Emgality and Dizziness: What Users Say

• Ren...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 16, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "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."

• LJa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 19, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "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."

• Bet...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 21, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "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."

• Bet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 14, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "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!"

• Jja...
• May 3, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "Started Emgality December 2018, only known side effect was injection site redness. By 3rd month, I was not having migraines, not even a headache. Occasionally I would get a migraine, maybe 1-2 per month. Started to notice hair loss about 4 months in. Joint swelling, numbness, and tingling in my elbow started at month 7, went away after 5 months after specialists couldn’t tell me what was wrong. Didn’t attribute to the meds. Month 11 vertigo started. Would come and go but became debilitating. About the same time I started noticing brain “fog” and word-finding difficulties that would just randomly come and go, which were terrifying. Saw my neurologist and did an MRI, results negative. It seems all of the vertigo and brain fog symptoms are worse the week after the injection. This is month one off of the med. Praying I feel better as I would rather have an occasional migraine than these symptoms."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 31, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "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."

• Sic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 17, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I have had migraines every day for over 30 years. I have been to numerous headache hospitals all over the country. I tried Botox, got bad side effects, especially with my eyes, had to stop. Then went to Aimovig - bad side effects again, heart problems, body aches, and made me very dizzy. Then went to Emgality, and these side effects are horrible: UTIs, flu symptoms, body aches, heart beating out of my chest. Loss of memory, feel like I can't get out of bed never ever again. I am on Imitrex and Zomig every day, this works. But I take one or the other every day. I have not ever been without a headache. These meds, Aimovig, Emgality, and Botox just don't work for me. Please tell the manufacturers that these are scary."

• Daw...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 7, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I have never been so sick. I have been dizzy and nauseous since I took this shot 6 days ago. I feel super hot and like I could throw up, but I haven't. I also have a horrible sore throat. I had none of these issues prior to getting the Emgality shot. Since then, I've felt depressed and haven't been able to function. I'm having trouble sleeping too. Whatever happens, don't take this drug! None of this was listed as a possible side effect, and I wish I'd never taken this drug. I would do anything to get it out of my system."

• Han...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 10, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "Worst medication ever for me. Horrible side effects. Dizzy, constipation, horrid dreams, terrible nausea. Please avoid if possible, obviously, everybody is not the same. Worse than the medical problem for me."

• Dis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 27, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I took my first dose of Emgality almost three weeks ago and have been miserable since day 5. Have experienced daily headaches, nausea, some days with diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, and constant stomach upset. My stomach burns all the time and have pain on the upper left side of the abdomen. I was really hoping this would work for me since so many oral medications have not. Can't wait for this to be out of my system so I can go back to just dealing with migraines and not all these other horrible side effects. The preventatives I'm currently taking were working better without Emgality. Was just hoping to not have to keep taking those because of the bad long-term effects. Have to keep trying to find something that will work and glad that it does work for those of you that it is helping."

• Rai...
• September 21, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I have chronic, debilitating migraines, 15-19 per month on average. I utilized the Emgality injectable on 9.2.20. I battle dizziness, nausea, aversion to sound, etc. Certainly, I can only speak to my experiences, and I am not advocating for or campaigning against any particular treatment. This said, I will never, ever inject Emgality again. The side effects-linger constipation, difficulty breathing, eyesight and hearing have gone a bit haywire, nausea, red and itchy face, neck, and chest-are brutal, and NOT worth it. With the exception of nausea, I have been fortunate not to have any previous issues with the other side effects mentioned above and can think of nothing else (no new meds, lifestyle, or environmental changes) to attribute these symptoms to. My headaches have not lessened in frequency or strength. Additionally, I find that, thus far, Imitrex does not work as effectively. I hope this development reverses itself."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 15, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I took my first (only) injection 3/14/21. I was fine for about 3 to 4 days, then my nightmare began. Very weak, nauseous, body and muscle aches, depression, teeth are super sensitive and hurt to touch, ears ringing and dizziness, but the best part is my migraines are worse and more frequent. I will never take another chance again. Who would have thought, through all this, I WISH I only had a migraine. Does anyone out there know how long this misery will last? I have been in bed for 3 weeks now."

• Aan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "Long history (7+ years) of vestibular migraine & Meniere's, followed by 6 months of traditional (headache) migraine. After several oral preventatives failed (either ineffective or bad side effects), tried 2 months of Emgality. At first, it was amazing, went from 3-4 bad migraines a week to 1 or 2 the whole month, and those were much less severe. After the second dose, though, my ears went haywire, and the dizziness is through the roof. Also experiencing extreme sadness for several days after injection, and trouble with body not regulating temperature. Hot all the time. Unfortunately, must discontinue as the dizziness is not sustainable."

• Cha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 6, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I’ve been using Emgality for 4 months. I started experiencing strange health issues. My biggest concern is impaired cognition. I feel the same as when I was on Topamax. The side effects from Emgality for me are memory and speech problems; stuttering and stammering, short-term memory loss, painfully swollen hands and feet, shortness of breath, sore throat, always hot, 10# weight gain, extreme insomnia and panic attacks, tinnitus, balance issues, and some breakthrough migraines. My neurologist ordered an MRI to rule out anything with my brain. She discontinued Emgality and I will be back on Botox. Praying no long-term effects upon discontinuing this medication."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 23, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "This medication has been an absolute nightmare for me. The day after my second dose, I started experiencing severe nausea, dizziness, joint pain, depression, ears ringing, teeth pain, the intense worst migraine I have ever had, and really bad insomnia. I have been in the ER 5 times and urgent care twice. I’m 31 days past the due date for my second dose (did not take again), and I’m just now able to get out of my bed. I am still very nauseous, bad migraine, ears ringing, extremely depressed, and the insomnia is SO hard to deal with. I’m averaging 1-2 hours a night, but very broken up. I’m a stay-at-home mom to two boys ages three and one, and this has been impossible to care for them. I just want this nightmare to end."

