What is Emgality Uses, warnings & interactions
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Get started todayEmgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) is a prescription monoclonal antibody that is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company. It is indicated as a preventive treatment of migraines and as the treatment of another type of headache called cluster headache. It is approved for use in adults 18 years of age and older.
What is Emgality used for?
Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) is a prescription calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonist that is indicated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for:
- Prevention of episodic migraine and chronic migraine headaches
- Treatment of episodic cluster headaches
What is the mechanism of action of Emgality?
Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is released by neurons in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. CGRP causes the blood vessels in your brain to widen (vasodilation) which leads to migraine symptoms. Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) is a humanized monoclonal antibody (IgG4) that binds to the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) ligand and prevents it from binding to the CGRP receptor. This prevents CGRP from dilating your blood vessels and helps them to return to their normal size. Clinical studies have shown this helps stop migraine headaches and reduces the symptoms of cluster headaches.
What are the most commonly prescribed doses of Emgality?
- 120mg/ml single-dose pre-filled pen
- 100mg/ml single-dose pre-filled syringe
- 120mg/ml single-dose pre-filled syringe
Before taking Emgality
Before starting Emgality, tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following medical conditions:
- Are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding
How to take Emgality
- Read the Full Prescribing Information, Patient Information leaflet, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide that comes with Emgality.
- Use Emgality exactly as your doctor prescribes it to you. Your doctor should show you or your caregiver how to prepare and inject Emgality before you begin treatment.
- Emgality is given as an injection under the skin in your abdomen, thigh, buttocks, or the back of your upper arm.
- If you are using Emgality for the prevention of migraine headaches, you will inject it once a month. Your first dose (loading dose) is given as 2 separate injections right after one another. If you miss a dose, inject the missed dose immediately then start your monthly dosing schedule 1 month from your last dose.
- If you are taking Emgality for episodic cluster headaches, you will use it at the start of a cluster period and then every month until the end of the cluster period. If you miss a dose, take the missed dose immediately then inject your next dose 1 month later to get back on your monthly dosing schedule.
- Store Emgality in its original carton away from the light in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). You can store Emgality at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C) for up to 7 days. Do not put Emgality back in the refrigerator. Do not freeze or shake Emagality.
Emgality contraindications
Emgality is contraindicated in:
- Patients who have had an allergic reaction to Emgality or any of its inactive ingredients.
Emgality warnings
- Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- Caution should be used in patients with known cardiovascular disease.
Common side effects of Emgality
The most common adverse reactions of Emgality include:
- Injection site reactions
Emgality can cause some serious side effects including:
- Hypersensitivity reactions, including hives, angioedema, and trouble breathing
Contact your doctor for medical advice about any side effects you experience while taking Emgality. You can report your side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Emgality drug interactions
There are no major drug interactions with Emgality at this time. Be sure your doctor is aware of all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you are taking.
Emgality alternatives
There are other medications that your healthcare professional can prescribe if Emgality is not the right medication for you. Some alternative FDA-approved treatment options include:
How does Emgality compare with Aimovig (erenumab)?
There are no direct clinical trials that compare the efficacy of these 2 medications. Based on separate trials, Aimovig had a slightly bigger decrease (-2.5 days) in migraine headache days than Emgality (-2.1 days) when compared to placebo. Aimovig also had a higher percentage (16.4%) of patients whose migraine days were reduced by half when compared to Emgality (13%).
When comparing the most common side effects, Aimovig had a lower rate of 6% for injection site reactions while Emgality had a rate of 18%. It is important to note that the Aimovig autoinjector and prefilled syringe contain a derivative of latex. You should let your health professional know if you are allergic to latex.
There are currently no generic alternatives available for Emgality or Aimovig. Emgality has an average cost of over $900 for a 1ml, 120mg/ml pre-filled pen while Aimovig costs around $850 for a 1ml, 140mg/ml autoinjector.
Emgality FAQs
How long does Emgality stay in your system?
Emgality has a long elimination half-life of approximately 27 days, so it will stay in your bloodstream for up to 5 months.
How do I store Emgality?
Store Emgality in its original carton away from the light in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). You can store Emgality at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C) for up to 7 days. Do not put Emgality back in the refrigerator. Do not freeze or shake Emagality.
How long does it take for Emgality to start working?
When Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) is used for migraine prevention, it typically starts working within 1 month of beginning treatment, but it may take up to 6 months for the full effects to be seen.
Can you take Emgality while you are pregnant or breastfeeding?
There is not adequate data on the risk associated with the use of Emgality in pregnant women. Animal studies in rats and rabbits did not result in adverse effects on the fetus. There is a pregnancy registry for women who take Emgality. You may enroll yourself by calling 1-833-464-4724 or by visiting www.migrainepregnancyregistry.com.
It is not known whether Emgality is found in breast milk or any adverse events it may have on your infant. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of any medication you need with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Is there a generic for Emgality?
Currently, there is currently no generic alternative available for Emgality available on the market. However, you can still save on brand-name drugs like Emgality through NiceRx if eligible for assistance.
