Emgality vs Aimovig

Emgality and Aimovig are new drugs classed as calcitonin gene-related peptide/CGRP receptor antagonists for the preventive treatment of migraine pain in adults.

Here we will explain how they work, their similarities and differences, their side effects, and more. This should provide you with the basics to better understand your options.

What is Emgality?

Emgality is an FDA-approved medication manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company. Emgality is given to adult migraine patients for migraine prevention, and for the treatment of episodic cluster headaches. It can prevent you from having migraine attacks and reduce the symptoms of cluster headaches. Chronic migraine headache days occur on 15 or more days per month, while episodic migraine headaches occur on fewer than 15 days per month.

The active ingredient in Emgality is called galcanezumab-gnlm, a CGRP monoclonal antibody that helps to stop migraines from happening and helps to lessen episodic cluster headaches. Part of the process that brings migraines and cluster headaches is a widening and opening up of the blood vessels in your brain. This is caused by a substance your body naturally produces called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Emgality attaches to CGRP to stop it from working. This prevents it from opening up your blood vessels and assists them to return to their normal size, which has been shown to help stop migraines and reduce the symptoms of cluster headaches.

Emgality dosage

Emgality is available in injection form, in the following doses: 120 mg/mL solution in a single-dose prefilled pen, or in a single-dose prefilled syringe.

You use Emgality by injecting it under your skin as a subcutaneous injection, using either a pre-filled syringe or injection pen. You typically give yourself a monthly injection to keep your migraines at bay or inject it when a period of cluster headaches begins.

The recommended dosage is a 240 mg loading dose followed by monthly doses of 120 mg. Inject in the abdomen, thigh, back of the upper arm, or buttocks.

What is Aimovig?

Aimovig is an FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved medication manufactured by Amgen. Aimovig is also a prescription medicine given to adults for the prevention of migraines. The medication helps limit the number of migraine days you have.

The active ingredient in Aimovig is called erenumab-aooe. It works by blocking the action of the molecule calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). CGRP normally attaches to receptors on certain cells in your brain which are thought to be involved in triggering migraines. Erenumab attaches to these receptors instead of CGRP, stopping it from stimulating the receptors.

Aimovig dosage

Aimovig is available in injection form, in the following doses: 70 mg/mL solution in a single-dose prefilled SureClick autoinjector, or 70 mg/mL solution in a single-dose prefilled syringe.

Aimovig is a prescription medicine that can be self-injected under the skin once a month to prevent migraine headaches in adults.

You take it by injecting it under your skin (subcutaneous injection). You typically give yourself one injection every 4 weeks but make sure you always take your Aimovig as your doctor directed.

Common side effects of Emgality and Aimovig

The most common side effects of Emgality in clinical trials compared to placebo include:

• Reactions at the site of injection, including swelling, redness, and pain
• Constipation
• Itching
• Rashes
• Vertigo

More serious side effects of Emgality include:

• Severe allergic reactions that can cause itching, rashes, hives, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, and throat, and difficulty breathing

The most common side effects of Aimovig in clinical trials compared to placebo include:

• Injection site reactions
• Tiredness, cramps, and muscle spasms
• Constipation

More serious side effects of Aimovig include

• Severe allergic reactions to the medication causing swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, or throat, and problems breathing
• Severe constipation can cause serious complications requiring hospital treatment or surgery
• High blood pressure or worsening existing high blood pressure

These aren’t all the side effects Emgality or Aimovig can cause. You can find more details in the patient leaflet that comes with your medication. If you have any concerns about side effects, talk to your physician or pharmacist.

Emgality and Aimovig drug interactions

Emgality can interact with other medications. These include:

• Treatment for myasthenia gravis – efgartigimod alfa

Aimovig can interact with other medications. These include:

• Treatment for myasthenia gravis – efgartigimod alfa

Emgality and Aimovig can interact with other medications. This can change how Emgality and Aimovig and other medications work and can make side effects more likely. Tell your prescribing physician about all your drugs, including vitamins and dietary supplements.

Emgality and Aimovig contraindications

You should not use Emgality if you:

• Are allergic to the active ingredient galcanezumab
• Are allergic to any of the other ingredients in Emgality
• Are under 18 years of age

Talk to your doctor before using Emgality if you:

• Are taking any medications or supplements
• Have any other medical conditions
• Are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed

You should not use Aimovig if you:

• Are allergic to the active ingredient erenumab-aooe
• Are allergic to any of the other ingredients in Aimovig
• Are under 18 years of age

Talk to your doctor before using Aimovig if you:

• Are allergic to rubber or latex, as the caps of the prefilled SureClick and prefilled syringes contain a natural rubber similar to latex
• Are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed

Other drugs for the prevention of migraines

• Ajovy (fremanezumab)
• Beta-blockers such as propranolol
• Botox
• Nurtec (rimegepant)
• Vyepti (eptinezumab)
• Certain antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or venlafaxine

If you have any concerns about Emgality or Aimovig side effects, talk to your physician, or pharmacist for medical advice. Also inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions, supplements, and over-the-counter meds you are taking. You are also encouraged to report side effects to the FDA: visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.