What is Emgality (galcanezumab) for?
Emgality is a prescription medication used to prevent migraines in adults. It belongs to a class of drugs called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists. Emgality works by blocking the activity of CGRP, a protein in the brain that is involved in the transmission of pain signals.
Emgality (galcanezumab) is used for two main things:
- It helps prevent migraines in adults.
- It treats episodic cluster headaches in adults.
It comes in a single-dose prefilled pen or syringe. Each contains 120 mg/mL of galcanezumab.
How does Emgality (galcanezumab) work?
Emgality’s main ingredient, galcanezumab, is an antibody. It blocks the activity of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). CGRP is a brain substance linked to migraines.
People with migraines have more CGRP. This causes pain and inflammation in their nervous systems.
By stopping CGRP from binding to its receptor, Emgality may prevent migraine symptoms.
Where has Emgality (galcanezumab) been approved?
Emgality (galcanezumab) has been approved in several places:
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA:
- On September 27, 2018, for preventing migraines in adults.
- On June 4, 2019, for treating episodic cluster headaches in adults.
- European Medical Agency (EMA) on November 14, 2018, for preventing migraines in adults with at least 4 days a month.
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia on September 10, 2019, for preventing migraines in adults.
- Health Canada on October 2, 2019, for preventing migraines in adults with at least 4 migraine days per month.
This medicine might also be approved in other places. If you have questions, contact our support team.
How is Emgality (galcanezumab) taken?
The usual dose is:
- Starting dose: 240 mg (two injections) once as a loading dose
- Then, monthly doses of 120 mg
It’s injected under the skin (subcutaneous).
You can give yourself the injection after a healthcare professional teaches you how. You can inject in your belly or thighs. Another person can inject in the back of your arm or buttocks.
Leave the pen at room temperature for 30 minutes before injecting. Do not microwave the pen, run it under hot water, shake it, freeze it, or leave it in direct sunlight.
For more details on dosage and administration, see the official prescribing information.1
Note: Always talk to your doctor for personalized dosing.
Are there any known adverse reactions or side effects of Emgality (galcanezumab)?
Common adverse reactions
The most common side effects (≥2% of patients) include:
- Injection site reactions
For a full list of side effects and adverse reactions, see the official prescribing information.
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