Uses
What is Emgality used for?
Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) is commonly used for the following conditions.
- Prevention of migraine
- Treatment of cluster headache, which is a severe, recurring headache that generally affects one side of the head, often around the eye, and occurs every day for weeks or months at a time.
Emgality for the Prevention of Migraine and Treatment of Cluster Headache
Emgality may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Emgality work (mechanism of action)?
Emgality works by blocking a substance in the brain called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), which is involved in headache pain and can make headaches last longer. By blocking CGRP, Emgality can help prevent migraine or treat cluster headache.
How is Emgality supplied (dosage forms)?
Emgality is available in the following dosage forms that are injected under the skin.
- 120 mg/mL solution for injection, prefilled pens and syringes
- 100 mg/mL solution for injection, prefilled syringes
How should I store Emgality?
Store Emgality in the refrigerator, between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C). Do not freeze. Keep it in the original carton, which helps protect it from light.
Once removed from the refrigerator, you can store Emgality at room temperature, up to 86 F (30 C), in the original carton, and use it within 7 days. If your medicine is left at room temperature for more than 7 days, throw it out. Once you store Emgality at room temperature, you should not put it back in the refrigerator.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Emgality?
The most common side effect of Emgality is pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site. Tell your healthcare provider if you have this side effect and it bothers you.
There may be other side effects of Emgality that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Emgality?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Emgality are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Emgality may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Allergic reactions can happen days after taking the medication and might last a long time. Stop using Emgality and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Emgality?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Emgality.
- Galcanezumab-gnlm
- Emgality
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Emgality.
What should I know about Emgality before using it?
Do not use Emgality unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.
Do not share Emgality with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Emgality out of the reach of children. If you keep the medicine in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.
If you take Emgality out of the refrigerator just before injecting it, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before injecting it. Do not heat in the microwave or in hot water. During this time, protect from sunlight.
This medicine is injected under the skin. Make sure that you or a caregiver understand how to properly prepare and use Emgality. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.
Do not shake Emgality.
Each injection is for one time use. Discard the prefilled syringe or prefilled pen properly in a sharps container after one use.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Emgality?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Emgality is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Emgality could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while using Emgality, you can register for the Migraine Pregnancy Registry by calling 833-464-4724 or at www.migrainepregnancyregistry.com. This registry collects safety information about the use of migraine medicines during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Emgality passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Emgality while breastfeeding.
How can I get more information about Emgality?
For more information about Emgality, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.emgality.lilly.com or call them at 833-EMGALITY (1-833-364-2548).
Interactions
Does Emgality interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Emgality and foods or drinks.
There are no known interactions between Emgality and alcohol. However, alcohol can trigger migraine attacks in some people. Consult your healthcare provider for more information and medical advice.
Does Emgality interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between Emgality and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Emgality?
If you or someone else has used too much Emgality, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Emgality?
If you are using Emgality for migraine and you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Your next dose will be 1 month later. Do not take double or extra doses.
If you are using Emgality for cluster headache and you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Then, your next dose will be 1 month later if you are still in a cluster headache period. Do not take double or extra doses.