer the migraines I used to have twice a week. A terrible drug to try."
"I understand that this drug can be life-changing for some people, and as someone who hoped she was one of those people, I do not wish to take that away from anyone. I just encourage caution when trying this drug, as side effects are not properly labeled and a small percentage of people will experience life-altering side effects. I was told constipation was the only thing I needed to look out for (lol). Since my second dose (it's been two and a half months now), I have been experiencing extreme brain fog to the point of having dissociative episodes. I have also had mood swings, aura, dizziness, and nausea, weight gain, intermittent cold-like symptoms, and strange cardiovascular occurrences (abnormal breathing, irregular heart rate). This medication has destroyed my life and left me unable to function. There is a lot of propaganda out there promoting CGRP drugs, but I encourage you to find an unbiased source of information on CGRP's role in the body before trying a drug that alters it."
"I’ve had migraines since forever ago - 40 yrs now and chronic. I have a wonderful neurologist in Canada. I’m not that person who gets lots of side effects but... Emgality was a bad experience for me. I felt like my body was one big hormone - meaning that my breasts were swollen and hurt to touch; I gained almost 15 lbs in 5 mos and my stomach was swollen and painful due to constipation it caused me. I would sweat profusely both day and night and these side effects were awful. My migraines didn’t improve by the 6th month. I’m off it now. We are all biologically different and I’m happy for those that get positive results."
"Have been battling with TIAs and was told it was due to the migraines I have been having 4 to 5 days a week for 3 years. Doc started me on Emgality and told me it would make them go away with no side effects. Took the 2 starter doses and within 30 mins of the second injections began severe itching. By day 3 still have the migraines. Ended up in the ER with rash on face, blurred vision, minor memory loss, itching, joint pain, muscle stiffness, and fatigue. I do not recommend this medication to anyone. The side effects are severely underplayed by the manufacturer. Use with caution."
"I took my initial injection in October. I took it every month after. In my injection, I started having panic attacks, anxiety attacks, tingling in my arms & legs, my appetite changed, I lost over 15 pounds & had brain fog. I couldn't understand WHY this was happening to me. What could it have been? I then realized the only new medication was the Emgality, and I started researching, found others had similar problems. The longer I took it, the worse it was. I STRONGLY urge against this medication as it has literally flipped my world upside down to the point where I can't go to work! I mean I have been to the point I thought I had something terminal. This is not okay & never ever again!!!! Absolutely not, I will take having the migraine pain instead."
"I started Emgality for migraine prevention in 4/19. Was told no side effects. However, a few weeks after, I noticed I started to feel panicky mood swings similar to PPD. I thought it was odd, but since I had my 3rd child 3 months prior, I thought maybe that's what it was and shook it off. Then in Sep, I took my last dose. When I was due for the following one in Oct, I noticed the closer I got to the due date, the more waves I felt. I felt like I was going crazy, scared, and panicked for no reason. I was afraid I was going to feel like that forever. I was depressed. I've always had health anxiety, but have never been depressed or felt hopeless. I can only assume it was the Emgality, nothing else had changed. The whole month of Nov, I dreaded everything. My heart was constantly racing, and I was waking up crying in a panic. I have finally come out of it and am feeling better since stopping this med. I know it takes about 5 months to fully eliminate from your system, but I am nearly there!"
"This medication has changed my life. Within one week of first injection, I have been migraine-free for over 2 years. I suffered from chronic constant migraine pain with no success with many other treatments."