• Zom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 19, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "This is my third month on the medication. My headaches seem to be less severe, but my headaches are different now. I get random nose bleeds, dizziness, and purple and red small bruises on my arms, like petechiae. I have stomach pains and joint pains too. I’m giving the medicine a chance to work, but if my side effects continue, I will have to stop the medication."

• Cal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 8, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "I have never submitted a drug review online. In November of 2020, I took two injections of Emgality for chronic migraine that I've suffered with for over 8 years. The past three months have been very difficult for me, and the only new thing I've done was taken the injection. My symptoms started a few days after Emgality. I am not anti-science or conspiratorial. I work in biotech and am pro-science and pro-vaccine. The past few months, I've had horrible vertigo, panic attacks, depression, and anxiety. The constant dizziness and panic were COMPLETELY new for me. I'm missing work, and my relationships are suffering. I'm seeing a new neuro and was put on some different drugs for migraine, now vestibular migraine, that are supposed to target these specific symptoms. I'm praying that as this drug clears out, so will my new disabling symptoms. More research needs to be done about this new class of drugs."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 3, 2023

For Cluster Headaches "Horrible! Injection hurt very much. Within 20 minutes, I was feeling dizzy and nauseous. My feet and knees were swollen, and I had shallow breathing. Had my daughter take pictures to show my doctor. Went to urgent care. The doctor agreed I had a bad reaction. Today, I woke up with a sore throat and headache. Taking Zyrtec that the doctor prescribed and pain meds. Activated my chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and trigeminal nerve. Now I have 28 more days of this drug in my system. Can’t wait to see what else happens."

• pro...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 3, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I had high hopes for Emgality. A cousin said it worked a miracle for her. For me, not so much. It reduced the number of headaches from 8-12 monthly to 5-8. However, side effects: weight gain, constipation, vertigo, tinnitus. I have ringing in my ears, and now it is far more annoying and hard to block mentally. The vertigo, I got so faint, not really dizzy, I almost passed out. I checked my blood pressure, and it has been as low as 89/40. No wonder I was lightheaded. I started taking it in May 2019. Didn't realize that my health issues of lightheadedness and faintness were related to Emgality until I read that I am not alone. The neurologist was pleased that it reduced the number of headaches. I see my internal medicine doctor this week and talk to him. Seriously considering not doing another dose."

• Cic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 14, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "Just don't do it! Day 6 from the initial dose, and I've regretted it since day 1. Side effects so severe I've been to the ER and Urgent Care. Chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, slowed heart rate, and major anxiety! I've even felt paranoid, like someone was following me around. Avoid this stuff like coronavirus! Some days I feel okay, others, these side effects come out to play with me. I can't wait for this stuff to get out of my system!"

• Jam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "I have had migraines for years. Then, as they got to where I was having them several times a year, my doctor prescribed Emgality. I took the initial dose: 2 shots. Did them on my leg so that the shot wouldn't be as painful. It didn't matter because it was very painful. I then started getting dizzy, foggy-headed, changes in my urine color, abdomen pain like someone had hit me with their fist, and nauseated. I am a pretty healthy 59-year-old male and can take pain a lot. I am 1 week now after my first initial dose, and right now, I wish I had never taken this mess. Please do your research and don't take it. It is good that it helps some people, but I wish I had read people's stories here before using it because I would have never used it. I would rather deal with the migraines than this mess. I had contacted my doctor, and her answer was, 'Sorry that you are having side effects.' Doctors need to advise patients of the side effects of this medicine. I just will be glad when it is out of my system."

• Jiy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 12, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "I have been on Emgality since November 2020. I started noticing symptoms of tinnitus about 6 weeks ago. I took a hearing exam, and I am also scheduled to do an MRI of my ear. I googled tinnitus and Emgality and found that others have been experiencing some of the same side effects that I have since starting Emgality... hip, back, and side aching, tinnitus, and slight dizziness. I am glad that I found this information. I wish I had not taken the dose for this month. This will be my last dose. Migraine pain relief has been 5 out of 10... but not worth all the buzzing in my ear."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 18, 2021

For Migraine Prevention "Awful. It only takes the pain part to 90% and leaves all the other migraine symptoms. And that might be alright if it weren't for side effects. It isn't good for Basilar type because of increased stroke risk. It can take a week or two to manifest Emgality side effect symptoms, so far increasing and near debilitating muscle and joint pain, inflammation of the edge of my eyelids, injection site reactions (these took a week to show up), ever-present dizziness, loud tinnitus, increased anxiety. This is awful stuff."

• Can...
• December 23, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I’ve had chronic migraines for decades, and they have been getting more frequent and severe in recent years. I have missed so much of my life due to migraines. I started Emgality 4 months ago, and it’s been life-changing. I rarely get headaches now, and when I do, I can just take an Aleve to get rid of them, which used to do nothing for me. I do feel a little nauseous, dizzy, and have mild cramps for 24 hours after an injection, but it’s totally worth it to not get migraines for the rest of the month. I did experience some hair loss the first month when I took the loading dose, but that stopped by month two. It wasn’t enough to be noticeable."

• Ape...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 15, 2022

For Migraine Prevention "I’ve been on Emgality almost a year now. It has helped a lot with preventing migraines, but after a few months I’ve gotten severe vertigo, heart issues, uncontrolled high blood pressure, and inner ear issues. My primary and endo doctor are pointing it to the Emgality. Last month was my last month taking this. I’m hoping these side effects will go away soon."